• The HKH region is highly heterogeneous with wide range of habitats, varied micro-climates, and ecological conditions.
• It is home to some of the world's most threatened and endemic species.
  • Overall there are approximately 25,000 known species of angiosperms, 75,000 species of insects, 1,200 species of birds, and many 'wild' relatives of modern day crops.
  • All or part of 4 of the 34 Global Biodiversity Hotspots
  • 6 UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites
  • 330 Important Bird Areas
  • 53 Important Plant Areas
  • 60 eco-regions (including Global 200 eco-regions)
  • 29 Ramsar sites, and
  • 488 protected areas (IUCN categories I-VI)

Conservation status in HKH Region

• Biodiversity conservation is a priority for the eight regional member countries of the HKH, who have established 488 PAs over the last 89 years (1918 to 2007).
• The eight countries sharing the HKH have committed 39% of this total geographical area to the PA network and 11% to IBAs, which is quite significant when compared to the global target of 10%.
• There has been an increasing trend in PA establishment over the last four decades.
• The PA coverage within the HKH of China alone is significant (35.5%), followed by India (1.46%) and Nepal (0.58%).
• The majority of PAs belong to Category V (39%), followed by Category IV (29%). Only 0.6% of PAs are managed as Category I.
• In recent years, Categories V and VI have increased.
• Of the total HKH geographical area, 32% is covered by four global biodiversity hotspots and 62% by the Global 200 Ecoregions.
• Only 25% of the global biodiversity hotspots and 40% of the Global 200 Ecoregions are part of the PA network.
• There are still numerous gaps in conservation in the HKH. Coordinated and committed efforts are required to bring other critical habitats within the PA network in the HKH.

Drivers of biodiversity changes in HKH region

Biodiversity in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas is influenced by various drivers such as changes in land use and cover, globalization and economic growth, climate change, and socioeconomic and demographic changes.

Specific changes include human-induced deforestation, urbanization leading to habitat fragmentation, the growth of invasive species, forest fires, and unsustainable resource extraction including illegal harvesting and poaching.

The challenge of biodiversity conservation

• The major challenge is to balance ecosystem conservation with the sustainable use of biodiversity resources by poor and marginalized mountain communities.
• Related challenges include the weak implementation of conservation policies, inadequate scientific data and information, and a lack of innovative economic measures to support sustainable livelihoods.

Impact of climate change on biodiversity

• Likely losers:
  • Large territorial animals
  • Late successional plant species (K-strategists)
  • Species with small, restricted polulations • Species confined to summits or the plains
• Likely winners:
  • Small, highly mobile organisms
  • Ruderal plant species (r-strategists)
  • Widespread species with large populations
  • Mid-slope species