THE WESTERN GHATS

Rainmaker and biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats in peninsular India are among the country’s most important natural assets. They have immense potential by way of biological richness as they support and sustain diverse life forms many of which are endemic to the region.

They run a full length of 1600km, more or less parallel to the West coast almost from the mouth of the river Tapti in Dhule district of Maharashtra to Kanyakumari the southern most tip of India.

Home to nearly 4500 species of plants, 155 species of mammals and supporting a species diversity of over 450 birds, 98 reptiles and 105 amphibians, its also a known fact that the rivers that the Western Ghats support and nurture provide 200 billion cubic meters of water to over 45 million Indians every year.

Experts estimate that over 84 amphibian, 16 bird, 7 mammal and 1600 flowering plant species that exist here are endemic in nature i.e. found nowhere else in the world.

An amazing variety of mountain and forest habitats provide a wisp of fresh air for all those who seek to connect and relive nature in Goa’s Western Ghats at Wildernest nature resort.

We at Wildernest understand the vital importance of the Western Ghats of which we are a part and constitute of our rich natural heritage. Our commitment has led us to undertake long term plantation drives of indigenous species in our property. Besides which we are involved in the creation of a Sahyadris Conservation facility, which would carry out field research and documentation studies in the Sahyadris and undertake education and awareness programs amongst the local community.

We urge you to join us at Wildernest in our endeavor to conserve and spread awareness about our Western Ghats in general and the Sahyadris in particular by spreading the word around about their importance and helping to protect them for posterity.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND

The Nature Conservation Fund has been established to support field ecologists and biologists working in the field of biodiversity and habitat conservation the Chorla Ghats, which are part of the Western Ghats of India for their work that helps protect these forests.

The Fund supports vital research projects conducted by trained researchers in the field of large mammals, ethno botany herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians), iconography and documentation of traditional knowledge of biodiversity amongst local communities besides other small projects.

Part of the Fund is also used to conduct capacity building workshops and camps for volunteers and provide basic equipment for forest guards working to protect the forests in the region.

Under tremendous pressures from various lobbies of vested interests, the data collected from these projects goes towards protection of the forests of this region and helps raise awareness amongst local communities as well as the policy makers.