The following points highlight the top ten bio-geographical zones in India. The bio-geographical zones are: 1. Trans-Himalayas 2. Himalayas 3. Desert 4. Semi-Arid 5. Western Ghats 6. Deccan Peninsula 7. Gangetic Plain 8. North-East India 9. Islands 10. Coasts.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 1. Trans-Himalayas:
An extension of the Tibetan Plateau, harbouring high-altitude cold desert in Laddakh (J and K) and Lahaul Spiti (H.P.) comprising 5.7 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Fir. 14.2.(a). Biographical regions of India (Source WII Dehradun)
Bio-Geographical Zone # 2. Himalayas:
The entire mountain chain running from north-western to north-eastern India, comprising a diverse range of biotic provinces and biomes, 7,2 per cent of the country’s landmass,
Bio-Geographical Zone # 3. Desert:
The extremely arid area west of the Aravalli hill range, comprising both the salty desert of Gujarat and the sand desert of Rajasthan. 6.9 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 4. Semi-Arid:
The zone between the desert and the Deccan plateau, including the Aravalli hill range. 15.6 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 5. Western Ghats:
The hill ranges and plains running along the western coast line, south of the Tapti river, covering an extremely diverse range of biotic provinces and biomes. 5.8 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 6. Deccan Peninsula:
The largest of the zones, covering much of the southern and south-central plateau with a predominantly deciduous vegetation. 4.3 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 7. Gangetic Plain:
Defined by the Gangas river system, these plains are relatively homogenous. 11 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 8. North-East India:
The plains and non-Himalayan hill ranges of north eastern India, with a wide variation of vegetation. 5.2 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 9. Islands:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, with a highly diverse set of biomes. 0.03 per cent of the country’s landmass.
Bio-Geographical Zone # 10. Coasts:
A large coastline distributed both to the west and east, with distinct differences between the two; Lakshadeep Islands are included in this with the percent area being negligible.