Western Ghats

Definition

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, spanning approximately 1,600 kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making it a significant area within the Indomalayan realm, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and includes various climatic zones and habitats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Western Ghats is home to over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, and 600 species of butterflies, making it one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.
2. The range acts as a barrier to the southwest monsoon winds, resulting in heavy rainfall on the western side while creating a rain shadow effect on the eastern side.
3. It features a variety of ecosystems including tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, grasslands, and shola forests, contributing to its ecological significance.
4. Many species in the Western Ghats are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth, highlighting the region's importance for conservation efforts.
5. The Western Ghats has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity and unique ecological features.

Review Questions

• How do the geographical features of the Western Ghats influence its biodiversity?
  • The geographical features of the Western Ghats significantly influence its biodiversity through their varied elevation and topography. The mountain range creates multiple climatic zones and microhabitats that support a diverse array of species. The monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall to the western slopes, fostering lush forests that are home to numerous endemic species. This variety in habitats allows for high levels of species richness and endemism within this ecologically significant region.
• Discuss the role of the Western Ghats in regulating local climate patterns and its impact on surrounding areas.
  • The Western Ghats play a crucial role in regulating local climate patterns by acting as a barrier to monsoon winds. As these winds hit the mountains, they cool and condense, resulting in heavy rainfall on the western slopes. This contributes to fertile land suitable for agriculture but creates a rain shadow effect on the eastern side, leading to drier conditions. The influence of the Western Ghats extends beyond its immediate environment, affecting rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity in large parts of peninsular India.
• Evaluate the conservation challenges faced by the Western Ghats and their implications for global biodiversity.
  • The Western Ghats face significant conservation challenges due to rapid urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion that threaten its rich biodiversity. The loss of habitat not only endangers endemic species but also disrupts ecological processes essential for maintaining ecosystem balance. Furthermore, these challenges have global implications as many species found here contribute to biodiversity on a larger scale. Effective conservation strategies are critical not just for preserving this unique region but also for safeguarding global biodiversity amidst ongoing environmental changes.

Related terms

Biodiversity Hotspot: A region that is both rich in endemic species and threatened by human activities, requiring urgent conservation efforts.

Endemic Species: Species that are native to a specific geographic area and not found naturally anywhere else.

Monsoon Climate: A climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, heavily influenced by seasonal winds and prevalent in the Western Ghats region.