Conservation and Biodiversity

New book highlights the extinction crisis

With more than 91,000 species of animals and 45,000 plant species, India is home to around 8% of all recorded plant and animal species.

Over the years, however, urbanization and development have brought an imbalance to the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature, taking a toll on the thousands of species of flora and fauna that once flourished. We need to take urgent steps to provide protection.

The global theme of Earth Day 2019 was Protect Our Species. To commemorate this theme, Earth Day Network – India compiled an eBook, “Pathways to Green India,” on inspiring case studies of people’s approach to protecting these species.

On October 6, 2019, Karuna Singh, country director, EDN-India launched the 5th edition of its “Pathways to Green India” eBook at the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum, organized by Balipara Foundation in Guwahati.

A compilation of 17 stories of people’s approaches to protecting the species, the book demonstrates the exemplary work done by individuals and institutions across India. The case studies include the saving of the beautiful coral reefs of the Andaman Islands, the conservation of Kashmir stag and the protection of the Gangetic River Dolphins.

Primates, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, spiders, coral, trees and plants make up close to 1,000 species from India that are placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. Many of these are endemic to the country and, if not protected, will vanish forever from the face of the earth.

Know more ways to protect our species? We would love to hear from you — email us at [email protected] with photos, videos, stories and quotes about the conservation of species and impacts.

April 22, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. To protect our species and save the planet from climate change, we need the largest, most diverse global mobilization in history in defense of the environment. Our world needs a united response for bold action. It’s time to EARTHRISE. Join the movement.