Fading Heights: The Decline of Western Ghats Sky Islands

Western Ghats are one of the hottest hotspots of the world situated in the southern part of India. Among all the hotspots of the country, Western Ghat is a unique landscape attributed to their position parallel to the western coast of southern India facing the monsoon winds, results in abundant rainfall to the region. This discontinuous mountain landscape of Western Ghats, extending from the Tapti River in Gujarat to the southern tip of India, accommodates a rich diversity of species. The maximum diversity and endemism within the Western Ghats are concentrated in the small pockets of unique ecosystems scattered throughout the range, such as freshwater swamps and sholas. The hilltops of the Western Ghats are home to enchanting, fantasy-like landscapes called sholas. Cool, moisture-laden fog in the air, sparkling dew adorns the grasses and vegetation, while short-stature trees are draped in spongy epiphytic mosses. Even in daylight, the complete cloud cover in the landscape and scenic view of rolling grasslands with the mosaic of short-stature vegetation mark the absolute art of nature.