Publications
Assessment of pollution and risks associated with microplastics in the riverine sediments of the Western Ghats: a heritage site in southern India
Microplastic pollution in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern India, poses significant ecological risks to its rich biodiversity. A study analyzing riverine sediments from the River Sharavathi revealed microplastic concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 57.5 pieces/kg during pre-monsoon and 0 to 15 pieces/kg post-monsoon, with smaller particles (0.3-1 mm) dominating due to physical breakdown. The main polymers identified were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene. Risk assessment indices indicated hazardous pollution levels, with the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) showing higher values during post-monsoon seasons. This suggests severe ecological threats, particularly to the region's sensitive ecosystems, necessitating urgent mitigation strategies.
Temporal Trends of Rainfall and Temperature over Two Sub-Divisions of Western Ghats
A study analyzing rainfall and temperature trends over the Western Ghats, a critical watershed for South Indian rivers, reveals significant regional disparities. While Konkan and Goa experienced increased rainfall from 1977 to 2016, Coastal Karnataka saw a decline, with both changes statistically significant. Temperature trends were consistently positive across all seasons. The research also found no strong link between the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon in this region. These findings highlight the need for tailored climate change adaptation strategies for the Western Ghats, considering its ecological significance.
The tale of three landslides in the Western Ghats, India: lessons to be learnt
A study of three devastating landslides in Kerala, India, during the 2021 monsoon season reveals that intense rainfall—exceeding 266 mm in under 24 hours—serves as a universal trigger, while underlying causes vary. The Kokkayar landslide was primarily driven by anthropogenic agricultural activities, Plappally by geomorphic and tectonic processes combined with human influence, and Kavali by forest fragmentation on thin soil. These findings underscore the critical role of precise rainfall forecasting in establishing early warning thresholds to mitigate future disasters. The research combines ground-based data with satellite imagery to analyze these events, providing actionable insights for disaster preparedness in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site prone to landslide risks.
Rapid mapping of landslides in the Western Ghats (India) triggered by 2018 extreme monsoon rainfall using a deep learning approach
A deep learning approach significantly improves the accuracy of landslide mapping in the Western Ghats, India. By integrating PlanetScope imagery with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and topographic slope data, researchers achieved a 78% mean accuracy in identifying rainfall-induced landslides triggered by the 2018 extreme monsoon season—an increase of 12.5% compared to spectral-only methods. This methodology effectively reduces false positives, distinguishing landslide areas from barren lands and riverbeds without compromising true positive detection. The study demonstrates a scalable solution for rapid hazard assessment in landslide-prone regions, offering potential applications for disaster mitigation strategies worldwide.
Ecosystem-level carbon storage and its links to diversity, structural and environmental drivers in tropical forests of Western Ghats, India
Tropical forests in the Western Ghats, India, store significant amounts of carbon (C), with an average stock of 336.8 Mg C/ha across seven forest types. Woody vegetation, understorey, litter, deadwood, and soil contribute 231.3, 3.0, 2.4, 15.2, and 84.9 Mg C/ha respectively. Live vegetation, detritus, and soil account for 65.5%, 5.5%, and 29% of total ecosystem-level C stock, with the highest storage observed in TEF III forests. Plant diversity, structural attributes, and environmental factors positively correlate with C stocks, explaining 6.7%, 77.2%, and 16% of variance respectively. These findings underscore the importance of the Western Ghats' forests for carbon sequestration and highlight their potential for conservation and management strategies aimed at enhancing C storage.
Spatial modelling of shallow landslide susceptibility: a study from the southern Western Ghats region of Kerala, India.
A study identified that agricultural areas with slopes of 10°–40° on denudational structural hills in the southern Western Ghats, India, are highly susceptible to landslides. The research used Dempster–Shafer, Bayesian probability, and logistic regression models to assess susceptibility, with the Bayesian model performing best (ROC-AUC: 0.833). Key factors influencing landslide risk included proximity to roads, streams, soil texture, and geomorphological features. This predictive model offers a reliable tool for future land-use planning to mitigate landslide hazards in this UNESCO-listed region.
