description Western Ghats Overview
Running parallel to the western coast of India, the Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot. It features a range of ecosystems from tropical evergreen forests to grasslands and shola forests. The region is famous for its high concentration of endemic amphibians, reptiles, and plants. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Indian monsoon and providing water to millions, making its conservation vital for both ecology and human survival.
insights Ranking position
Western Ghats ranks #9 of 25 in the Biodiversity ranking, behind Sundaland, ahead of Socotra Archipelago.
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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