Status review of Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India with recommendations for conservation and management

Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India, harbor high species richness and diversity, with numerous endemic flora and fauna, many of which are threatened. These specialized habitats, characterized by unique microclimates and edaphic features, exhibit localized diversification and active speciation. However, most localities outside protected areas face significant biotic pressure, lacking specific legal protection for their biodiversity. The study provides a detailed classification of these plateaus, describes their microhabitats, and assesses ecological changes due to human impact. It concludes with urgent recommendations for conservation and management actions tailored to the ecology of these critical habitats.

Watve, A. (2013). Status review of Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India with recommendations for conservation and management. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 5(5), 3935–3962. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.o3372.3935-62