Habitat preservation in the Western Ghats can help enhance biodiversity in the hotspot

Habitat preservation in the Western Ghats can help enhance biodiversity in the hotspot

Subject: Geography

Section: Physical Geography

Context: In one of the first studies on rock dwelling fauna, published in January 2023, a group of scientists found that even species that can adjust to extremely variable climates on lateritic plateau habitats are vulnerable to changes to land-use pattern, such as agroforestry and paddy cultivation.

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• The Western Ghats of India are broadly divided into three subdivisions — the northern, central and southern — separated by the Goa gap and the Palghat gap respectively.
• Due to their climatic stability and terrain ruggedness, they are a museum and cradle of species diversity. Over the years, a series of studies on a range of habitats in the Western Ghats have shown how drought, rainfall and elevation, influence evolutionary processes and play an important role in shaping this rich diversity.
• Habitats classified as wastelands are vulnerable to land-use change which reduces the area of suitable habitat for the amphibian and reptile species found here, negatively impacting their diversity and abundance.
• In the study, which is currently a preprint that needs to be certified by peer review, researchers from the Nature Conservation Foundation, Bombay Environmental Action Group, and Reliance Foundation compared the prevalence of two endemic herpetofauna in the northern Western Ghats — Seshachari’s caecilian (Gegeneophisseshachari) and white-striped viper gecko (Hemidactylus albofasciatus) — with a commonly found snake, the saw-scaled viper (Echiscarinatus), as well as the composition of other rock-dwelling animals across undisturbed plateau sites, agroforestry plantation sites and abandoned paddies on plateaus. They found that the responses of species to land-use change were context specific.
• The conversion of lateritic plateaus to agroforestry plantations and paddy negatively impacted the threatened and endemic reptile H. albofasciatus and the generalist snake E. carinatus. But interestingly, G. seshachari, an endemic amphibian that occurs in forests and plateaus, was more prevalent in the abandoned paddy than in less-disturbed plateaus and orchards in the Western Ghats.
• The study found that seasonal flooding in the Western Ghats diversified the ecologically important Myristicaceae family of which Myristica fragrans, commonly known as jaiphal (nutmeg), is also economically important as a source of local livelihood.
• Another study found seasonal flooding brought in unique morphological and physiological adaptations, like aerial roots in the species occurring across two main habitat types mainly seasonally flooded habitats such as riparian and swamps, and non-flooded habitats such as upland evergreen and semi-evergreen forest.
• Habitat preservation and restoration is vital to conserve and enhance biodiversity, which in turn can boost the various ecosystem services they provide.

Western Ghats:

• Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
• It is also known as the Sahyadri Range and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The range covers an area of about 160,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.
• The Western Ghats are also important for their ecological services. The region is a major source of freshwater for the surrounding areas, and the forests help regulate the local climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
• Biodiversity: The Western Ghats are one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity in the world. The region has a high degree of endemism, with many plant and animal species found only in the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are home to several threatened and endangered species, including the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiritahr, and the Malabar civet.
• Hill ranges: The Western Ghats are a chain of hill ranges that run parallel to the western coast of India, stretching for over 1,600 km from the state of Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. The highest peak in the Western Ghats is Anamudi in Kerala, which rises to a height of 2,695 meters. The mountains have an average elevation of 1600 – 2500m.
  • Dodabetta is the highest peak of Nilgiris
  • Anamudi is the highest peak of Annamalai and South India.
  • Agastimalai is the highest peak of Cardamom hills.
• Rivers: The Western Ghats are the source of many important rivers in India, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery. These rivers are a lifeline for millions of people living in the surrounding areas, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and other uses.
• Landforms: The Western Ghats have a unique topography, characterized by steep escarpments, deep valleys, and high plateaus. The region is also home to several important geological formations, including the Deccan Traps, a vast volcanic plateau.
• Climate: The Western Ghats have a humid tropical climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June-September). The region’s forests play an important role in regulating the local climate and reducing the impact of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
• Forests: The Western Ghats are covered with dense tropical and subtropical forests that are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and many endemic bird species. The forests also play an important role in regulating the region’s climate and water resources.
• Cultural Heritage: The Western Ghats have a rich cultural heritage, with many ancient temples, forts, and other historical sites scattered throughout the region. The Western Ghats have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous communities and other ethnic groups, each with their own unique culture and traditions.
• The Western Ghats face several threats, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, mining, and infrastructure development. Climate change is also a growing threat, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affecting the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• To address these challenges, conservation efforts have been initiated by various organizations and government agencies. The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), a high-level committee appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, has recommended measures to protect the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Myristica swamps

Myristica swamps are a unique type of wetland ecosystem found in the Western Ghats region of India. Here are some of the unique features of Myristica swamps:

• High biodiversity: Myristica swamps are known for their high levels of biodiversity and are home to many rare and endemic plant and animal species. Some of the endemic species found in Myristica swamps include the Myristica dactyloides tree and the Myristica malabarica shrub.
• Myristica trees: Myristica swamps are named after the Myristica trees that dominate the ecosystem. These trees are known for their aromatic seeds, which are used to make nutmeg and mace.
• Waterlogging: Myristica swamps are characterized by waterlogged soils that are often saturated with water. The waterlogging creates a unique environment that supports the growth of unique plant species.
• Low nutrient levels: The waterlogged soils in Myristica swamps have low nutrient levels, which limits the types of plants that can grow there. This creates a specialized habitat for plants that are adapted to the low nutrient levels.
• Soils: The soils in these swamps are typically composed of organic matter, and are often acidic and nutrient-poor.
• Threats: Myristica swamps are threatened by deforestation, agricultural expansion, and other human activities. Many species that are unique to these swamps are endangered or at risk of extinction. Protecting these ecosystems is important for preserving the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Western Ghats region.