Nilgiri Mountains
Why it Matters?
A study on the Nilgiris shows an 80% decline in grasslands since 1848, leading to drastic reductions in grassland birds like the Nilgiri pipit. While forest birds remain stable due to invasive woody cover, scientists stress the neglect of grasslands in conservation.
What You Should Know?
The Nilgiri Mountains, meaning "Blue Mountains" are part of the Western Ghats, spanning Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
The range includes at least 24 peaks over 2,000 m.
The highest is Doddabetta at 2,637 m, located in Tamil Nadu.
Geographically, the Nilgiris connect the Western and Eastern Ghats, separated from the Karnataka Plateau by the Moyar River, and from southern ranges by the Palghat Gap.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986, is India’s first biosphere reserve, covering over 5,500 km² across three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
This region is among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots.
The Nilgiris are home to indigenous tribes such as Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, and several others.
The Nilgiris are well-known for tea plantations, especially Nilgiri tea.