GIS and AHP Techniques Based Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones: a case study from Southern Western Ghats, India
Approximately 59% of the studied river basin in the Southern Western Ghats, India, is identified as having moderate groundwater potential, with high and low potential zones covering 11% and 29%, respectively. The study employed a combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) techniques to delineate these zones using 12 thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, rainfall, soil, and topography. This approach, validated with local groundwater data, achieved an overall accuracy of around 85%. The findings highlight the effectiveness of GIS-based methods in rapidly assessing groundwater potential, offering crucial insights for sustainable water resource management in tropical river basins.
Landslides Mapped using Satellite Data in the Western Ghats of India After Excess Rainfall During August 2018
A comprehensive inventory of landslides triggered by excessive rainfall in August 2018 was mapped across the Western Ghats, revealing significant regional and geological patterns. The study identified 6970 landslides spanning 22.6 sq. km, predominantly in Kerala (5191), Karnataka (993), and Tamil Nadu (606), with debris slides and flows being the most common types. Notably, 83.2% of these events were linked to very high rainfall intensity, while 14.9% occurred on moderate slopes, particularly in Karnataka's Kodagu district. The research utilized multitemporal high-resolution satellite imagery from multiple sources, including Resourcesat-2, WorldView-2, and Sentinel-2, to analyze pre- and post-event conditions, providing critical insights into the relationship between rainfall extremes and landslide susceptibility.
Larval host plants of the butterflies of the Western Ghats, India
A comprehensive checklist identifies 834 plant species/groups from 88 families as larval host plants for 320 butterfly species in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. This includes recent discoveries and a reverse list mapping plant-butterfly associations, underscoring the diverse plant dependencies of endemic butterflies. The study provides an updated resource for understanding plant-butterfly relationships in this ecologically critical region.
Moisture Supply From the Western Ghats Forests to Water Deficit East Coast of India
Evapotranspiration from the Western Ghats forests contributes significantly to southwest monsoon rainfall over Tamil Nadu, accounting for 25–40% of precipitation during normal years and up to 50% during water-deficit periods or dry spells. This finding highlights the critical role of the region's dense vegetation in sustaining water availability on India's east coast, which faces severe water scarcity. The study employed regional climate simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to quantify this moisture supply mechanism. Recent deforestation in the Western Ghats not only threatens biodiversity but also risks exacerbating water shortages across Peninsular India.
Assessment of soil erosion in a tropical mountain river basin of the southern Western Ghats, India using RUSLE and GIS
Researchers found that while the Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) in the southern Western Ghats, India, experiences significant gross soil erosion at 14.36 tons per hectare per year, net erosion is substantially lower at 3.60 tons due to deposition processes. About 86% of the basin undergoes slight erosion, while nearly 3% acts as a depositional environment for sediments. Human activities in agricultural areas and tea plantations significantly accelerate soil erosion compared to natural vegetation belts. The study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) combined with transport-limited sediment delivery (TLSD) modeling to quantify soil erosion and deposition, providing critical data for land management strategies to mitigate soil degradation in tropical mountain river basins.
Predicting climate change impacts on the distribution of the threatened Garcinia indica in the Western Ghats, India
A significant reduction in suitable habitat for the threatened medicinal plant Garcinia indica is predicted under future climate change scenarios, with potential declines of 5.29% and 5.69% by 2050 and 2070 respectively, under the most severe RCP 8.5 scenario. This study, using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling with bioclimatic predictors from the BCC-CSM1.1 model, identified temperature seasonality, isothermality, and annual precipitation as key influencing factors in the species' distribution across the northern Western Ghats. The model's high accuracy (AUC = 0.956 ± 0.023) underscores its potential for biodiversity protection and ecosystem management. The findings highlight the vulnerability of this ecologically important species to climate change, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies.
Role of Orography, Diurnal Cycle, and Intraseasonal Oscillation in Summer Monsoon Rainfall over the Western Ghats and Myanmar Coast
A key finding from this study is that rainfall maxima over the Western Ghats (WG) and Arakan Yoma (AY) during the Asian summer monsoon are located on the upslope of WG and along the coastline of AY, contrasting with offshore locations reported in prior studies. The research used 16 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar data to analyze diurnal cycles and intraseasonal oscillations. It revealed distinct rainfall patterns: continuous rain with slight nocturnal and afternoon–evening peaks over WG, and an afternoon peak on the upslope with a morning peak off the coast in AY. Strong environmental flow perpendicular to coastal mountains correlates with large rainfall amounts and small diurnal amplitudes. Additionally, the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) introduces a southwest wind anomaly that enhances orographic rainfall over WG, causing a phase lag between rain anomalies and northward-propagating major rainbands—a phenomenon absent in AY due to more closed cyclonic circulations.
