Factors Responsible for Biodiversity Decline in Himachal Pradesh (Improved without Duplication)
- Deforestation and Habitat Loss
- Expansion of apple orchards and road construction
- Example: Forest loss around Shimla hills affecting Western Tragopan habitat
- Monoculture Practices
- Replacement of diverse ecosystems by single-crop plantations reducing biodiversity
- Example: Extensive potato farming in Lahaul-Spiti replacing native vegetation
- Overgrazing
- High livestock pressure leading to degradation of alpine pastures and native flora
- Example: Overgrazing in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti reducing medicinal herbs
- Forest Fires
- Frequent fires damaging regeneration and ecological balance
- Example: Recurring fires in Kangra’s Chir Pine forests
- Illegal Logging and Encroachment
- Unauthorized tree felling and settlement expansion reducing forest cover
- Example: Illegal logging incidents in Mandi and Shimla forests
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Retaliatory killings and disturbance caused by increasing human-wildlife interaction
- Example: Conflicts in Kinnaur affecting Snow Leopard and Himalayan Black Bear populations
- Pollution due to Tourism and Urban Growth
- Habitat fragmentation, solid waste, and water contamination in tourist areas
- Example: Pollution impacts in Manali disrupting local ecosystems
- Climate Change
- Glacier retreat and altered hydrological patterns shifting vegetation zones
- Example: Melting glaciers affecting rivers and Snow Leopard habitat in Himachal
- Mining Activities
- Soil erosion and vegetation loss due to quarrying and mineral extraction
- Example: Limestone mining in Sirmaur damaging native plant species
- Chemical Use in Agriculture
- Overuse of pesticides and fertilizers harming pollinators and soil organisms
- Example: Pesticide impact in apple orchards of Shimla and Kinnaur
- Loss of Traditional Knowledge
- Decline in indigenous practices leading to reduced agro-biodiversity
- Example: Disappearance of traditional crop varieties in remote villages