description Western Ghats Overview
Running roughly parallel to India's western coast, the Western Ghats form a mountain region recognized for its biodiversity. Tropical evergreen forests coexist with grasslands and shola forests, the high-elevation forest patches associated with parts of the southern range. This variety of habitats supports many endemic plants and animals, including amphibians and reptiles found only within the region. The mountains influence monsoon rainfall and feed river systems on which large human populations depend.
Their conservation therefore concerns water availability as well as the survival of specialized forest species. The region suits study by researchers and educators interested in the links between geography, ecology and human needs. UNESCO's Western Ghats entry explains the range's biological importance and its interaction with the monsoon.
help Western Ghats FAQ
Why are the Western Ghats considered a biodiversity hotspot?
The mountain chain contains exceptionally rich plant and animal life, including many species found nowhere else. It is one of the global biodiversity hotspots recognized for both high endemism and severe historical habitat loss.
Which rare animals are found in the Western Ghats?
Notable endemic or range-restricted animals include the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and purple frog. The forests also support larger species such as Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, and gaurs.
Which Indian states do the Western Ghats pass through?
The range runs along western India through states including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It extends for roughly 1,600 kilometers, broadly parallel to the Arabian Sea coast.
What are shola forests in the Western Ghats?
Sholas are patches of stunted evergreen forest found in sheltered valleys among high-elevation grasslands. This forest-grassland mosaic is especially associated with the southern Western Ghats around the Nilgiri and Anamalai hills.
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