Climate change and challenges in biodiversity conservation with special reference to Antarctica

Abstract

Antarctica, the seventh continent on our planet, though has an area of about 14 million Sq. Km, is one of the least inhabited and lesser known part of our globe. India is one of the few countries who have permanent research station in this icy continent and its second station is located at Schumacher oasis area of east Antarctica. Indian studies on this continent stared in the year 1982 and since then more than 25 expeditions have been undertaken. One of the important field of studies happen to be understanding biodiversity, its density, distribution pattern, survival strategies etc., Though, the continent is popularly known for penguins and other migratory birds, has a moderate faunal diversity, particularly in the freshwater bodies. As far as floral diversity is concerned, a few fungi, lichen and other microbial diversity is available. The paper deals with special reference to zooplankton diversity in fresh water bodies in and around Indian station Maitri. The possible effect of climatic change on these organisms in Antarctica has been discussed.