The criteria for an area to be considered as a biodiversity hotspot are very stringent. Firstly, it must contain a minimum of 1,500 vascular plant species which are endemic, i.e. not found anywhere else in the world. 

Secondly, it must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation.

Biodiversity Hotspots in India:

The four biodiversity hotspots in India are the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sundaland (including the Nicobar group of Islands). These hotspots are home to a large number of endemic species.

Conserving biodiversity and forests: It is one of the most important steps that we can take presently to mitigate climate change and biodiversity declination.

Ex-situ Conservation of Biodiversity:

Ex situ conservation involves conserving biodiversity outside of their natural habitats. This may include rearing or cultivating animals and plants in zoological or botanical parks. Another form of ex situ conservation is the reintroduction of a species into its natural habitat from which it had become extinct. For example, the Gangetic gharial has been reintroduced in the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, seed banks, botanical and horticultural gardens, and recreational gardens serve as important centers for ex situ conservation efforts.

In-situ Conservation of Biodiversity:

In-situ conservation refers to the conservation of biodiversity within its natural habitat or ecosystem. This involves protecting and managing ecosystems, habitats, and natural populations of species. The goal of in-situ conservation is to maintain the ecological processes and functions that are essential to support biodiversity, as well as to protect the evolutionary processes that allow species to adapt and evolve over time. Examples of in-situ conservation include protected areas such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and sanctuaries, where habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities are restricted or prohibited. It also includes sustainable management practices in areas like forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands that support biodiversity.

Agro-Biodiversity:

Agro-biodiversity refers to the variety and diversity of crops, animals, and other organisms that are used in agriculture, including those that are cultivated, managed, and maintained by farmers, herders, and other agricultural producers. It includes the genetic diversity of crops, animals, and microorganisms that are important for food and agriculture, as well as the diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural practices that support their production and use. Agro-biodiversity is important for ensuring food security, enhancing resilience to environmental changes and disasters, and promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. It also plays a critical role in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices related to agriculture and food.

Conservation of agrobiodiversity involves the maintenance and sustainable use of genetic diversity of crops, livestock, and other agricultural organisms. This can be achieved through various methods, including in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, and community-based conservation.