Western Ghats

This ancient mountain range, which is 45 to 65 million years old, supports exceptional levels of biodiversity. Estimates of flowering plants in the region range from 4,000 to over 7,000 species, with a significant portion being endemic. The region also hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. For instance, research has indicated that approximately 78 percent of the region's amphibians and 62 percent of its reptiles are endemic to the Western Ghats. UNESCO inscribed the Western Ghats as a World Heritage site in recognition of its rich biodiversity and its role as one of the best examples of a tropical monsoon system on the planet. The site is a serial property consisting of 39 protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are crucial for the survival of flagship species such as the Asian elephant, the gaur, and the tiger. Despite its protected status, the ecosystem faces severe threats from land-use change and human activity. The conversion of forest land into plantations for coffee, tea, and rubber, along with infrastructure development like roads, railways, and dams, has led to significant habitat fragmentation. These changes isolate wildlife populations and disrupt essential migration corridors. Additional pressures include illegal timber felling, livestock grazing, and the extraction of non-timber forest products. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has categorized the Western Ghats as a region of significant concern, noting that climate change, unregulated tourism, and the spread of invasive species further exacerbate the ecological stress on this fragile landscape.