The Western Ghats are very important as several important perennial rivers, both west-flowing and east-flowing, have their origin here. The altitude of the Western Ghats varies at different parts in its 1600 km stretch, with the tallest peak in the entire range at Anamudi in Kerala at a staggering 8842 feet above sea level. The altitude and various other factors play a vital role in creating a habitat mosaic that supports many living forms. Apart from being home to a wide range of birds, several migratory birds visit the Western Ghats worldwide during winter. Interestingly, the name of the district Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu. Vayal means Paddy Field, and Nadu is Land, and this symbolises a Land of Paddy Fields. The region is known for its elephants—they are often seen wandering into places that people occupy. However, this is where you can also see unusual kinds of wildlife, some of which we list below.
A bright green-hued frog found in streams and river banks, the Malabar Gliding frog is a rhacophorid tree frog species. The tiny frog has a pale yellow belly and is found in the Western Ghats. The frog's ability to stretch the webbing between its toes when it leaps to help break its fall is called a gliding frog. The male frog is smaller than the female, and the male builds a foam nest for the eggs when it reproduces during the monsoon months between June and September.
A nocturnal snake, the Malabar pit viper is known to be a master in camouflage. The pit viper is a venomous snake that is only found in the rainforests of the Western Ghats. It is seen in different colour morphs and has heat-sensing pits on its head to detect prey. A unique aspect is that they are ambush predators—they stay in one place and wait for their prey. They are usually seen merging with leaf litter or on trees during the day and often in coffee and tea plantations. Though not poisonous, a bite can cause different symptoms that will take 2-3 weeks to recover.
One of the most colourful birds of the Western Ghats, the Malabar Trogon male has a bright red belly, while the female is mainly brown, which is a sign of sexual dimorphism. The birds are usually seen perched on tall trees and do not move very fast, making them relatively easy to photograph once you have spotted them. They breed before the monsoon and look for dead trees to make a hollow for their young ones. Making this hole is done by both the male and female together.
Also called the Indian giant squirrel, this small mammal is seen scurrying on trees in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. The bright rust hue of the animal makes it a photographer's delight. Watching it leap—sometimes crossing six meters is a visual delight. You can also see it nibbling on fruits, nuts, and tree bark. It builds large nests that are covered with leaves on tree tops.
The green vine snake, also called the flatbread snake, has about 7 to 8 variations in India. This snake is usually camouflaged in plants, is roughly two centimetres thick, and can be about 1.5 to 2 meters long. Unlike other snakes, the shape of its head is aerodynamic and pointed, and it preys on lizards, mice, and other small animals. The venom, however, is not dangerous for humans.
Also called the blue-winged parakeet, the Malabar Parakeet is endemic to the Western Ghats and has a blue and green-hued body with a yellow-tipped tail. A black ring around its neck is a distinctive feature in males and females. The male also has a green band around his neck below the black one. They breed in spring and prefer to feed on sweet fruits.
This is a dragonfly that is predominantly black in colour and breeds in paddy fields, marshes, and vegetated ponds. Between 16 and 20mm long, the female species looks different, with a greenish and yellow-hued body.