Western Ghats: a serial World Heritage property across six States, valued for its monsoon role and endemic species

National Geography and Environment Environment & Climate

Western Ghats: a serial World Heritage property across six States, valued for its monsoon role and endemic species

Background

UNESCO lists the Western Ghats as a World Heritage property in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
It consists of 39 component parts grouped into 7 sub-clusters, covering 795,315 hectares, and is listed under natural criteria (ix) and (x).
Its montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon, presenting one of the best examples of the tropical monsoon system on the planet.
Of about 650 tree species, 352 (54%) are endemic, and amphibians are 65% endemic.
UNESCO calls it one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity.

Component parts: 39, in 7 sub-clusters Area: 795,315 hectares Criteria: (ix) and (x) Tree species that are endemic: 352 (54%) of about 650

Why it matters for exams: The Western Ghats, with their States, serial structure and biodiversity role, are a frequent environment and geography topic, especially for Kerala candidates.

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3 October 2026 Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre Updated 4 October 2026

In plain words

Serial property Serial property — A World Heritage site made up of several separate component parts treated as one property.

Endemic Endemic — Found naturally only in a particular region and nowhere else.