HERPING AROUND

The Western Ghats are one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots. JISS SOJAN Ventures into its heart to document amphibians, reptiles, and other endangered species of the region.

- JISS SOJAN

THE WESTERN GHATS that traverse the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu cover approximately 1,40,000 square kilometres, and are home to rolling hills, valleys, and tea gardens that burst with various shades of green during the monsoons. I grew up in its heart before moving to Delhi. Considered one of the top 10 global biodiversity hotspots in the world, the mountain range harbours an impressive array of India's wildlife. Since childhood, I have visited the ghats so many times, but this time I wanted to go herping (the act of searching for amphibians or reptiles) with my camera to capture the star amphibians and reptiles in the region. Herping tours have become a new way to promote the destination and have helped in raising awareness about the crawlies that form a big part of the ecosystem.