Western Ghats Biodiversity Atlas Records 9,400 Species
A decade-long survey by 340 researchers documents 18 vertebrates new to science and maps threats across the range.
The Zoological Survey of India and the Botanical Survey of India have jointly released the Western Ghats Biodiversity Atlas, a six-volume work that is the most exhaustive inventory yet of one of the world's hottest biodiversity hotspots.
Produced by 340 field researchers from 22 institutions over ten years, it documents 9,400 species across mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, vascular plants and select invertebrates.
Key Highlights
- 9,400 species documented across six states.
- 18 vertebrate species new to science identified.
- Compiled by 340 researchers from 22 institutions over ten years.
- 34% of the sensitive range faces moderate-to-high human pressure.
- Released as an open-access digital resource.
New to Science
The atlas formally documents 18 vertebrates new to science: five freshwater fishes from the Periyar and Chaliyar river systems, seven amphibians from high-altitude shola grasslands in the Nilgiris and Anamalai hills, three lizards and three small mammals from northern Kerala's montane evergreen forests.
Atlas at a glance
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Species documented | 9,400 |
| New vertebrate species | 18 |
| Researchers / institutions | 340 / 22 |
| Survey duration | Ten years |
| Range under pressure | About 34% |
Threat Assessment
A geospatial assessment using 2013 and 2023 satellite imagery finds about 34 per cent of the ecologically sensitive range faces moderate-to-high pressure from agriculture, plantations, linear infrastructure and settlement growth. Concern hotspots include the Anamalai-Parambikulam connectivity corridors, where road widening blocks elephant and big-cat movement, and the northern Sahyadris, fragmented by urbanisation around Pune and Nashik.
Policy Implications
The 2011 Gadgil Committee recommended the highest protection for the entire sensitive zone, later diluted by the Kasturirangan Committee. Atlas researchers urge the government to revisit eco-sensitive-zone mapping using the new data. The findings feed directly into debates on balancing growth and conservation.
Available with interactive distribution maps and downloadable data layers, the atlas lets forest departments and planners integrate findings into clearance evaluations and corridor planning. The environment ministry called it a foundation for science-based conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species does the atlas document?
9,400 species across the Western Ghats' six states.
How many species are new to science?
18 vertebrates, including fishes, amphibians, lizards and small mammals.
How much of the range is under pressure?
About 34 per cent faces moderate-to-high human pressure.
How was the threat assessment done?
By comparing 2013 and 2023 satellite imagery of canopy cover and land use.
Is the atlas publicly available?
Yes, as an open-access digital resource with interactive maps.
Sources
- Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Abhijit Chowdhury
Staff Reporter
Editorial administrator for Eastern Times.
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