BHS: Where Nature Meets Local People
A quick overview of areas where a variety of species and local communities co-exist
BHS or Biodiversity Heritage Sites are places with unique ecosystems but are also “ecologically fragile” at the same time. It can be on land or water, including sea shore and sea waters. Once an area gets classified as a BHS under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, it receives state protection.
However, this doesn’t change anything for the locals. They carry on with the community practices and live in harmony with the species. The conservation measures, in fact, are drafted in a way that enhances the lives of local people.
What is a Biodiversity Heritage Site?
The presence of any of the following factors will lead to the classification of an area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site in India:
- Variety species
- High endemism
- Rare or threatened species
- Fossil beds show the area as a crucial eco site of the past
- Area of cultural diversity
5 Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India
The first biodiversity heritage site in India is Karnataka’s 54-acre Nallur Tamarind Grove, with an advanced tree plantation pattern. As of January 2024, there are 44 Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India. While it will take a long time to explore all of them here in detail, here are the 5 BHSs that everyone should at least visit once in their lifetime:
Arittapatti
Situated in Tamil Nadu, this picturesque village is a haven for birds and bird watchers. More than 250 species call the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site their home. A chain of seven watershed hills that sets 200 natural springs surrounds Arittapatti.
The 16th-century artificial lake Anaikondan is one among them. Three symbolic Raptor species (Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle) are the prime attraction here. The Indan Pangolin and Slender Loris are other prominent species found here. The best time to visit the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site is all the time around the year.
Tungkyong Dho
Experts believe the Tungkyong Dho of Dzongu Valley in North Sikkim to be one the oldest natural lakes. The prominence of the dho or lake is related to the nature-worshipping clan Hee-Youngmingmoo of the Lepcha community. The species range in this high altitude area covers birds, mammals, and plants like:
Plants- Acer oblongum, Bischofia javanica, Cryptomeria japonica, Schima wallichii, etc.
Mammals- Asia black bear, porcupine, palm civet, flying squirrel, pangolin, etc.
Birds-Black drongo, Chestnut-crowned laughing thrush, Blue whistling thrush, Serpent eagle, etc.
Gandhamardan Hill
This 18,000+ hectares biodiversity heritage site in Odisha is a well-known place to find over 1000 types of medicinal plants. You can either trek or drive to reach this hill. Nerds can take note of the two endemic species that are found here. One is Ficus conccina var. dasycarpa, a plant and the spider Peucetia harishankarensis. Two historical monuments, Nrusinghhanath and Harishankar temples, are also located here.
Hogrekan
Hogrekan is one of the most popular biodiversity heritage sites in Karnataka. It had to be on the list because the area has a special vegetation, Shola, that only exists in a few hill areas. The wooded trees and grasses are short here, which creates a different ecosystem comprising 2500+ acres. Hogrekan also serves as a “Wildlife Corridor” between Kudremukh and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuaries of Karnataka.
Yaya Tso, Ladakh
Last on the list, while several sources over the internet cite it as Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site, the official BHS website does not include Yaya Tso in the list of 44 sites as it is a proposed site and not an approved one. Again, birdwatchers will love to explore Yaya Tso Lake and watch the mighty Himalayan peaks in the background. As the temperature stays low throughout the year, the best time to visit this place is from April to June. Be it on the official list or not, this pristine and picturesque lake of Chumathang village is a must-visit.
Winding Up
To learn more about the Biodiversity Heritage sites of India, head on to the National Biodiversity Authority.
