Top 10 Endemic Wildlife of Western Ghats – Indian Rainforest
The vulnerable and endangered species of the Western Ghats are the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, and Nilgiri Marten.
Western Ghats rainforest region has diverse and unique species of reptiles, amphibians, fish species and butterfly species – Insects.
Brown Palm Civet
The brown palm civet (Paradoxurus jerdoni) is one of the viverrid endemic to the Western Ghats of India and a are solitary and nocturnal animal predominantly frugivorous.
Lion Tailed Macaque
Lion Tailed Macaque is endemic to the Indian rainforest of Western Ghats and as one of the top 25 endangered species of primate in the world. The lion-tailed macaque is one of the smallest macaque species in India.
Nilgiri Langur
Nilgiri langur is a rare species of black Langurs in Indian sub-continent, found in Kodagu and Kodayar Hills of the Nilgiri Mountains. Nilgiri Langur is one of the two endemic primates of the Western Ghats, Lion-tailed Macaque being other one.
Nilgiri Tahr
Nilgiri Ibex or Nilgiri tahr known to be endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and also found in some part of Western ghats of Kerala. Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu and listed as one of the most endangered species of in India.
Nilgiri Marten
Nilgiri marten is one of the species of marten found in India, mostly in hills of the Nilgiris and Western Ghats. Nilgiri marten animal endemic to the Western Ghats and most elusive species of small carnivores along with Honey Badger.
Malabar Large Spotted Civet
Malabar large-spotted civet is a large species of viverrid found in India, endemic to the Western Ghats and listed as Critically Endangered.
Malabar Giant Squirrel
Malabar giant squirrel is a diurnal, arboreal and one of the largest tree squirrel found in India, distribution range includes from the Western Ghats
Malabar Gliding Frog
Malabar gliding frog found in the Western Ghats of India, One of the flying or gliding animal found in India.
Malabar Pit Viper
Malabar pit viper is a beautiful looking colorful venomous pit viper species found in India, The Pit viper is endemic to the Western Ghats of India– Pic Credit – jlrexplore
Malabar and Nilgiri Birds:
There are 15 species of birds endemic to the Western Ghats of India, known by name of location such as Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit. Some of the wild animals of Malabar rainforest are Malabar grey hornbill,Malabar parakeet,Malabar trogon and Malabar barbet.
Some of the known species of the Western Ghats Escarpment also includes Smooth-coated Otter, Indian Brown Mongoose, Indian Pangolin or Scaly Anteater, Indian Crested Porcupine and Honey Badger Ratel.
