India

India, a biodiversity powerhouse, spans Himalayan glaciers, Western Ghats rainforests, and Sundarbans mangroves. Hosting 7-8% of global species—including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and 1,300+ bird species—it’s one of 17 megadiverse nations. The Western Ghats alone harbor 5,000 flowering plants (27% endemic). Sacred groves and Project Tiger reserves highlight its conservation ethos, though habitat loss pressures endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque. From coral reefs to desert ecosystems, India’s ecological richness fuels scientific discovery and cultural traditions alike.