The Western Ghats are the mountain groups running parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. The Ghats is well known for its biodiversity, where we can find a variety of flora and fauna. Mountain range starts around the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, to the south of river Tapti. Runs through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Ends at Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. It covers approximately 1600km.The Western Ghats blocks southwestern monsoon winds reaching the Deccan plateau. The features of Western Ghats is as follows:
- The Western Ghats are home to thousands of species, including globally threatened species.
- These species include mammals like lion-tailed macaque, Indian elephants [endangered species].
- Reptile includes various snake population and vulnerable Mugger crocodiles.
- Amphibians of the Ghats are diverse and unique that includes endangered species of purple frog. Moreover, it is home to many caecilian species.
- A variety of fishes are present in the rivers of the Western Ghats including threatened, vulnerable and endangered fishes.
- Bird population includes more than 500 species like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, broad-tailed grass bird etc.
- Apart from these the Ghats homes to various insects, mollusks, and fauna.
It is clear from above that western ghats has plethora of biodiversity. Hence they have immense ecological value which demands immediate conservation.