Statistical Characteristics of Convective Clouds over the Western Ghats Derived from Weather Radar Observations
Research reveals that convective storms over the Western Ghats exhibit distinct orographic responses and diurnal patterns during the monsoon season, with increased frequency along windward mountains due to southwesterly flows. Storms progress eastward from upstream barriers through windward slopes to leeward sides, showing a pronounced afternoon peak in activity while their area maximum lags precipitation flux by hours. Storm characteristics, such as area, height, and duration, follow lognormal distributions, with shallow convection (peaking at 5.5 km) dominating the region. Cells move slowly, aligning east-west parallel to mountain ridges, and their movement is steered by lower-level winds. A lead-lag relationship between congestus and deep cells suggests midtropospheric moistening prior to deep convection. The study used X-band radar observations at Mandhardev (2014) with objective-tracking methods to quantify storm spatiotemporal variability for the first time.
Antimicrobial activity of some actinomycetes from Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India
A study from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India, identified Streptomyces rimosus (FMS-20) as a promising antimicrobial agent against multiple human pathogens. Among 106 actinomycete strains isolated, FMS-20 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity, particularly in intracellular methanol and extracellular ethyl acetate extracts, with maximum zones of inhibition against Aspergillus brasiliensis (22 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (25 mm), respectively. This finding highlights the potential of actinomycetes from biodiverse regions like the Western Ghats as a source for novel antimicrobial compounds to combat drug-resistant pathogens.
Diversity and extracellular enzyme activities of fungal endophytes isolated from medicinal plants of Western Ghats, Karnataka
A study of fungal endophytes from six wild medicinal plants in the Western Ghats, including two endangered species (Hedychium flavescens and Hedychium coronarium), reveals significant extracellular enzyme activity among 112 isolates. Notably, 40% exhibited asparaginase activity, while 29%, 28%, and 18% showed amylase, cellulase, and pectinase activity, respectively—with no laccase activity detected. This is the first report of such enzymatic diversity in endangered plants from this region. The research used Simpson's and Shannon–Weiner indices to analyze fungal diversity across 26 genera, highlighting potential biotechnological applications while underscoring the ecological importance of endophytic fungi in threatened species.
Ethnomedicinal assessment of Irula tribes of Walayar valley of Southern Western Ghats, India
A comprehensive ethnomedicinal assessment of the Irula tribes in the Walayar valley, Southern Western Ghats, India, reveals 146 plant species with medicinal properties, including 26 new claims. The study highlights that Acorus calamus is predominantly used for treating coughs, while Canarium strictum and Melia dubia show high consensus (factor of 1.0) as insecticides. Leaves are the most utilized plant part (38%), followed by multiple parts (12%). Decoctions (63%) are the primary method of preparation. The findings underscore the need for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies to validate traditional knowledge, emphasizing the rich ethnobotanical heritage of this region.
Glaciations, gradients, and geography: multiple drivers of diversification of bush frogs in the Western Ghats Escarpment
A recent study on bush frogs in the Western Ghats Escarpment reveals that more than 60 distinct lineages have diversified in situ, with deep geographical and clade-level endemism shaped by both geological processes and ecological gradients. The research highlights the biogeographic significance of the Palghat Gap, an ancient valley, which separates two deeply divergent sister clades—North and South. The study found that range stasis and allopatric speciation driven by geological processes dominate lineage isolation on adjacent massifs. Additionally, diversification events in montane zones (above 1800 m) suggest a role for climate-mediated forest-grassland persistence, while independent transitions along elevational gradients during the Miocene indicate diversification along these gradients. High elevations act as centers of lineage diversification, whereas low- and mid-elevations in southern regions serve as 'museums' for deeply divergent lineages.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Streptomyces Sp. (ERINLG-51) Isolated from Southern Western Ghats
A novel strain of Streptomyces (ERINLG-51) isolated from the Dolphin Nose hills, Nilgiris, in the Southern Western Ghats demonstrates promising antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. The ethyl acetate extract derived from its fermentation broth exhibited strong antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens, including Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 125 µg/mL. Notably, the extract also displayed significant cytotoxic effects on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, achieving 72% activity at 1000 µg/mL and an IC50 of 600 µg/mL. This suggests potential for identifying novel bioactive molecules with applications in both antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment.
