Author: Prof A Biju Kumar

Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons Stretching majestically along India’s western coastline, the Western Ghats stand as one of the world’s most remarkable mountain ranges. Spanning 1,600 kilometers from the Tapti River in Maharashtra to Swamithoppe in Tamil Nadu, this ancient range is not just a geographical marvel but also a cradle of unparalleled biodiversity and cultural richness. Recognised as one of the 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Western Ghats are a testament to nature’s abundance and resilience. Despite covering less than 6% of India’s land area, they harbour an astonishing 30% of the country’s plant,…