The topic Ecology and Bio Diversity is a very important topics for civil services preparation of Prelims and Mains of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is topic mentioned as part of the syllabus for both Prelims and as part of Paper – IV General Studies – II of Mains Syllabus. UPSC does not mention text books for any of the topics. The best way to prepare a topic as part of the exam is to choose a book which covers the maximum static topics of the syllabus. Please note that the current affairs of the related topics with respect to ecology and bio diversity needs to be followed up and compiled by oneself.This is a very fluid topic as there are new species found, species close to extinction, species endangered around us.New international laws are made to protect environment. For the static part of the syllabus you can choose one book, I would like to reiterate that One Book might not suffice one needs to compliment it information from the current affairs or delve deep into topics of importance based on the current affairs. This book also covers topics from Paper IV – Disaster Management
. The book mentioned below can be considered for referring to the static topics.
Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity, Climate Change and Disaster Management for Civil Services Examination 2nd Edition – Majid Husain
The topics covered in the book are Chapter 1. Environment and Ecology – Basic Concepts Chapter 2. Plant and Animal Kingdoms Chapter 3. Major Bio-ems Chapter 4. Biodiversity Chapter 5. Biodiversity and Legislation Chapter 6. Environmental Degradation and Management Chapter 7. Climate Change Chapter 8. Natural Hazards and Disaster Management Chapter 9. Distribution of World Natural Resources Chapter 10. Locational Factors of Economic Activities Chapter 11. Contemporary Socio – Economic Issues Chapter 12. Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India 
For more detailed sub topics in each chapter check the book on Flipkart. Some of the current affairs related to ecology and bio diversity
- Desertification
- New gecko species found in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra – Cnemaspis Girii, after Dr. Varad Giri of the Bombay Natural History Society.
- Lizard species rediscovered after 135 years – tiny Geckoella Jeyporensis, a small lizard measuring up to 10 cm, was given up as extinct. Now it has been spotted in the Eastern Ghats.
- PIB Information from Ministry of Environment and Forests (Old) and Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, India ( Now ).
- Statement of Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, India, on ‘SDGs and Post-2015 Development Agenda, including Sustainable Consumption and Production’ at the Ministerial Plenary of the First United Nations Environment Assembly , 26 – 27 June, 2014, in Nairobi gives ideas for essays and answers in Main Examination.
- India’s Aim to be “Land Degradation Neutral” by 2030
Sources for Environment related news : NewsPapers, PIB. Do you follow a different textbook ?? Do share your experience about the book by commenting below 🙂
