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The Western Ghats of India Twin Peaks This southern escarpment of the Western Ghats hosts a few remnant populations of the endangered Nilgiri tahr (Hermitragus hylocrius). Poachers, illegal marijuana plantations, and the spread of exotic tree plantations threaten the area, which has only been accorded "reserve forest" status (the lowest level of protection in the Indian Forest Department). Proposals to designate the region a national park or wildlife sanctuary are caught up in red tape. < Previous | Back to Thumbnails | Next >   Photos and captions courtesy of Ian Lockwood Up to Top