BEVAE-181 Solved Assignment 2024-2025 | Explain the characteristics of Western Ghats for inclusion as Biodiversity hotspots.

BEVAE-181 Solved Assignment 2024-2025 | ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES | IGNOU

Explain the characteristics of Western Ghats for inclusion as Biodiversity Hotspots.

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, are one of the most important ecological zones in India. Stretching along the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, they run through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These ranges are among the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to their rich natural resources, variety of ecosystems, and high endemism, the Western Ghats are included in the list of global biodiversity hotspots.

1. Exceptional Biodiversity and Species Richness

• The Western Ghats are home to over 7,400 species of plants and animals.

• Out of these, many are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

• For example, more than 300 species of fish, 80 species of amphibians, 100 species of reptiles, and 30 species of mammals found in the Western Ghats are endemic.

• Several species of orchids, medicinal plants, frogs, butterflies, and birds are also native to this region.

2. High Endemism

• Endemism is one of the primary reasons why the Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot.

• About 77% of amphibians and 62% of reptiles found here are endemic to the region.

• Plants such as Strobilanthes kunthiana (Neelakurinji) bloom once in 12 years and are found only in certain parts of these hills.

• This level of uniqueness is very rare and adds great ecological value.

3. Diverse Ecosystems and Habitats

• The Western Ghats include a variety of forest types such as:

  • Tropical evergreen forests

  • Semi-evergreen forests

  • Moist deciduous forests

  • Montane (shola) forests

• These diverse habitats support a wide range of life forms.

• The region also includes freshwater ecosystems, rivers, lakes, and swamps, which are equally rich in biodiversity.

4. Geological and Climatic Uniqueness

• The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, older than the Himalayas.

• Their geological formation dates back to the time when the Indian subcontinent separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

• The region has a humid tropical climate, high rainfall (due to monsoon winds), and varying altitudes, which make it suitable for diverse flora and fauna.

• This geographical isolation and unique climate conditions contribute to the survival of ancient and rare species.

5. Role in Climate and Water Regulation

• The forests of the Western Ghats play a key role in regulating the monsoon, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining groundwater levels.

• These forests also act as carbon sinks, absorbing a large amount of CO₂ and helping in climate control.

• Many major rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri originate from the Western Ghats and supply water to millions of people.

6. Presence of Tribal and Indigenous Communities

• Several indigenous tribes and local communities live in and around the Western Ghats.

• These people follow traditional knowledge systems, sustainable farming, and forest-use practices.

• Their lifestyle helps in conserving biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

• The cultural and ecological knowledge of these communities is also considered valuable by conservationists.

7. Threats to Biodiversity in the Western Ghats

• Despite their ecological importance, the Western Ghats are facing many environmental threats such as:

  • Deforestation for agriculture and urbanization

  • Mining and quarrying

  • Pollution of rivers and land

  • Climate change and rising temperatures

  • Habitat destruction due to infrastructure projects like roads and dams

• These threats endanger the fragile ecosystems and the rare species living in this region.

8. Conservation Efforts and Importance

The Western Ghats have been included in several national and international conservation programs, such as:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site listing
• Protected Areas like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves (e.g., Silent Valley, Periyar, Bandipur)
• The Indian government has launched the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) to recommend eco-sensitive strategies.

Conservation of this hotspot is crucial not only for wildlife and nature but also for ensuring water security, climate resilience, and livelihood for millions of people.

Conclusion

The Western Ghats deserve their place among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots due to their incredible range of species, high levels of endemism, unique habitats, and essential ecological services. In today’s time of climate change and ecological crisis, protecting such areas is not just an environmental concern but a survival need for the future of life on Earth.

There is an urgent need to promote sustainable development, enforce strict conservation laws, and raise awareness among people and policymakers to preserve this natural treasure. The Western Ghats are not just hills; they are a living library of nature, and we must protect them at all costs.

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