Source: TH
Context:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in its latest World Heritage Outlook 4 (2025), has downgraded the Western Ghats to the “Significant Concern” category. The report cites climate change, unregulated tourism, deforestation, and the spread of invasive species as major threats to this ecologically fragile region.
About the Western Ghats
- The Western Ghats, also called the Sahyadri Hills, are a continuous mountain range running along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau.
- Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2012), the Ghats are one of the eight “hottest biodiversity hotspots” globally.
- They play a crucial role in monsoon regulation, water security, and biodiversity conservation in India.
Geographical Features
- Extent: ~1,600 km from the Tapti River in Gujarat to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
- States Covered: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Area: Approximately 1,64,280 sq km.
- Palghat Gap: A 30 km-wide natural pass near 11°N latitude, linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Highest Peak: Anamudi (Kerala) — 2,695 m (8,842 ft).
Geological Background
- Formation: Older than the Himalayas, the Western Ghats were formed around 150 million years ago during the breakup of Gondwanaland.
- Composed primarily of basaltic lava flows, they form the western escarpment of the Deccan Plateau.
- Function as a climatic and geomorphic barrier, shaping India’s Southwest Monsoon.
- Described as an “Evolutionary Ecotone”, the region supports unique species evolution due to long-term isolation and climatic variations.
Biodiversity Richness
- Flora:
- Over 7,400 plant species, with a high degree of endemism (species found nowhere else).
- Home to dense tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests on the western slopes.
- Fauna:
- Habitat for 325 globally threatened species.
- Supports ~30% of the world’s Asian elephant population and ~17% of the global tiger population.
- Endemic species include the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and Malabar civet.
- Hydrological Role: Source of major peninsular rivers — Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and Periyar.
Major Threats Identified by IUCN
- Climate Change: Alters rainfall patterns, increasing risk of droughts and landslides.
- Unregulated Tourism: Leads to habitat fragmentation, pollution, and waste mismanagement.
- Deforestation & Infrastructure Expansion: Road building, mining, and encroachment threaten wildlife corridors.
- Invasive Species: Non-native plants and animals disrupt local ecosystems.
- Urbanisation: Expanding settlements and agricultural conversion reduce forest cover.
