Geology and Biodiversity Richness of the Himalaya

India occupies a special status in terms of ecosystem, genetic and species diversity because of its location, physical features and eco-climatic conditions. Presently the guess estimates is that this subcontinent supports 81000 species of fauna and 45000 species of flora. India contributes about 167 species of plants whose origin and diversity is in this country. The increasing population of human as well as cattle, incompatible land use practices, uncontrolled grazing, intensive logging and mining of minerals are the causative factors for the degrade of Himalayan forest, opencast, mining, development of hydroelectric projects and other industries pose additional threats to the ecologically fragile mountain ecosystems of Himalayas. The Himalaya is the greatest and the youngest of all mountain systems which extend with a smooth sweep from northwest to southeast of about 2500 km and its width ranges between 250 to 300 km. The Himalaya consists of four longitudinal belts separated by faults. Its geological and topographical characters are strikingly different. To the north of the plains is Siwalik mountain belt whose width ranges from 10 to 50 km and altitude exceeds 900 m. The next mountain belt is the Lesser Himalayan Zone with width ranging between 60 to 80 km and average height rises to 3000 m. The third belt is the Great Himalaya comprising of high snow capped peaks. This zone consists of lower alpine zone upto 4800 m and upper snow bound zone usually above 5000 m. Finally the Trans-Himalayan zone with width ranging upto 40 km and containing the valley of the rivers rising behind the Great Himalaya. It is a storehouse of not only rich mineral deposits but also a unique area for paleo-climatological and biodiversity richness. Troll in 1967 reviewed the vegetation in relation to climates in the entire Himalayas. Bio-geographically the Himalayan range is a complex with sharp and distinct contrast, characterizes the eastern warm and humid and western cold and arid conditions with a blend of these elements for the central region. Himalayan biodiversity is the demonstration in genes, populations and ecosystems. It is rich in both plant and animal variety. Variation is the law of nature. It occurs everywhere and every moment. The variation takes place at micro level at a small space and over a short time period, but these become apparent only over a large space and big a time gap. The Himalayas abounds in forests, meadows, marshes, swamps with their characteristic described nine forest types Himalayan biodiversity originates at the gene level and extends through species, population, communities to ecosystem. Any kind of disturbance is a key factor in the dynamics of communities and it plays an important role in the functioning and maintains of the ecosystem. Creation of the supreme power meant for the benefit of all His creation. Individual species must therefore, learn to enjoy its benefits by forming a part of the system in close relation with other species. Native biodiversities a source of pride for each country, compassing as it does a shining part of the national heritage.