Introduction
Western Ghats (WG) is a mountain range running north–south parallel to the western coast of India traversing six states, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamilnadu. About 40% of WG is under natural landscape (5000 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species and 179 amphibian species) and the rest of it under human-dominated land uses. The complex topography, geology, lithology coupled with climatic regime are responsible for diverse fauna and flora in this region. About 90% of the natural landscape is considered as an ecologically sensitive because of its high biological richness, home to 325 globally threatened endemic species and geological significance. It also includes Protected Areas (PAs), World Heritage Sites (WHSs) and Tiger and Elephant corridors. The WG faunal biodiversity has been analyzed by reviewing around 360 literature (Fishes: 56, Amphibians: 68, Reptiles: 60, Birds: 67, Mammals: 93 articles) and a detailed database has been created including location details, conservation and endemism status of each species. The database has covered 343 fish species, 248 amphibians, 197 species of reptiles, 529 species of birds and 161 species of mammals details. Amphibian group shows highest endemism in Western Ghats region, 62%, it is followed by Reptiles (52%), fishes, mammals, and birds. The Open layer plugin in Quantum GIS (QGIS) helped in the geo-visualization associating forest cover and species distribution. Spatial faunal distribution with latitudinal gradient highlights the significance of the region for conservation. Information pertaining to the endemic species including distribution helps the regional authorities in the effective conservation planning.