Diversity and conservation of selected biota of the Megamalai landscape, Western Ghats, India

Data on the diversity of selected faunal groups of Megamalai landscape, southern Western Ghats, India, based on a field study from March 2006 to January 2009 and published information were collated and analysed. Greater species richness of tree species (157 species), amphibians (34), reptiles (87), birds (211) and mammals (62) and endemicity in the area appear to be due to the availability of various vegetation types and greater elevational gradient (200-1800 m msl). High proportion of endemic species with respect to sampled taxa was observed in wet zones (>800 m). Annexing area with various vegetation types and elevation gradients to the recently declared Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is critical for biodiversity conservation in the region.