Faunal Diversity in Western Ghats, India: A Review
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Abstract
The term "Biodiversity Hotspot" refers to a geographical region with a high level of diversity and a large number of endemic species that have been overexploited over time. India has four biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, and the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Human activities have significantly impacted the biodiversity of these hotspot regions. Therefore, it is important to conserve these areas to ensure the survival of various species and the future well-being of both organisms and humans. The Western Ghats is considered the most diverse hotspot in India and is renowned for its unique and rich biodiversity. Among the invertebrates in the Western Ghats, land snails are particularly important, but they have been rarely studied or exploited. There are 270 species of snails in the Western Ghats, with 204 of them being endemic to the region. Additionally, out of the 330 species of butterflies in the area, 37 are endemic. The Western Ghats also supports a high level of endemism in reptiles and amphibians. However, the level of endemism is lower in mammals compared to other groups of organisms. Several endemic species in the Western Ghats, such as the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), Malabar civet (Viverra civettina), Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), and Red slender loris (Loris tardigradus), are facing significant threats and are classified as "vulnerable" or "endangered." Today, the life-sustaining and biodiversity-rich ecosystems of the Western Ghats are under threat due to habitat pressures, leading it to be declared as one of the world's hottest hotspots of biodiversity.
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