Biodiversity Loss due to Deforestation in the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world. However, large-scale deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, mining, and infrastructure projects has posed a significant threat to its biodiversity. This paper analyzes the patterns and consequences of biodiversity loss in the Western Ghats, reviews the existing literature, and highlights strategies for sustainable conservation. The findings reveal that deforestation has led to habitat fragmentation, species extinction, soil erosion, and climate change impacts, which collectively threaten the ecological balance of the region.