Western Ghats

Western Ghats
Name	Western Ghats
Photo caption	A montage of landscapes from the Western Ghats.
Highest	Anamudi
Elevation m	2695
Length km	1600
Width km	100
Area km2	160000
Country	India
States	Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Region	South India
Coordinates	10, 10, N, 77...
Geology	Basalt, Laterite, Granite
Orogeny	Gondwana breakup

Western Ghats. Running parallel to the western coast of the Indian subcontinent for approximately 1,600 kilometers, this ancient mountain range is one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots. It traverses six Indian states—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu—and profoundly influences the monsoon patterns and ecological character of Peninsular India. Recognized for its immense biological wealth and evolutionary history, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

Geography and Location

The range forms an almost continuous escarpment along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, with its steep western slopes facing the Arabian Sea and gentler eastern slopes merging into the Deccan Traps. It begins near the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra, south of the Tapti River, and runs southward through the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, before ending at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Major gaps in the range, such as the Palakkad Gap and the Goa Gap, have historically served as crucial corridors for transportation and cultural exchange between the coastal plains and the interior. Prominent geographical features include the Nilgiri Hills, the Anaimalai Hills, and the Cardamom Hills, with the highest peak being Anamudi in Kerala.

Geology and Formation

The geological history is complex, primarily involving the rifting and separation of the Madagascar and Seychelles plates from the Indian Plate during the late Cretaceous period, following the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana. The northern and central sections are dominated by basalt of the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, formed by massive flood basalt eruptions around 66 million years ago. The southern sections consist of older Precambrian rocks, including granite and gneiss, which are part of the Dharwar Craton. The characteristic stepped topography of the range is a result of prolonged erosion and faulting over millions of years.

Biodiversity and Ecology

It is a global epicenter of biological diversity, hosting over 7,400 species of flowering plants, 500 bird species, 179 amphibian species, and 139 mammal species, with exceptionally high rates of endemism. Iconic and endemic fauna include the Nilgiri tahr, the Lion-tailed macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, and numerous species of king cobras and caecilians. The region's forests range from tropical evergreen forests on the wet western slopes to drier deciduous forests and shola-grassland mosaics at higher elevations. Renowned research institutions like the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment and the Wildlife Institute of India conduct extensive studies here.

Climate and Hydrology

The range intercepts the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds, creating a stark rain shadow region to its east and making the western slopes among the wettest places in India, such as Agumbe and Cherrapunji. This orographic effect is critical for the climate of India, particularly for the Kerala coast and the Karnataka hinterlands. It is the origin of several major peninsular rivers, including the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and the west-flowing Periyar and Sharavathi, which support extensive agriculture and hydroelectric projects like those at Linganamakki.

Conservation and Threats

Despite its World Heritage Site status, the region faces severe pressures from habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and large-scale developmental projects. Significant protected areas include Silent Valley National Park, Periyar National Park, and the Kudremukh National Park. Conservation efforts are spearheaded by government bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and non-governmental organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature. Major threats include deforestation for plantations of tea, coffee, and Areca nut, illegal mining, and the construction of dams and wind farms, which disrupt ecological connectivity.

Human Influence and History

Human habitation dates back to the Mesolithic period, with evidence from sites like Edakkal Caves. The hills have been home to numerous indigenous communities, including the Todas, Irula, and Kurumba, whose cultures and traditional knowledge are intricately linked to the forests. Historically, the region formed part of powerful kingdoms like the Cheras, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. During the British Raj, the hills became favored sites for hill stations such as Ooty and Munnar, established for colonial administration and tea cultivation, a legacy that continues to shape the landscape and economy.

Category:Mountain ranges of India Category:Biodiversity hotspots Category:World Heritage Sites in India Category:Physiographic divisions of India