Faunal / Animal Biodiversity of Western Ghats
Western Ghats is one of the richest centres of endemism in the world. Due to varied topography and microclimatic regimes, some areas within the region are active zones of speciation. As many as 315 species of vertebrates belonging to 22 genera are endemic, including 12 species of mammals, 13 species of birds, 89 species of reptiles, 87 species of amphibians and 104 species of fish. The extent of endemism is high amongst amphibian and reptile species. There occur 117 species of amphibians in the region, of which 89 species (76 per cent) are endemic. Of the 165 species of reptiles found in Western Ghats, 88 species are endemic.
Important Mammals of Western Ghats
Endemic Mammals
Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) or or Nilgiri Ibex is a mountain goat found only in the grassland hills of the Western Ghats above 1,200 meters in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Small, isolated groups totaling 2,500 survive. Their hooked horns and stocky build aids navigating precipitous cliff sides. Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Largest population of Nilgiri Tahr is found within the Eravikulam National Park, Munnar, Kerala. IUCN has put them in endangered species. Principal threats are habitat loss due to domestic livestock and spread of invasive plants and poaching. The population of these animals is small and isolated, making them vulnerable to local extinction. The species faces competition from domestic livestock, according to the IUCN.
Lion-tailed Macaque
Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) aka. Wanderloo is one of the smallest and most endangered of the macaque species. Lion-tailed Macaque is the only Indian macaque with a black coloured coat. It is endemic to Western Ghats and is found only in evergreen broadleaf monsoon forest in Western Ghats states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They spend the majority of their time in the trees, their main diet is fruit, although they will also forage for seeds, young leaves, flowers, buds and even fungi.
The lion-tailed macaque ranks among the rarest and most threatened primates, listed as endangered in IUCN red list. The main threat is the destruction of their forest home. Only 1% of the original habitat remains today due to widespread deforestation for timber, cultivation of tea, coffee, teak and cinchona, construction of water reservoirs for irrigation and power generation, and human settlements to support such activities.
Another reason that becomes threat to them is the slow reproduction cycle of Lion-tailed Macaques. A female macaque gives birth only once in three years. Further not all but only dominant females give birth. The low birth rate and high age at first birth, gives little chance for their population to bounce back.
These social primates live in groups of 10-20 members led by a single male. Only 4,000 exist in fragmented forests threatened by logging, development projects and expanding tea estates.
Malabar Large-Spotted Civet
The Malabar large-spotted civet is a nocturnal mammal endemic to the tropical forests of the Western Ghats. With a grey coat spotted black and white, they feed on small animals like rodents and birds. Population estimates are unknown but likely number in the low thousands. Forest fragmentation threatens their existence as they range widely seeking prey. Conservation education and habitat connectivity between protected areas offer hope for their future.
Nilgiri Langur
The Nilgiri langur is a leaf-eating monkey restricted to deciduous and tropical rainforests across parts of the Western Ghats below 2,000 meters elevation. Identified by their jet-black fur and graceful leaping, groups average around 15 members. Extensive deforestation greatly shrank their prime habitat, yet over 10,000 may still range across 60 isolated sites. Continued forest conservation aims to preserve sufficient habitat to sustain widely dispersed populations.
Brown Palm Civet
The brown palm civet, also called the Jerdon’s palm civet, is a small carnivore endemic to the Western Ghats Mountain range. About the size of a domestic cat, it gets its name from its brown fur and habit of seeking out palm trees. It is nocturnal and eats small animals like rodents, frogs, and insects. Very little is known about the ecology and population status of the brown palm civet. It is estimated that less than 2,500 mature individuals remain. Habitat loss from agriculture, plantations, logging, and expanding human infrastructure poses the major threat. Targeted research and habitat conservation efforts centered on protected areas will be crucial for ensuring the survival of this little-known palm civet.
Nilgiri Marten
The Nilgiri marten is a cat-sized carnivore that inhabits high elevation shola-grassland mosaics in the Western Ghats above 1,200 meters. It has yellow-brown fur with a prominent yellow throat patch. As few as 2,500 may remain worldwide. Logging and loss of native grasslands have devastated much habitat. However, the creation of protected areas and controls to prevent accidental trapping offer this adept small predator some refuge through active conservation.
Non-endemic Mammals
Asian Elephant
The Asian elephant is the largest land mammal in Asia. Found in the moist forests of the Western Ghats, they form close social bonds and live in herds led by older females. They communicate through sounds like trumpeting, rumbling, and other calls. Elephants play key roles in seed dispersal and maintaining the health of their forest ecosystems. However, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict pose serious threats.
