10 rare and endemic species from the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world, is home to some of the rarest plants and animal species. The mountain range is spread across six states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas? This ancient mountain range has a unique combination of tropical rainforests, high-altitude grasslands, and rich river systems that provide a sanctuary for numerous rare and endemic species.

Here are 10 rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats, along with the best places to spot them:

The lion-tailed macaque is one of the rarest primates in the world. The macaque has a striking silver-white mane around its dark face, resembling a lion’s mane. Lion-tailed macaques are found deep in the jungles of Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, and Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka.

This is not your run-of-the-mill goat. The Nilgiri tahr is a stocky mountain goat with curved horns, usually found on steep rocky slopes and grasslands in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. In Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, find them amid neelakurinji blooms, or just lounging in the Shola grasslands of Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu.

This dark-furred primate with a golden-brown mane around its face is one of the loudest denizens of the forests of the Western Ghats. The Nilgiri langur is classified as a Vulnerable species because of their depleting numbers caused by habitat loss and poaching. You can still spot them in Periyar Tiger Reserve and Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu.

Interestingly, the carnivorous Nilgiri marten is the only marten species found in southern India. They are identified by their sleek brown-black coat with a yellow throat patch. If you are exploring the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, Eravikulam National Park and Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, keep an eye out for the Nilgiri marten.

Nothing beats the Amboli toad when it comes to being rare and endemic. This toad species was discovered in 2009, in Amboli, Maharashtra, and as per report, their entire population is limited to a single area measuring approximately 10 sq km.

Speaking of rare, another endemic species is the Nilgiri wood-pigeon. This dusky pigeon is endemic to the shola forests of the Western Ghats, and comes under the Near Threatened category. You can hear their cooing calls inside the forest of Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, and the shola grasslands of the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu.

You will easily spot the Malabar grey hornbill deep in the hinterlands of Goa. The Malabar grey hornbill does not have a casque unlike other hornbills. Apart from Goa, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, and Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka are some of the best places to spot them.

Sri Lanka frogmouth gets its name from its broad, frog-like mouth. These birds are nocturnal and also have plumage that resembles dried leaves. Can you tell that it is not easy to spot these birds? Check out the forests in and around Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.

Did you know that the flame-throated bulbul is Goa's state bird? These birds are known for their vibrant orange-red throat and yellow body. Chances of spotting them are high in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa, and Anshi National Park in Karnataka.