20-Jan-2023: New Plateau in Western Ghats

A rare low-altitude basalt plateau discovered in Maharashtra in the Western Ghats. It can help study the effects of climate change on species survival and increase awareness of the conservation needs of rock outcrops and their immense biodiversity value in the global context.

Low-Altitude Basalt Plateau is the fourth type of plateau to be identified in the region; the previous three are laterites at high and low altitudes and basalt at high altitudes.

Biodiversity in the newly discovered plateau:

• 76 species of plants and shrubs reported
• 24 different families
• Shares vegetation with three other rock outcrops
• Unique species present
• Rock outcrops have seasonal water availability, limited soil and nutrients, making them ideal laboratories to study the effects of climate change on species survival.

Significance of Western Ghats:

• Chain of mountains running parallel to India's Western Coast
• Passes through states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
• One of four global biodiversity hotspots in India
• Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Influences Indian monsoon weather patterns
• Barrier to rain-laden monsoon winds from the south-west
• Home to tropical evergreen forests
• 325 globally threatened species
• Plateaus dominant landscape
• Significant due to predominance of endemic species