WCS-India’s focus lies in the central and southern regions of the Western Ghats, which is a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot stretching from Kerala to Gujarat. This area encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, spanning from wet to dry regions in the west-to-east direction. It is home to the largest populations of tigers, Asian elephants, and various other species. Moreover, the Western Ghats boasts a significant number of endemic species. The forests here include evergreen rainforests, montane forests, a unique shola-grassland mosaic, as well as moist and dry deciduous forests, along with shrubs. Additionally, the presence of several peninsular rivers sustains numerous ecosystems and supports the livelihoods of millions of people.