All life on earth is part of one great, inter –dependent system, which interacts with and depends upon the physical and biological components of the environment. The variety of genes, species and ecosystems, which encompass the variations exiting among and between genotypes, species, populations, communities and habitat constitute the biological diversity which is essential for maintaining the basic processes on which life depends and is a key to sustainable development. They not only provide food, medicine and products of commercial and non-commercial use but also maintain life by providing environment services like, air & water, soil fertility, pest and disease control, waste disposal , etc. 

In Punjab, only 5.7% area of its total geographical area is under forests. Palaentological records of the area indicate that it was floristically and faunistically rich in geographical past . Available data indicates the presence of 371 species of algae, 148 species of fungi, 10 species of bryophytes 26 species of pteridophytes, 21 species of gymnosperms & 1939 species angiosperms in the state. Five angiospermic taxa recorded  from the state are new taxa to science whereas 8 species are new  reports from India. A reference to red data book of Indian plants indicates one species as endangered and one as rare  in the state . Faunal studies indicate the presence of 112 species of fish, 15 species of amphibians, 35 species of reptiles, 442 species of birds & 43 species of mammals besides a large number of invertebrate species. 

 A review of the various components of the state `s physical environment indicates that intensive & extensive agriculture, high human population density and increased urbanization and industrialization has adversily affected the natural habitats and thus, the biodiversity in the state. Diverse historical events, frequent reorganizations, over exploitation of soil & water resources and consolidation of land holding have also contributed to habitat and biodiversity loss. 

It has resulted in the need for looking afresh into the inseparable links between development and conservation and it is being increasingly recognized that unless we use the earth`s resources prudently, and conserve our biological diversity, development will fail. Not only would essential life support systems and ecosystem stability be affected but people would also be denied their future.

Note :- We have provided detailed lists of Flora & Fauna of Punjab. To download these please click here