Due to high isolation and unique climatic conditions, the Shola forests are characterised by high endemism.
The species of plants and animals found here are native to this region and such species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For example - Nilgiri Tahr.
Shola tree species have one of the lowest regeneration rates. They do not get established very soon and are very sensitive to climatic change.
These forests and grasslands are being cleared for agriculture and for the construction of hill stations.
The shola forests have high water retention capacity than any other soil. They retain water from Monsoon and retained water is then slowly released in the year’s course and they form small streams.
They are part of the world’s Biodiversity hotspots.