Flowering plants of the Western Ghats, India
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot, host a remarkably diverse angiosperm flora. A comprehensive two-volume checklist identifies 7,402 species (5,588 indigenous) across 164,280 km², including 376 naturalized and 1,438 cultivated taxa. The study organizes entries by accepted names, synonyms, habit, nativity, distribution, phenology, conservation status, economic importance, and local names, drawing significantly from earlier regional works like the Flowering plants of Kerala. While the checklist follows an outdated family classification (BD Sharma et al., 1993), it serves as a critical resource for understanding the region's flora, despite minor nomenclatural oversights. The Western Ghats' undisturbed vegetation has dwindled to one-third of its original extent, underscoring urgent conservation needs.
Landscape scale habitat suitability modelling of bats in the Western Ghats of India: Bats like something in their tea
Bats in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, show nuanced responses to tea-dominated landscapes. While most species prefer forest fragments and shade-grown coffee plantations, they exhibit a negative response to heavily modified tea plantations, with two species entirely avoiding them. This study is the first to model habitat suitability for bats at multiple spatial scales (100–4000 m) using both acoustic and capture data in an Old World context. Small-scale variables like tea plantation cover and distance to water were strong predictors of bat occurrence, reflecting their high mobility. The findings suggest that tea-dominated landscapes can still support diverse bat populations if they include forest fragments and shade coffee, offering insights for conservation strategies in agricultural landscapes.
Patterns and Determinants of Habitat Occupancy by the Asian Elephant in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India
A comprehensive study reveals that Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) occupy 64% of the available habitat in the Western Ghats, Karnataka, India, covering approximately 13,483 km². This finding provides a critical baseline for monitoring future changes in elephant distribution. The research employed innovative 'detection--non-detection' surveys across a vast landscape and utilized advanced modeling techniques to account for variable detectability and spatial dependence, addressing key challenges in large-scale field studies. Notably, anthropogenic factors were found to be more influential than natural habitat attributes in determining elephant occupancy, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures to regulate human disturbances. The study also underscores the importance of considering observation processes in ecological modeling to accurately assess species-habitat relationships.
A Systematic Revision of the Land Snails of the Western Ghats of India
A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the land snails of the Western Ghats, India, identifies 337 taxa (299 species and 38 varieties), with 277 species and 29 varieties endemic to the region. This study updates nomenclature, clarifies taxonomy, designates lectotypes and neotypes, and provides the first color images and specimen data of type material for all Western Ghats taxa. It also includes a geo-referenced index of localities, addressing long-standing gaps in species identification and taxonomic understanding since the 1908–1921 Fauna of British India series.
Acoustic Identification of Bats in the Southern Western Ghats, India
Researchers have successfully identified echolocation calls of 15 bat species from the Valparai plateau in India's southern Western Ghats, including five species documented for the first time. Using discriminant function analyses with leave-one-out cross-validation, they achieved 100% accuracy in classifying bats with constant frequency (CF) calls and 90% success with frequency modulated (FM) calls. The study highlights significant biogeographical variations in call frequencies among some species, emphasizing the need for localized call libraries to accurately identify tropical bat species and preserve biodiversity data. This work contributes crucial acoustic data for ecological studies and conservation efforts in tropical ecosystems.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) from Western Ghats of North West Karnataka, India
The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) from the Western Ghats region of North West Karnataka, India, exhibits strong bactericidal properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. The oil's chemical composition is dominated by methyl eugenol (39.3%) and methyl chavicol (38.3%), which together account for 98.6% of its total content. These compounds demonstrate minimal bactericidal concentrations ranging from 0.143 ± 0.031 to 1.875 ± 0.684 mg/mL, highlighting the oil's potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. The study employed hydro-distillation followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze the oil, alongside tube-dilution assays to assess its antimicrobial efficacy.
