Western Ghats,
Maharashtra
A Biological Hotspot in My
Region
MH349236
Afiya Aftab, VI
Maharashtra (Vidarbha
Prant) Region-4 Credit: REVVLOG
Introduction
• Biological Hotspot is a bio-geographic region with significant
levels of biodiversity, characterized by a large number(more than
1500) of endemic species (species found nowhere else) and a
significant percentage (70%) of threatened or endangered
species
• Currently 36 recognized hotspots worldwide of which four (the Himalayas,
Western Ghats, Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland) are in India
• Recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and designated
as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012
• Extends across six states: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Gujarat. Covers approximately 140,000 sq. km. The Western Ghats in
Maharashtra cover an estimated area of 58,400 sq. km.
• Formed around 150 million years ago due to the breakup of the Gondwana
supercontinent. Older than the Himalayas, shaped by volcanic activity and
tectonic movements
• Western Ghats in Maharashtra is referred as the Sahyadri
Mountain Range
References: UNESCO World Heritage Sites: www.unesco.org, Geological Survey of India and National Biodiversity Authority of India
Importance and Relevance of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra
•Rich in wildlife, with 140 species of mammals, 180 species of amphibians, and 510 species of birds
•Regulates monsoon, climate and water recycle. It acts as a natural barrier influencing rainfall.
•Harbor a vast array of unique flora and fauna.
Characteristic Features of Western Ghats in Maharashtra
•Comprises 25% of India's total biodiversity.
•New animal and plant species are discovered yearly in the Western Ghats
Flora of the Sahyadri Mountain Range
The Sahyadri hills exhibit various vegetation types, including southern mixed-deciduous forests, semi-
evergreen, and evergreen flora.
5,000 plant species, including over 50% endemic ones
Major plant species include Teak, Rosewood, Ebony, and Ironwood
Notable endemic plants include Neelakurinji (blooms once every 12 years)
The region is rich in medicinal plants and Orchids
Orchid
Fauna of the Sahyadri Mountain Range Kurinji or Neelakurinji Ebony or Temburini
Mammals: Tiger, Elephant, Malabar Giant Squirrel
Reptiles: Common Indian Monitor, Malabar pit viper.
Amphibians: Indiana Chiravasi, Amboli Toad, Malabar gliding frog.
Birds: Great Indian hornbill, Malabar trogon, Nilgiri-wood Pigeon Giant Squirrel
Dancing Frog Great Indian hornbill
Insects: over 6,000 insect species, consisting of over 334 species of butterflies, 174 odonates
References: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (moef.gov.in) and Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel Report (2011)
Present Status
•Presently, the main threats to the Maharashtra Western Ghats are urbanization, agriculture, dams, and mines
•Large dam projects in the Western Ghats have resulted in environmental and social disruption
•Facing a risk of deforestation, climate change, and human encroachment
Conservation Efforts of Western Ghats in Maharashtra
•Government and environmental agencies are actively working on conservation measures
•39 components of the property are protected by different conservation areas, such as Tiger Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife
Sanctuaries, and Reserved Forests.
•The State owns all components subject to stringent protection under laws such as the Indian Forest Act of 1927, the Wildlife
(Protection) Act of 1972,, and the Forest Conservation Act (1980).
•Western Ghats Natural Heritage Management Committee (2010): Established under the Ministry of Environment and
Forests, GoI, to address coordination and integration issues,
•Gadgil Committee (2011): also known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, it recommended that all of the Western
Ghats be declared as the Ecological Sensitive Areas (ESA)
•Kasturirangan Committee (2013): It sought to balance the development and environment protection in contrast to the
system proposed by the Gadgil report.
•Afforestation programs and initiatives to prevent forest degradation by Community involvement
References: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (moef.gov.in) and Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel Report (2011)
