Extreme Climatic Variability and RET Species Vulnerability in the Western Ghats, India

The Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, have experienced intensified hydroclimatic variability in the past five years, characterized by extreme rainfall events, seasonal droughts, and increasing temperature anomalies. This study evaluates the relationship between recent extreme weather conditions and the vulnerability of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) species across major taxa including mammals, amphibians, freshwater fishes, birds, and endemic plants. Five-year climate data were assessed using rainfall anomaly, temperature anomaly, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and frequency of extreme rainfall events. Species vulnerability patterns were synthesized from IUCN Red List assessments and regional biodiversity reports. Results indicate strong associations between extreme rainfall events and freshwater fish population instability, while amphibians showed highest sensitivity to temperature anomalies and drought. Drought severity correlated with reduced soil moisture and plant regeneration in montane ecosystems. Amphibians and freshwater fishes emerged as the most climate-sensitive taxa. The findings suggest that extreme weather variability acts as a multiplier of anthropogenic stressors, accelerating extinction risk in already fragmented landscapes. Climate-resilient conservation planning is urgently required to safeguard biodiversity in the Western Ghats.