We need to carefully plan on conserving, sustainably using and restoring the biological diversity of the Western Ghats. We also need to conserve and benefit from the knowledge of uses and the traditions of conservation of this biological diversity. Also, we must ensure that benefits flowing from our heritage of biodiversity and related folk knowledge percolate down to the people at the grass-roots.

This Issue focuses on Mollusca of Western Ghats. Molluscs are highly successful animal group in terms of ecology and adaptation and they are found in nearly all habitats ranging from deepest ocean trenches to the intertidal zone, freshwater and land where they occupy a wide range of habitats. In recent times, molluscs have suffered a severe decline in diversity and abundance due to human induced alteration of habitats, pollution, siltation, deforestation, poor agricultural practices, the destruction of riparian zones and invasion by exotic species. Hence, conservation efforts are urgently needed to maintain and recover these unique components of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.