The subject of biodiversity attracted global attention as result of the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted at the Rio Earth Summit, 1992. The Convention stresses, among others, the need to assess the current status of biodiversity and formulate conservation strategies. The objective of this book is to highlight the biodiversity potential of India, one of the top 12 megadiversity countries of the world. The book is a multidisciplinary compendium of invaluable information on a number of ecosystems/habitats in tropical to temperate regions including the cold arid environment. The focus is on the assessment and conservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, eco-system modelling, genetic resources, and impact of anthropogenic perturbations on biodiversity. The contributors include leading scientists involved in research activities with conserving and managing biodiversity. The book would serve as efficient information-flow in support of global priorities in biodiversity which constitutes an elementary prerequisite for its efficient and rationale use.