Introduction: Have you ever wondered why some places are bursting with life, defying the expected rules of biodiversity? Alexander von Humboldt, a brilliant explorer, discovered a puzzling secret known as Humboldt’s enigma.
Humboldt’s Insights: Humboldt observed a link between temperature, altitude, and humidity influencing the diversity of species. Centuries later, scientists revisited this mystery, proposing their version known as Humboldt’s enigma.
Unveiling Humboldt’s Enigma: While the tropics receive more sunlight, making them biodiverse, mountains challenge this norm. Humboldt’s enigma suggests that not only tropical areas but also mountains are biodiversity hotspots, creating complex ecosystems.
India’s Diverse Landscape: In India, the expected biodiversity in tropical areas, like the Western Ghats, is surpassed by the eastern Himalayas. The enigma unfolds as climate dissimilarity and geological heterogeneity contribute to rich biodiversity.
Drivers of Mountain Biodiversity: Mountains act as ‘cradles’ and ‘museums’ for biodiversity, creating new habitats and preserving species. Geological heterogeneity enhances biodiversity, particularly in tropical mountains.
Challenges and Initiatives: Limited data and under-studied areas, especially in India, hinder understanding biodiversity patterns. Initiatives like the National Mission on Himalayan Studies aim to address these gaps, urging modern genetic tools for research.
Conclusion: Humboldt’s enigma remains a captivating puzzle, urging scientists to explore the intricacies of mountain biodiversity. As we uncover nature’s mysteries, our environments become valuable laboratories for understanding global challenges.