Endophytic Fungal Diversity in Medicinal Plants of Western Ghats, India
A significant variation in endophytic fungal diversity was observed between monsoon and winter seasons in medicinal plants of the Western Ghats, India. The study, conducted from 2007 to 2014, isolated 31 fungal taxa from seven plant species, with Fusarium, Acremonium, Colletotrichum, Chaetomium, Myrothecium, Phomopsis, and Pestalotiopsis being the most prevalent. Coelomycetes dominated (65%), followed by hyphomycetes (32%) and ascomycetes (3%). Stem fragments harbored more endophytes than roots, and species richness was notably higher during the monsoon season. The research also revealed host specificity in some fungal endophytes, with distinct genetic clustering observed through UPGMA analysis. This pioneering study highlights the seasonal dynamics of fungal diversity in semi-evergreen forests of the Talacauvery subcluster, contributing to our understanding of microbial biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Evaluation of radionuclides in the terrestrial environment of Western Ghats
A study evaluating radionuclides in the Western Ghats reveals elevated activity concentrations of thorium-232 and outdoor terrestrial gamma dose rates compared to global averages. These findings suggest significant radiological risks to local populations from naturally occurring radionuclides, despite other hazard indices remaining within permissible limits. The research employed gamma-ray spectrometry to measure soil samples, estimating annual effective dose equivalents and radiation hazard indices to assess potential harm. This study underscores the need for further monitoring of environmental radioactivity in this ecologically sensitive region.
Investigation of orographic features influencing spatial distribution of rainfall over the Western Ghats of India using satellite data
A study reveals that the Western Ghats of India experience enhanced orographic precipitation, particularly on the windward side of Karnataka, during the summer monsoon. This increase is influenced by topography, including cascaded mountain structures, elevated summits, and gradually increasing slopes, with rainfall peaking before the mountain apex and tapering off at around 800 meters altitude. The research used TRMM 3B42 satellite rainfall data validated against IMD gridded data to analyze spatial patterns of monsoon rainfall over a 14-year period, identifying areas prone to heavy and very heavy precipitation events (thresholds: >150 mm/day for very heavy, 120-150 mm/day for heavy). These findings provide critical insights for hazard management and improving weather predictions in mountainous terrains.
Microphysics of clouds and rain over the Western Ghat
Shallow clouds over the Western Ghats produce heavy rainfall due to rapid condensational growth of cloud droplets, driven by orographic updrafts. Research reveals that collision-coalescence processes dominate rain formation, with distinct raindrop size distribution (DSD) patterns observed on both windward and leeward sides of the mountains. At Pune (lee side), DSD shapes transition from concave upward to downward during stratiform rain, indicating breakup processes at lower altitudes. Conversely, Mahabaleshwar (windward side) shows bimodal and monomodal DSDs for light and heavy rainfall, respectively, with small drops contributing significantly. Aircraft measurements confirm that ambient updraft speeds foster rapid droplet growth, leading to precipitation within a few hundred meters of cloud depth. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between cloud microphysics and orographic forcing in shaping rainfall over this UNESCO-listed region.
On a Dhole Trail: Examining Ecological and Anthropogenic Correlates of Dhole Habitat Occupancy in the Western Ghats of India
A rigorous assessment of dhole (Cuon alpinus) habitat occupancy in the Western Ghats, India, reveals that traditional presence-absence analyses significantly underestimate their range by 60%, or approximately 8,682 km². This study, the first to apply likelihood-based occupancy models accounting for imperfect detection and spatial autocorrelation, found that landscape-scale dhole distribution is primarily influenced by the relative abundance of principal ungulate prey, while reserve-level habitat use is negatively impacted by anthropogenic disturbance. Conducted across 38,728 km² and a smaller 935 km² reserve, the research highlights the critical role of ecological and human factors in shaping dhole occupancy, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Sensitivity of digital elevation models: The scenario from two tropical mountain river basins of the Western Ghats, India
A comparative analysis of digital elevation models (DEMs) reveals that SRTM and ASTER provide reliable topographic representations for tropical mountain river basins, with SRTM demonstrating higher vertical accuracy despite coarser resolution. The study evaluated DEMs from ASTER, SRTM, GMTED2010, and Survey of India's TOPO data across two Western Ghats basins—Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) and Pambar River Basin (PRB)—using topographic attributes like elevation, slope, curvature, and drainage network characteristics. While ASTER and SRTM aligned closely with TOPO, GMTED2010 showed significant deviations, rendering it less suitable for mountain-river-basin-scale studies. Vertical accuracy was found to be influenced by terrain relief and vegetation type, with SRTM outperforming others (RMSE: 23 m in MRB, 20 m in PRB) compared to ASTER (33 m, 24 m) and GMTED (59 m, 48 m).
