Environment & Ecology GS 3 In the news 7 times

Western Ghats

Biodiversity Hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri, are one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots identified by Conservation International. The mountain range runs roughly 1,600 km parallel to India's western coast through six states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu). The Western Ghats were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 under natural criteria (ix) and (x), recognising their outstanding universal value for biological diversity.

Key details

Recognised as one of the world's 8 "hottest" biodiversity hotspots
Over 5,000 flowering plant species, with 54% of tree species being endemic (352 of 650)
179 amphibian species (65% endemic), 157 reptile species (62% endemic), 219 freshwater fish species (53% endemic)
UNESCO inscription in 2012 covers 39 serial component parts across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra
The Gadgil Committee (2011) and Kasturirangan Committee (2013) reports made recommendations on ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats

In the news

● Tracked since February 11, 2026 · last seen August 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

23 Aug '26

Climate change destabilising Western Ghats’ forest ecosystems in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, warn researchers

Environment & Ecology

04 Apr '26

Treat Western Ghats to coast as one ecosystem, says policy document

Environment & Ecology

10 Mar '26

Faunal survey in Kerala’s Vazhachal adds 26 species to checklist of wildlife division in Western Ghats

Environment & Ecology

05 Mar '26