This region harbours many endemic and endangered species. Nearly 36% of the plant species are endemic to Western Ghats, similarly among animals 87% amphibians, 41% fishes are endemic to Western Ghats. More importantly, the presence of four critically endangered and 14 endangered animal species in the region emphasises the unique habitats and ecological niches provided in Gundia region for these animals.

Biodiversity through time and space has provided the panorama of the genesis and diversification of various life forms, their interdependence, and link between life and life support systems, triggering a holistic approach to knowledge-building focused on various aspects of human affairs. These areas have already lost vast area of virgin forests as evident from barren hill tops, seasonal streams, local extinction of species, etc. with many still existing as revenue lands waiting to be logged and gone for ever. Unplanned developmental activities in the region will further diminish the biodiversity (most importantly to the endemic and endangered species), hydrology and ecology of the region. It is high time for us to understand nature, its importance for our sustainable living and for future generations to come than taking ad hoc decisions to build dams across rivers and inundate the natural resources forever.

Acknolwedgements

We thank Dr. K.A. Subramanian, M.S.Chaitra, S.P. Vijay Kumar for their inputs and suggestions, and Shrikanta Naik and Karthick B for their support during field investigations.