An overview of Asian Elephants in the Western Ghats, southern India: implications for the conservation of Western Ghats ecology
The Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot and source of major rivers in peninsular India, supports around 10,000 Asian elephants across six populations, with some showing increasing trends. This region, home to over 50% of the world's elephant population, faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation, poaching for ivory, and escalating human-elephant conflicts. The study highlights that conserving elephants in this landscape is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for ecological functions like climate stability and erosion control, which benefit millions of people. Effective conservation strategies must focus on consolidating habitats, preserving corridors to mitigate fragmentation, reducing human-elephant conflicts through integrated land-use planning, and protecting tusked males from poaching to ensure a genetically viable population.
Endophytic Xylariaceae from the forests of Western Ghats, southern India: distribution and biological activities
A study of the Western Ghats' forests revealed that endophytic fungi from the Xylariaceae family, found in 49 tree species across dry thorn and stunted montane evergreen habitats, exhibit dual life strategies. These fungi thrive as both endophytes within leaves and saprotrophs on plant litter, producing enzymes like cellulase, laccase, and lipase. Molecular analysis identified most isolates as belonging to Xylaria or Nemania, while their extracts showed inhibitory effects against fungi, bacteria, and algae, suggesting competitive advantages in forest floor ecosystems. The study highlights the potential of these fungi for biotechnological applications due to their unique ecological roles.
Morphometric analysis of sub-watershed in parts of Western Ghats, South India using ASTER DEM
A morphometric analysis of the Palar sub-watershed, part of the Western Ghats in South India, reveals that the region's drainage characteristics are primarily controlled by slope and local relief, with a dendritic pattern dominating its stream network. The study, utilizing ASTER GDEM data and GIS tools, found a mean bifurcation ratio of 3.69, indicating structural control over stream development. Shape factors highlighted the elongation of the sub-watershed, while the relief ratio suggested high discharge capacity but limited groundwater potential. These findings provide critical insights for soil erosion and conservation planning in this ecologically significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Predicting the Distribution Pattern of Small Carnivores in Response to Environmental Factors in the Western Ghats
Small carnivores in the Western Ghats, particularly in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, exhibit distinct distribution patterns influenced by environmental factors such as distance to villages and precipitation. Research using maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) identified key predictors for six species, with 'distance to village' and seasonal precipitation being significant across most models. The study found that habitat heterogeneity, driven by an east-west climatic gradient, plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of these carnivores. Predicted suitable habitats ranged from 28 km² to 63 km² for different species, highlighting the importance of modeling for targeted conservation planning. This approach offers valuable insights for prioritizing conservation efforts in southern India.
Species Diversity and Tree Regeneration Patterns in Tropical Forests of the Western Ghats, India
Tree species diversity and regeneration patterns vary significantly across different vegetation types in the Western Ghats, India. The study found that mid-elevation forests exhibit higher species heterogeneity, while higher elevations show greater tree abundance. Rarefaction analysis revealed heterogeneous distribution of species across all vegetation types, with undisturbed areas demonstrating stronger regeneration signals. Disturbed forests showed more frequent shifts in species composition between mature and regenerating phases compared to less disturbed or undisturbed forests. The research used rarefaction curves, one-way ANOVA for density/basal area comparisons, and Sorenson similarity indices to quantify these patterns, highlighting the sensitivity of tropical forest regeneration to human disturbance.
Status review of Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India with recommendations for conservation and management
Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India, harbor high species richness and diversity, with numerous endemic flora and fauna, many of which are threatened. These specialized habitats, characterized by unique microclimates and edaphic features, exhibit localized diversification and active speciation. However, most localities outside protected areas face significant biotic pressure, lacking specific legal protection for their biodiversity. The study provides a detailed classification of these plateaus, describes their microhabitats, and assesses ecological changes due to human impact. It concludes with urgent recommendations for conservation and management actions tailored to the ecology of these critical habitats.
