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Western Ghats: Biodiversity Hotspot Under Siege
8 Oct
Summary
- Native habitats reduced to one-third of original extent due to development.
- Climate change exacerbates threats like invasive species and extreme weather.
- Conservation efforts must balance development with unique evolutionary lineages.
The Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot rich in endemic species, is under severe threat. Centuries of human activity, including extensive plantation expansion for coffee, tea, and rubber, alongside infrastructure development like dams and roads, have reduced its native habitats by an estimated 40% since 1920. These changes disrupt the region's critical water regulation for peninsular India.
Compounding these issues, climate change is accelerating. Increased extreme rain events can trigger landslides, and rising temperatures impact rainfall patterns. Invasive species also pose a growing danger to the delicate ecological balance of this ancient region.
Recent scientific reviews highlight the urgent need for new conservation approaches. These must consider not only protected areas but also connectivity, evolutionary history, and the specific needs of diverse taxa, moving beyond a focus solely on charismatic megafauna.
