The mountain chain of the Western Ghats represents geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It has an exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism and is recognized as one of the worlds eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity. The forests of the site include some representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests and are home to at least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species.