Classification
- Ecoregion: Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests.
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF) realm: Indomalayan.
- WWF ecoregion code: IM0146.
Geographic extent
- Located in the southern portion of the Western Ghats mountain range on the western coast of India.
- Extends across parts of the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and includes the Nilgiri hills and the southern slopes of the Western Ghats.
- Bordered to the west by the Malabar Coast moist deciduous forests and to the east by the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests.
Climate
- Tropical monsoon climate with a pronounced wet season (June – September) receiving 2,000–3,000 mm of annual rainfall.
- Dry season (November – April) characterized by reduced precipitation and higher temperatures.
- Elevation ranges from near sea level to approximately 1,000 m, producing moderate temperature gradients.
Vegetation
- Dominated by semi‑evergreen and deciduous tree species that shed leaves during the dry season.
- Common canopy trees: Tectona grandis (teak), Terminalia tomentosa, Artocarpus hirsutus, Madhuca latifolia, and Syzygium cumini.
- Understory includes lianas, epiphytes, and a diverse shrub layer.
- Seasonal leaf fall creates a litter layer that supports a rich community of decomposers.
Fauna
- Mammals: Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), gaur (Bos gaurus), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and several species of deer and primates (e.g., lion-tailed macaque Macaca silenus).
- Birds: Endemic and near‑endemic species such as the Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), Malabar grey hornbill (Ocyceros griseus), and the Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias indecisa).
- Reptiles and amphibians: High diversity of endemic caecilians, frogs, and geckos, many of which are restricted to the Western Ghats.
- Invertebrates: Rich assemblages of butterflies, beetles, and other insects, many of which are specialists of moist deciduous habitats.
Conservation status
- Classified by WWF as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Primary threats: conversion of forest land to agriculture (especially plantation crops such as tea, coffee, and rubber), logging, infrastructure development, and hydropower projects.
- Protected areas within the ecoregion include several national parks and wildlife sanctaries, such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and Mukurthi National Park.
- Ongoing conservation initiatives focus on habitat connectivity, community‑based forest management, and anti‑poaching measures.
Key references
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Ecoregions of the World: South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests (IM0146).
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Biodiversity Atlas of the Western Ghats.
- Gadgil, M., & Guha, S. (1993). The Western Ghats: A Biodiversity Hotspot of India.
All information presented reflects current, verifiable sources and does not include speculation.