Streptomycete endophytes from anti-diabetic medicinal plants of the Western Ghats inhibit alpha-amylase and promote glucose uptake
Researchers have identified endophytic streptomycete bacteria from two anti-diabetic medicinal plants, Leucas ciliata and Rauwolfia densiflora, found in the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The study demonstrates that extracts from these microbes—specifically Streptomyces longisporoflavus and an unidentified Streptomyces species—exhibit significant anti-diabetic potential by inhibiting α-amylase (with an IC50 value of 162.3 ± 1.05 μg/ml, comparable to the standard Acarbose™) and promoting glucose uptake in porcine hemidiaphragm tissue. This marks the first documentation of such activity in endophytic streptomycetes, highlighting their potential as novel sources for anti-diabetic agents. The findings underscore the Western Ghats' rich biodiversity as a reservoir for medicinally valuable microbial resources.
Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant properties of three Ceropegia species from Western Ghats of India
A comprehensive analysis of three Ceropegia species from the Western Ghats reveals significant antioxidant properties, with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) varying widely among extracts. The study identifies gallic acid, vanillin, cathechol, and ferulic acid as major phenolic compounds, all demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal chelating ability. These findings correlate significantly with TPC and TFC, underscoring the potential of these species for natural antioxidant applications. This research represents the first detailed investigation into the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of Ceropegia spp., providing valuable insights for both scientific and practical purposes.
Determination of Wolbachia Diversity in Butterflies from Western Ghats, India, by a Multigene Approach
A groundbreaking study reveals the first detailed analysis of Wolbachia diversity in butterflies from India's Western Ghats, identifying 29 infected species across five families, including a novel infection in the family Papilionidae. Using a multigene approach with five MLST genes, researchers uncovered 15 distinct Wolbachia sequence types (STs), 13 of which are newly documented. The study highlights significant genetic divergence among strains, driven by recombination and point mutations, with MLST providing superior strain separation compared to wsp genotyping. Notably, some butterfly species harbored distinctly different Wolbachia strains, while others shared closely related ones, underscoring the complex dynamics of host-symbiont relationships in this biodiverse region.
Dietary Partitioning in Sympatric Large Carnivores in a Tropical Forest of Western Ghats, India
Sympatric large carnivores—tigers, leopards, and doles—in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India, coexist despite high dietary overlap (over 61%) due to the availability of diverse prey sizes. While all three predators primarily consume wild ungulates (88.4–96.7%), tigers target large prey (>50 kg), such as gaur and sambar, whereas leopards and doles favor medium-sized prey (11–50 kg), like chital, with secondary preferences for langur (leopard) and sambar (dhole). Prey surveys revealed high densities of chital (43.8 ± 10.7 individuals/km²), gaur (6.7 ± 1.5), and sambar (4.9 ± 0.96), with biomass estimates of 2058.6, 3015, and 656.6 kg/km² respectively. This study highlights how prey size partitioning mitigates competition among apex predators in tropical forests.
Environmental susceptibility model for predicting forest fire occurrence in the Western Ghats of India
Forest fires pose significant management challenges in the Western Ghats of India, with their spatial distribution influenced by climate, topography, and vegetation. This study reveals that while highly fire-prone areas are predominantly located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, the accuracy and predictions of fire susceptibility vary significantly across regions. The research employs the MODIS Hotspots database and Maxent algorithm to quantify these environmental controls over 2003–2007, using hierarchical partitioning to assess independent contributions and build parsimonious models for each study area. A two-step approach is proposed: first, identifying large fire-prone areas by focusing on monsoon season climatic conditions that influence fuel moisture content; second, pinpointing the most vulnerable sites within these areas based on local vegetation types.
Mapping of Shear Zones in the Western Ghats, Southwestern Part of Dharwar Craton
A new map of structural architecture in the Western Ghats reveals significant shear zones at the craton-mobile belt interface, particularly around the Coorg granulite massif. These shear zones are linked to the Moyar-Bhavani Shear Zone in Southern India and exhibit distinct differences in nature, geometry, and kinematics between the granulitic crust and the cratonic part. The study utilized modern mapping techniques to compile this detailed map, providing critical insights into the tectonic evolution of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Freshwater fish fauna of Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India
A two-year study (2007–2009) of the Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India, identified 58 freshwater fish species—11 endemic to the Krishna River system and eight threatened by human activities. Notably, the Koyna River remains relatively free from anthropogenic stressors or invasive species, positioning it as a potential refuge for conserving endangered and endemic fishes. The research highlights the ecological significance of this site while emphasizing the need for minimal human interference and strict controls on alien species introduction to safeguard its unique biodiversity.
