As we celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3, NT NETWORK explores Goa’s Western Ghats—a biodiversity hotspot brimming with rare and endemic species, from the elusive Melanistic leopard to the vibrant Malabar parakeet
RAMANDEEP KAUR NT NETWORK
With its dense forests, undulating terrain, and diverse flora, the Western Ghats, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, supports a vast array of animal species, from the smallest insects to large mammals like the Indian gaur, Goa’s state animal.
“Many species, especially birds and butterflies, are unique to this region, along with the rare black leopard,” says retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Goa, Richard D’Souza.
In fact, Goa hosts several flagship species, including the tiger, cobra, and the highly endangered Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, found only in the Mhadei region of the Western Ghats.
Why wildlife matters
All these species contribute to ecological balance. The king cobra, the world’s largest venomous snake, helps regulate reptile populations. The endangered Malabar pied hornbill has breeding populations across several sanctuaries. Other significant species contributing to ecosystem stability include flying squirrels, slender lorises, stripe-necked mongooses, and otters. Sloth bears also aid in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds over long distances.
The Indian gaur too helps shape the forest by adding nutrients to the soil as they move and feed, which helps plants grow. “For example, when a gaur eats bamboo at around six feet, it stops the plant from growing too tall and encourages side shoots. These shoots become food for smaller animals like barking deer and mouse deer,” says a forest department official. Gaurs are also an important part of the food chain, as young ones provide food for predators like tigers and wild dogs.
Likewise, the Malabar giant squirrel, which spends most of its time in trees, helps spread seeds. “As they eat, pieces of food fall to the ground, providing food for other animals. These leftovers also break down and enrich the soil, helping new plants grow,” says a farmer, adding that thus it is vital that these species are protected since if their numbers drop, it can affect many other species.
Endemic species and
new discoveries
Besides this, the Western Ghats are home to endemic species like the grey-headed mongoose and the blue-tailed bee-eater. Goa has also been the site of significant scientific discoveries, including new species of caecilians—limbless amphibians. For instance, Gegeneophis pareshi, a blind species, was identified near Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, while Gegeneophis mhadeiensis was discovered in Chorla village, and Gegeneophis nadkarni was identified in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, the newly discovered frog species Salenkariansis was named in honour of a former forest officer.
Adapting to a changing landscape
And while the Western Ghats in Goa, says the forest official, are largely protected within wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, yet wildlife extends beyond these designated areas. “Animals are frequently spotted in plantations, horticulture fields, and paddy fields. This coexistence, while natural, is becoming increasingly strained due to aggressive agricultural expansion and habitat loss,” he says.
And as human activities expand, the wildlife too is adapting in unexpected ways. Pythons, leopards, and other species are increasingly found near human settlements because they have learned to move through and survive in these altered
landscapes.
The farmer further explains that monkeys, for instance, have altered their foraging habits, moving from forests to villages where food is more readily available. “Peafowls and giant squirrels are adapting in similar ways, but their growing presence in human-dominated areas often leads to conflict,” he says. “Earlier, traditional farming practices included protective measures to safeguard crops and water sources from wildlife. Today, modern approaches depend on external intervention, further widening the gap between humans and nature.”
The official adds that species, like the Indian gaur, also require vast spaces for grazing and movement. “As they traverse long distances, they often encounter barriers—settlements, roads, or plantations—leading to conflicts with humans. Identifying and maintaining wildlife corridors can help mitigate such encounters by allowing animals to move safely between forested areas without disrupting human activities.”
A declining tolerance
for wildlife?
But the declining tolerance for wildlife is a pressing issue. “Earlier, people coexisted with animals. Now, that sense of belonging has diminished,” says a naturalist, adding that the media’s portrayal of these animals as a ‘threat’ rather than acknowledging them as part of the ecosystem only fuels fear.
Simple solutions, like giving animals safe passage instead of panicking or harming them, can reduce these conflicts, he says.
Further, he states, media reports often highlight the problems faced by humans when animals enter their spaces. But the larger question remains—who speaks for the wildlife losing their habitats? “These animals were here long before us, yet we continue to encroach on their land and resources,” says the official. “The competition for space, food, and water is intensifying, but the responsibility lies with humans to find a way
to coexist.”
The official emphasises that as Goa observes World Wildlife Day, it is essential to recognise the essential ecosystem services its biodiversity provides.
Roadblocks to conservation
Beyond habitat loss, Goa’s wildlife also faces threats owing to construction projects. Roads passing through protected areas, such as Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, pose a risk to wildlife, with the need for underpasses and rope bridges to reduce roadkill.
“The Western Ghats are highly sensitive. Large-scale construction can cause landslides and destroy biodiversity that can never be recovered,” warns D’Souza.
He stresses the need to explore sustainable alternatives before approving such projects. “While the one-kilometre eco-sensitive buffer around wildlife sanctuaries is a step in the right direction, stricter policies are necessary to prevent long-term environmental damage,”
he adds.
Garbage left by travellers is another growing concern, attracting scavengers and disrupting ecosystems. Plastic waste, especially microplastics, enters river systems during the monsoon and eventually reaches the beaches, harming marine life.
A call to protect what’s left
As forests shrink, local communities—especially farmers and fishermen—face serious challenges. “When biodiversity declines, it disrupts the delicate balance that sustains their way of life,” D’Souza explains. “Protected areas like Mhadei, Mollem, Netravali, and Cotigao help maintain this balance, covering over 755 square kilometres.”
The Western Ghats also plays a vital role in maintaining Goa’s water security. The forests sustain natural springs, which, in turn, provide drinking water to the state. “If the flora and fauna of these forests are compromised, water sources will dry up, leading to an ecological and economic crisis,” states the official. Thus, conservation is not just an environmental concern but a necessity for
human survival.
Tech for conservation
To combat deforestation and encroachments, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) has a satellite-based monitoring app ‘Forest Fire Alert System (FAST) 3.0’ that tracks changes in forest cover. Reports generated through the system are verified by the forest department.
Also, a Wildlife Rescue app has been launched to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or
injured animals.
The need for stronger efforts
But to protect Goa’s natural wealth for future generations, D’Souza urges stricter conservation measures.
Unlike some ecosystems, evergreen forests cannot be restored once destroyed. “It’s a misconception that lost forests can simply be regrown. The best way to protect them is to be extremely cautious with development, especially in the Western Ghats,” he emphasises. He adds that the government must ensure communities near forests and rivers use these resources responsibly while also protecting them. “Once natural heritage is lost, restoring it is nearly impossible.”
