Comparative Assessment of Vertebrate Biodiversity Across Major Ecosystems of Maharashtra

Abstract

Maharashtra is one of the ecologically diverse states of India and supports a wide range of vertebrate fauna across forests, wetlands, rivers, reservoirs, grasslands, mangroves, coastal ecosystems, and semi-arid landscapes. The present research paper focuses on the comparative assessment of vertebrate biodiversity across major ecosystems of Maharashtra with special emphasis on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fishes. The study aims to analyze biodiversity patterns, ecological significance, habitat associations, conservation status, and anthropogenic threats affecting vertebrate fauna in different ecosystems. Secondary data were collected from scientific journals, biodiversity reports, books, government publications, ecological surveys, and conservation databases. Comparative analysis revealed that forest and wetland ecosystems possess comparatively higher vertebrate species richness because of habitat complexity, water availability, vegetation diversity, and ecological connectivity. Freshwater ecosystems support diverse ichthyofaunal communities, while coastal and mangrove ecosystems provide important habitats for migratory birds, reptiles, and aquatic vertebrates. Semi-arid and urbanized ecosystems exhibit comparatively lower species diversity due to habitat fragmentation, pollution, and anthropogenic disturbances. The study identified major threats such as deforestation, mining, industrialization, pollution, climate change, road mortality, invasive species, agricultural expansion, and human-wildlife conflict affecting biodiversity across Maharashtra. Forest fragmentation and freshwater ecosystem degradation were observed as major ecological concerns influencing vertebrate populations. The study also highlights the importance of protected areas, wildlife corridors, wetland conservation, habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and community participation for sustainable ecosystem management.