Biodiversity Hotspot: Understanding the Western Ghats

This question asks us to identify a specific mountain range that is recognized for its high level of biodiversity and has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We need to evaluate the given options based on these two criteria.

Analyzing the Geographic Ranges

Let's look at each option:

• Satpura Range: Located in central India, the Satpura Range is known for its forests and wildlife, including tiger reserves. While ecologically important, it is not globally designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site primarily for its biodiversity in the same way as the correct answer.
• Western Ghats: This is a major mountain range running along the western coast of India. It is renowned globally as one of the world's major biodiversity hotspots. It hosts a vast number of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic (found only here). Recognizing its immense ecological significance, the Western Ghats were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
• Eastern Ghats: These hills run parallel to the eastern coast of India. They possess diverse flora and fauna but are generally considered less biodiverse than the Western Ghats and do not share the same UNESCO World Heritage designation for biodiversity.
• Chotanagpur Plateau: Situated in eastern India, this region is known for its rich mineral deposits and significant forest cover. However, it's not primarily famous as a global biodiversity hotspot or designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for this reason.

Why Western Ghats Qualify

The Western Ghats stand out because they meet both conditions mentioned in the question:

• Exceptional Biodiversity: This mountain range is estimated to host over 5,000 species of plants and a wide variety of animals, including numerous endemic species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Its ecological value is immense.
• UNESCO World Heritage Status: The UNESCO designation specifically highlights the outstanding universal value of the Western Ghats in terms of natural heritage and biological diversity conservation. It covers a significant area recognized for its unique ecosystems.

Given these points, the Western Ghats are the correct answer as they are famously known for their rich biodiversity and are officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.