Describe the features of the Western Ghats that support their designation as hotspots for biodiversity.
Explain the characteristics of Western Ghats for inclusion as Biodiversity hotspots.
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Describe the features of the Western Ghats that support their designation as hotspots for biodiversity.
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Mountains, is a mountain range that stretches along the western edge of the Indian subcontinent. It possesses several characteristics that make it an ideal candidate for inclusion as a biodiversity hotspot:
1. High Species Diversity: The Western Ghats is renowned for its incredibly high species diversity, with a multitude of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. It is estimated that this region harbors over 7,000 species of flowering plants, of which approximately 5,000 are endemic.
2. Unique Flora and Fauna: The region is home to a wide range of unique and endemic species, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and several amphibians like the purple frog. It also hosts numerous endemic plant species such as the Malabar tamarind and the Karvy shrub.
3. Ecological Importance: The Western Ghats plays a vital role in regulating the climate of the Indian subcontinent. It influences the monsoon patterns, which are crucial for agriculture in the region, and its dense forests act as a carbon sink, aiding in climate mitigation.
4. Diverse Habitats: The Western Ghats encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, wetlands, and montane habitats. This diverse range of habitats supports a wide array of species adapted to different environmental conditions.
5. Threats and Conservation: Despite its ecological importance, the Western Ghats faces significant threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture, as well as over-exploitation of resources. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve this hotspot's unique biodiversity.
In summary, the Western Ghats possesses high species diversity, unique flora and fauna, ecological significance, diverse habitats, and is under threat, all of which qualify it as a prominent biodiversity hotspot worthy of conservation efforts and protection.