An Overview of the Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Conservation Actions in the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

AbstractThe Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, is particularly rich in floral and faunal wealth and endemism, covering an area of 164,280 km2 in a stretch of 1600 kilometres. This majestic mountain chain rises from the coastal region at its western borders, reaching up to a height of 2695 m and then merging with the Deccan plateau to the east at an altitude of 500–600 m. This mountain range is home to ca. 7402 species of flowering plants, of which more than 1270 are endemic. Another ca. 1814 species of non-flowering plants, ca. 139 mammals, ca. 179 amphibia, ca. 508 bird, ca. 6000 insects and ca. 290 freshwater fish species are known; with even more to be discovered. Even though the area covers less than 5% of India’s total land area, 30% of all flora and fauna are found here. As the case with a high degree of endemism in flora, 50% of amphibians and 67% of fish species in India are endemic to this region. The Western Ghats region is the source of about 13 major river systems. It encompasses a diversity of ecosystems and accomplishes essential hydrological and watershed functions. However, due to the increasing anthropogenic pressure, as in any other region, regional and global drivers of biodiversity change and ecosystem loss are prevalent in this region and increasing. Assorted efforts are in place to conserve the biodiversity here; however, only an integrated and ecosystem-based approach, at the landscape level, can achieve conservation of the rich bioresources and sustainable development.