Which one among the following regions is not a hotspot of biodiversity ?

The correct answer is Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.

To understand why this is the correct choice, let us break down what a biodiversity hotspot is and analyze the options provided:

1. What is a Biodiversity Hotspot?
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from human habitation. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria:
• It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (which is more than 0.5% of the world’s total).
• It must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation (it must be threatened).
Globally, there are 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots.

2. Analyzing the Options:
• The Indo-Burma Region: This is a well-known global biodiversity hotspot that extends over parts of Northeastern India, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries.
• The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: This region is recognized as one of the major global biodiversity hotspots, harboring immense flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region.
• The Himalayas: The entire Himalayan region (including Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Northern and Northeastern India) is another globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
• Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya: The Jaintia Hills are part of the sacred groves and forest ecosystems of Meghalaya. While they are extremely rich in biodiversity and serve as important conservation areas, they are classified as a "Sacred Grove" and a local conservation site rather than being designated as an independent global biodiversity hotspot. (Geographically, they fall within the larger Indo-Burma hotspot region, but the Jaintia Hills themselves are not classified as an independent global hotspot).

Therefore, among the given choices, the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya is not classified as an independent global hotspot of biodiversity.