Definition of Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms on Earth, encompassing species
diversity (different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms), genetic diversity (variations
within a species), and ecosystem diversity (different habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and
deserts). Biodiversity supports ecological processes, balances ecosystems, and provides
resources essential for human life, such as food, medicine, and clean air.
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Value of Biodiversity
. Ecological Value:
○ Biodiversity maintains ecosystem balance by ensuring interdependence among
species, such as pollination by insects or nutrient cycling by decomposers.
. Economic Value:
○ Biodiversity provides raw materials, including food, timber, and medicinal plants,
supporting industries like agriculture, forestry, and pharmaceuticals.
○ Ecotourism and biodiversity hotspots contribute to the economy.
. Cultural and Aesthetic Value:
○ Biodiversity inspires art, literature, and spiritual practices in many cultures.
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○ Scenic landscapes and wildlife offer recreational and aesthetic enjoyment.
. Scientific Value:
○ Biodiversity enables scientific research, such as studying genetic material for
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advancements in biotechnology and medicine.
. Intrinsic Value:
○ Biodiversity has inherent worth, independent of human use, emphasizing the need
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to protect all forms of life.

Climate of Delhi and Support for Biodiversity

Delhi experiences a semi-arid climate with three main seasons:
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● Hot summers (March to June) with temperatures reaching up to 45°C.
● Monsoon season (July to September) with moderate to heavy rainfall.
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● Cold winters (December to February) with temperatures dropping to as low as 4°C.
This climate creates conditions favorable for supporting a variety of biodiversity, including native
and migratory species:
. Native Flora and Fauna:
○ The city's warm summers and monsoons support vegetation like acacia, neem, and
banyan trees, which are drought-resistant.
○ Wildlife such as peacocks, monitor lizards, and urban-adapted species like pigeons
and squirrels thrive in Delhi’s green spaces.
 . Wetlands and Aquatic Biodiversity:
○ The Yamuna River and associated wetlands provide habitats for fish, amphibians,
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and waterbirds.
○ During winters, Delhi becomes a haven for migratory birds like bar-headed geese,
northern pintails, and common cranes.
. Urban Biodiversity:
○ Delhi's green spaces, like the Ridge Forest, Sanjay Van, and parks, host diverse
species of trees, insects, birds, and mammals.
○ Urban gardening and plantation drives help maintain biodiversity in residential
areas.
. Cultural and Historical Contributions:
○ Historical monuments surrounded by gardens and native vegetation serve as
microhabitats, supporting biodiversity.

Conclusion
Delhi’s climate, marked by seasonal variations, supports a mix of native and migratory species,
contributing to its biodiversity. However, urbanization and pollution pose significant challenges.
Protecting green spaces, restoring wetlands, and promoting urban biodiversity initiatives are
essential to sustaining Delhi's ecological richness

Climate and Ecosystem of Delhi

Delhi has a semi-arid climate, characterized by extreme weather patterns. The city experiences:
● Hot summers (March–June) with temperatures often exceeding 45°C.
● Monsoon season (July–September) with an average annual rainfall of 700-800 mm,
critical for replenishing water bodies and supporting vegetation.
● Cold winters (December–February), with temperatures dropping as low as 4°C and
occasional fog.
Delhi’s ecosystems include:
. Riverine Ecosystems: The Yamuna River and its floodplains support aquatic and riparian
ecosystems.
. Forests and Urban Green Spaces: The Ridge Forest (part of the Aravalli range) and urban
parks like Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park serve as green lungs for the city.
. Wetlands: Ponds, lakes, and wetlands, such as Sanjay Lake and Okhla Bird Sanctuary, are
vital for biodiversity.

Fauna Diversity in Delhi

Delhi is home to a variety of fauna, both indigenous (native) and non-indigenous (introduced),
thriving in its forests, wetlands, and urban landscapes.
Indigenous Fauna:
● Mammals: Nilgai (blue bull), golden jackal, Indian hare, and Indian mongoose.
● Birds: Indian peafowl (national bird), parakeets, mynas, and barbets.
● Reptiles: Indian cobra, monitor lizards, and common skinks.
● Aquatic Life: Various species of fish, frogs, and turtles in the Yamuna River.
Non-Indigenous Fauna:
● Birds: Pigeons and house sparrows, which have adapted to urban settings.
● Aquatic Species: Invasive species like tilapia fish in water bodies.
● Reptiles: Red-eared slider turtles, introduced as pets but now thriving in wetlands.

Status of Forest Protection in Delhi

Delhi's forest cover stands at about 23% of its total area (State of Forest Report, 2021). Major
forested areas include:
. The Delhi Ridge Forest: Known as the "Green Lung" of the city, it is divided into four
zones – North, South-Central, Central, and South Ridge.
. Protected Areas: The Yamuna Biodiversity Park and the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
are key conservation areas.
Despite efforts, Delhi's forests face threats like illegal encroachments, urbanization, and
pollution. The government has enacted policies to protect these areas, including the Delhi
Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 and afforestation programs.

Efforts by the Delhi Government to Restore Fauna Diversity

The Delhi government has implemented several measures to restore and protect biodiversity:
. Afforestation Drives:
○ Massive tree plantation campaigns are conducted annually, focusing on native
species like neem, jamun, and peepal.
○ Community participation in greening projects is encouraged.
. Biodiversity Parks:
Delhi has developed seven biodiversity parks, which play a critical role in conserving and
restoring native flora and fauna:
○ Yamuna Biodiversity Park: Restores riparian ecosystems along the Yamuna River,
attracting migratory birds and aquatic species.
○ Aravalli Biodiversity Park: Protects remnants of the Aravalli ecosystem, home to
Nilgai, porcupines, and diverse bird species.
○ Northern Ridge Biodiversity Park: Conserves Delhi’s semi-arid forest ecosystem.
○ Kalindi Biodiversity Park, Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park, and others focus on
restoring degraded ecosystems and providing habitats for wildlife.
 . Wetland Conservation:
○ Reviving wetlands and ponds to support aquatic biodiversity and migratory birds.
○ Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a prime example, hosting over 300 bird species.
. Pollution Control Measures:
○ Steps to improve air and water quality, benefiting wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
○ Banning single-use plastics and cleaning the Yamuna River to revive its biodiversity.
. Public Awareness and Education:
○ Campaigns like "Green Delhi" and school programs emphasize the importance of
biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion
Delhi’s diverse climate and ecosystems support rich biodiversity, but urbanization and pollution
pose significant threats. Efforts like protecting forests, creating biodiversity parks, and
implementing afforestation projects are helping restore and conserve fauna diversity. Continued
collaboration between the government, environmentalists, and citizens is vital to safeguard
Delhi’s ecological balance.