Technical Note: Hydrological Modeling with SWAT in a Monsoon-Driven Environment: Experience from the Western Ghats, India
Hydrological modeling using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in monsoon-driven environments, such as the Western Ghats in India, can yield reasonable results when adapted to account for seasonal water limitations and dam management effects. The study, conducted on the Mula and Mutha Rivers catchment (2036 km²), demonstrated that SWAT could effectively simulate mean daily discharge during the rainy season (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies of 0.58–0.68) when modified for forest growth and dam operations. However, performance weakened in subcatchments with multiple dams due to simplified management schemes and potential underestimation of evapotranspiration. The research highlights that generally available data can support accurate modeling if key monsoon characteristics are properly parameterized.
Traditional uses of medicinal plants among the tribal people in Theni District (Western Ghats), Southern India
A rich trove of ethnomedicinal knowledge among the Paliyar and Muthuvar tribal communities in Theni District, Western Ghats, Southern India, reveals 86 medicinal plant species used for treating various ailments. Dominant families include Acanthaceae (7 species) and Cucurbitaceae (5 species), with leaves being the most commonly utilized plant part. This study, conducted through standardized interviews with 12 traditional healers from August 2008 to July 2009, underscores the potential for discovering novel bioactive molecules from these plants, reflecting a deep cultural connection to local flora and its therapeutic applications.
Weathering and Landslide Occurrences in Parts of Western Ghats, Kerala
Significant weathering processes in the Western Ghats, particularly on windward slopes, are closely linked to landslide occurrences, with rainfall emerging as the dominant factor accelerating chemical weathering. The study analyzed rock and soil samples from hornblende gneiss and granite gneiss, revealing high Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values in lateritic soils and forest loam, indicative of extensive weathering. Landslides are predominantly associated with highly weathered zones, especially lateritic soils and severe erodability areas. Additional factors such as deforestation, land use changes, and soil erosion further exacerbate these processes. The research highlights the critical role of weathering in landslide dynamics, providing insights into the geomorphological vulnerability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds from six wild edible mushrooms of western ghats of Karnataka, India
Six wild edible mushrooms from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Methanolic extracts of these mushrooms, particularly Lycoperdon perlatum, Cantharellus cibarius, Clavaria vermiculris, and Ramaria formosa, demonstrated notable inhibitory effects against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, with some maintaining efficacy even at low concentrations. Quantitative analysis revealed high levels of bioactive components, including phenols (3.20 ± 0.05 mg/mL to 6.25 ± 0.08 mg/mL) and flavonoids (0.40 ± 0.052 mg/mL to 2.54 ± 0.08 mg/mL), contributing to their antioxidant potential, which surpassed that of the standard antioxidant BHA (IC₅₀ ranging from 0.94 ± 0.27 mg/mL to 7.57 ± 0.21 mg/mL). These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of these mushrooms, particularly in relation to their antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities.
Morphometric aspects of a small tropical mountain river system, the southern Western Ghats, India
A morphometric analysis of the Muthirapuzha watershed (MW) in the southern Western Ghats, India, reveals significant insights into its drainage characteristics and hydrological makeup. The study found that rainfall plays a crucial role in shaping the watershed's drainage development, while the underlying rock structure and relief influence its drainage pattern. Tectonic history from the late Paleocene age is linked to the asymmetry observed in the drainage distribution. The MW exhibits moderate to well-drained conditions with geomorphic maturity, indicating an elongated nature and advanced drainage network development. These findings highlight the watershed's vulnerability to soil loss and provide a foundation for comprehensive watershed management planning.
Resource partitioning in sympatric langurs and macaques in tropical rainforests of the central Western Ghats, south India
Research on sympatric primate species in the central Western Ghats, south India, reveals minimal niche overlap and no contest competition among lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus), bonnet macaques (M. radiata), and Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus). Despite seasonal variations in resource abundance, dietary overlap was low during the dry season and high only between macaque species during the wet season, yet no agonistic interactions were observed. This suggests that these primates avoid competition through behavioral and ecological practices, such as foraging at different tree heights or using distinct substrates for animal prey, allowing them to coexist sympatrically year-round without significant contest competition.
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