Biodiversity of Uttarakhand is rich because of the close relationship between the religious, socio-cultural beliefs and conventions. The biodiversity of Uttarakhand includes the sacred groves that exhibits a rich wealth of flora and fauna.
Biodiversity of Uttarakhand comprises of rare and threatened species of plants and animals. In the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, we come across alpine meadows where different kinds of flower bloom in the spring time. This valley of flowers contains a multitude of flowers which is a wonderful sight to look at!
Besides, these flowers, the landscape of Uttarakhand also contains a number of animals. Some of the animals that constitute the biodiversity of Uttarakhand are as follows:
- Himalayan blue sheep,
- Musk Deer,
- Lynx,
- Snow leopard,
- Monkeys,
- Bearded vulture, etc.
A preliminary survey at the Tarkeshwar sacred grove in Garhwal Himalayas has revealed a rich biodiversity in Uttarakhand. The study reveals that there are 343 species representing 256 genera from 107 families. Among these species:
- 320 species are angiosperms,
- 7 species are pteridophytes, and
- 12 species are bryophytes.
The grove also contains 50 species of medicinally useful plants. Moreover, the informal tradition of protection prevalent in Uttarakhand provides unique areas of biodiversity conservation. The groves have been found helpful in supporting favorable moisture regimes: this is a feature that owes largely to the Ganges river system.
Scientists advise that these traditionally valued natural systems at various levels should be integrated with legal and policy-level interventions for better management and also for better management of biodiversity outside the protected areas.
Thus, it can be said that the biodiversity of Uttarakhand is, indeed, a bliss, as it helps the territory to maintain its vitality.
