Biodiversity of Eastern Himalayas versus Western Himalayas
India’s Himalayan Region is home to high levels of floral and faunal endemism across its 2000 km mountain range. There is a difference between the biodiversity of the Western and Eastern Himalayas.
| # | Western Himalayas | Eastern Himalayas |
| 1 | Less annual rainfall compared to east. | Wetter climate, heavy rainfall. |
| 2 | Dominated by dry alpine pastures and scrub forests. | Dominated by eastern Himalayan broadleaf and conifer forests. |
| 3 | Low level of Biodiversity in comparison to Eastern Himalaya | Outstandingly high levels of biodiversity including over 10,000 plant species. |
| Endemic species include western tragopan, Kashmir stag/hangul, and several pheasants. | Endemic species include red panda, several rhododendrons, orchids etc. | |
| 4 | Low level of endemism in comparison to Eastern Himalayas | Very high level of floral and faunal endemism. |
| 5 | Higher human settlements and associated grazing impacts on biodiversity. | Relatively lesser human interference |
| 6 | NOT counted in Biodiversity Hotspot | Considered a global biodiversity hotspot. |
Eastern Himalayas
Eastern Himalaya forms a distinct phytogeographic region comprising Nepal, Bhutan, states of East and North-East India, and a contiguous sector of Yunnan province in South-Western China.
- The Eastern Himalayas harbor a staggering 10,000 plant species, 300 mammal species, 977 bird species, 176 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 269 types of freshwater fish.
- The region also has the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world and is the last bastion of the charismatic greater one-horned rhino.
Thus, Eastern Himalayas stand out for extremely high endemic diversity spanning several taxonomic groups and are much less impacted by human activities so far.
Western Himalayas
Western Himalayas spanning northwest India, Pakistan and Afghanistan host completely different vegetation and wildlife. While less diverse than the eastern sector, the Western Himalayas still boast considerable endemic flora and fauna. Major habitats include alpine pastures, scrub forests and subalpine meadows. Over 5000 flowering plant species are estimated here along with around 195 mammal species and 489 bird species.
- The Western Himalayas are the native habitat for species like the western tragopan, markhor goat, Tibetan gazelle, Kashmir Stag (Hangul) and species of pheasants and rosefinches.
The region faces huge pressures from livestock grazing, deforestation and climate change impacts.