full details on Western ghats

Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot.

full details on Western ghats

The Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri, is a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India, spanning about 1,600 km in length and covering an area of about 140,000 sq km. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world. The Western Ghats is a biodiversity hotspot and home to numerous endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Geography and Geology:

The Western Ghats runs parallel to the western coast of India, starting from the Tapi River in Gujarat and extending all the way down to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The range covers six states in India: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The Western Ghats is a part of the Deccan Plateau and was formed due to tectonic activity around 150 million years ago. The range has an average elevation of about 1,200 meters, with the highest peak being Anamudi in Kerala, which stands at an elevation of 2,695 meters.

Biodiversity:

The Western Ghats is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The region has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its high level of biological diversity and endemism. It is home to over 7,400 species of plants, of which about 5,000 are endemic to the region. The Western Ghats is also home to a large number of animal species, including 325 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, 179 species of amphibians, and more than 290 species of freshwater fish.

The Western Ghats is also home to several endemic and endangered species, such as the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Malabar Civet, to name a few. The region also has a rich cultural heritage, with many indigenous tribes living in the area and following their traditional way of life.

Climate:

The climate in the Western Ghats varies depending on the altitude and location. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to September. The high altitude areas of the Western Ghats have a cooler and wetter climate compared to the lower regions, which have a hot and humid climate.

Importance and Threats:

The Western Ghats is an important ecosystem that provides a range of ecosystem services, including water, timber, and other forest products. The region is also an important source of hydroelectric power, with many dams and reservoirs built in the region. However, the Western Ghats is facing several threats due to human activities, such as deforestation, mining, and poaching. The region is also facing the impacts of climate change, such as changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.

Efforts are being made to conserve the Western Ghats, including the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Several conservation organizations are also working to protect the biodiversity of the region and raise awareness among the local communities about the importance of conserving the Western Ghats.