Discuss why India’s Western Ghats is considered as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, the threats it is facing and recent measures taken to protect this biodiversity. (200 Words)

Western Ghats is one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world reknowned for its high concentration and variety of endemic flora and fauna. Subsequently biosphere reserves, restricted and protected areas have been demarcated in this region in bids to conserve it. However it faces considerable threats :
- high population pressure developing along coastal plains is causing human settlements to venture deeper into western ghats area. Clearing land for agricultural and human settlements is increasing
- introduction of invasive plant/tree species as part of afforestation drives
- buidling of roads through region in a bid to improve connectivity and increasing volume of traffic through this region
- greater industrial/mining activity is affecting natural ecosystems, degrading them and causing fragmentation.

Several measures have been taken to protect this region:
- Gadgil report and Kasturirangan committee report seek to bring attention to vulnerability of this region. The demarcation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas, and regulating disruptive human activiy is sought
- extending limits of core zone regions for in-situ conservation efforts by converting wildlife sanctuaries to national parks, increasing boundaries of wild life sanctuaries, and buffer regions
- closing operation of highways during hours in the night to protect wildlife through these regions
- prohibiting use of exotic plant species in afforestation programs

The question of balancing the developmental needs of people living in these areas to access better livlihood facilities and the need for conserving nature and wildlife applies here. Greater involvement of local panchayats while pursuing conservation efforts is necessary to make the effort effective, holistic and long lasting.