description Western Ghats Rainforest Overview
The Western Ghats is a mountain range running approximately 1,600 kilometers along the western coast of India. In 2012, UNESCO inscribed a serial cluster of sites across this region as a World Heritage property. The rainforests and montane forests of the Western Ghats are recognized as one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots. These forests support a high concentration of endemic plant and animal species, including the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr.
help Western Ghats Rainforest FAQ
Where are the Western Ghats rainforests located?
The Western Ghats is a massive mountain range running approximately 1,600 kilometers along the western coast of India. The rainforests and montane forests of this range stretch from the state of Gujarat all the way down to the southern tip of Kerala.
When did the Western Ghats become a UNESCO World Heritage site?
In 2012, UNESCO officially inscribed a serial cluster of 39 natural sites across the Western Ghats as a World Heritage property. This designation was granted to protect the area's globally recognized biological diversity.
Why are the rainforests of the Western Ghats considered a biodiversity hotspot?
These forests are older than the Himalayas and exhibit incredibly high levels of endemism, meaning many species live nowhere else on the planet. The dense canopy provides a refuge for rare animals like the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr.
What environmental threats currently face the Western Ghats?
The fragile ecosystem is severely threatened by widespread deforestation for agricultural plantations, particularly tea, coffee, and rubber. Extensive mining and hydroelectric dam projects have also fragmented the continuous forest cover, devastating local wildlife populations.
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