The Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape is one of the four major landscapes in the Western Ghats, known for its rich biodiversity and significant wildlife habitats. This landscape is especially notable for hosting over 50% of the Western Ghats’ elephant population, making it a crucial area for the conservation of Asian Elephants. Its contiguity with the Eastern Ghats elephant landscape enhances its importance as it forms the single largest global population of Asian Elephants.
Why is the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape important for Asian Elephants?
The Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape is important for Asian Elephants because it supports over half of the Western Ghats’ elephant population. This landscape provides a vast, contiguous habitat that is crucial for the survival of Asian Elephants, offering them the space they need for their ranging behavior, access to food and water sources, and maintaining genetic diversity. The connectivity it shares with the Eastern Ghats further amplifies its significance, forming the largest global population of this species, which is vital for their conservation and genetic health.
How does the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape contribute to biodiversity?
The Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape, as part of the Western Ghats, contributes significantly to biodiversity through its spectacular assemblage of flora and fauna, including larger mammals. Apart from the Asian Elephants, this area is home to various other species, contributing to the Western Ghats being recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. The diverse ecosystems within this landscape support a wide range of species, many of which are endemic to the region, thus playing a critical role in global biodiversity conservation.
What are the other major landscapes in the Western Ghats?
In addition to the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape, the Western Ghats encompass three other major landscapes:
Uttara Kannada:Known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity, including several protected areas.
Anamalai-Nelliyampathy-High Range: This landscape is recognized for its significant wildlife habitats, including those for large mammals like tigers and elephants.
Periyar-Agasthyamalai: A landscape known for its unique flora and fauna, including the tiger and elephant populations, along with several endemic species.
Each of these landscapes plays a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity in the Western Ghats, supporting different ecosystems and wildlife species.
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