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger is the iconic national animal of India. Around 2,500 Bengal tigers remain, mostly in small pockets across the Western Ghats. They are magnificent predators with strength and power to take down prey like deer and wild boar alone. However, they have lost over 90% of their historical range as forests were cleared. Tigers must have large, connected habitats to survive, but face threats from poaching and human encroachment on their territory.
Indian Bison (Gaur)
The Indian bison or gaur is a massive wild cattle species and the largest bovine in Asia. Small isolated populations totaling 13,000-30,000 remain in India’s forests including the Western Ghats hills and deciduous woodlands. Males weigh over a ton. While gaurs feed on grasses and leaves, their shear bulk demands vast ranges and they suffer from habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts like protected reserves seek to safeguard their long term survival.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel
The grizzled giant squirrel is a colossal tree squirrel reaching 2 feet long found patchily in the moist forests of the Western Ghats. Mostly grey with whitish speckles, they feed on fruits and nuts. Deforestation has devastated their populations as they require undisturbed tall tree crowns to traverse and forage. Targeted replanting efforts may expand habitat across their range to support isolated groups in protected reserves numbering a few thousand squirrels.
Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are marvelous gliders inhabiting forests across the Western Ghats. Despite their name, they cannot fly but gracefully glide between trees using a patagium – a furry flap between wrist and ankle. Rapid destruction of mature stands of tall hardwood trees threatens these nocturnal acrobats by interrupting their aerial highways through contiguous woodlands. Protecting corridors between isolated forest patches may help sustain strongholds.
Endemic Birds of Western Ghats
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
The Nilgiri wood pigeon is a stocky fruit-eating pigeon found in tropical montane forests above 1200m in the Western Ghats. Identified by an orange-brown back and wings contrasting bluish grey head and underparts, it feeds on wild figs and other fruits. Habitat loss threatens this range restricted bird, however populations likely still number over 10,000 as some protected forests remain. Targeted conservation aims to sustain sufficient habitat across numerous isolated sky islands.
Nilgiri Flycatcher
The Nilgiri flycatcher is an energetic insectivorous bird that breeds only in shola forests interspersed between grasslands above 1800m elevation in the Western Ghats. The male is jet black with a distinctive orange throat, while the female sports a grey back. Habitat degradation by fire, grazing and plantations are destroying this endangered flycatcher’s niche ecosystem. Just 1200-2000 birds remain in small isolated pockets needing urgent habitat protection.
Broad-tailed Grassbird
The broad-tailed grassbird is a shy species inhabiting dense tall marsh grasses in montane elevations of the Western Ghats. Olive brown above with buff underparts, this skulker’s explosive whistling call gives away its presence. Loss of native bunchgrass clumps from habitat degradation threatens this range restricted passerine. Perhaps fewer than 2500 persist, concentrated in a mere 10 sites. Safeguarding precious high elevation grasslands could preserve this cryptic songster.
Nilgiri Pipit
The Nilgiri pipit is plain brown sparrow-sized bird that inhabits open grasslands above 2000m altitude in the South Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It has adapted to breed exclusively amidst unique shola-grassland mosaics. Already limited to around 300 sq km across just four mountaintops, habitat loss continues from development, overgrazing and climate shifts. Just 250-1300 Nilgiri pipits cling to existence through focused conservation efforts on remaining fragments.
Malabar Grey Hornbill
The Malabar grey hornbill is a fruit-eating hornbill native to the moist forests below 1100 meters elevation across the northern Western Ghats. With grey wings and long curved yellowish bill, groups tear apart figs and Ficus berries. Persecution for folk medicine and habitat loss over centuries extirpated them from wider areas. However they’ve rebounded in pockets to perhaps 2500 birds within remaining protected sanctuaries through dedicated recovery work.
Endemic Amphibians & Fishes
Anamalai Flying Frog
The Anamalai flying frog is a remarkable colorful gliding frog found only in remnant shola forests of the Anamalai Hills in the South Western Ghats above 1400m elevation. By parachuting between canopy trees using its webbed feet, this nocturnal amphibian fills its unique niche. Habitat loss and drying of moist montane forests threatens this critically endangered species, with possibly just 100 adults across 5 isolated sites. Protecting precious sky island ecosystems offers a lifeline.
Periyar Trout
The Periyar trout is a colorful stream fish restricted to cool, clean rapids in the Periyar lake reservoir’s feeder streams in the Western Ghats. They spawn during monsoons when rivers swell. Introduced European rainbow trout interbreed and compete for food with this struggling endemic species. Conservationists promote protection of critical riparian habitat and restocking efforts to support the Periyar trout’s recovery across its native range. Just a few thousand may endure in the wild.
