Unique animals found along the Malabar Coast

Stretching from Goa through Karnataka to Kerala, the Malabar Coast is one of India's richest biodiversity hotspots. Flanked by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, this region is home to many rare and endemic animals found nowhere else on Earth. (wikimedia commons)

Lion-Tailed Macaque: Known for its striking silver-white mane and tufted black tail, the lion-tailed macaque is one of India's rarest primates. Endemic to the rainforests of the Western Ghats, it spends most of its life high in the forest canopy. (wikimedia commons)

Malabar Civet: Among the world's rarest mammals, the Malabar civet is endemic to the Malabar Coast of Kerala. Extremely elusive and possibly on the brink of extinction, it is seldom seen in the wild. (wikimedia commons)

Malabar Gliding Frog: Also called the Malabar flying frog, this remarkable amphibian uses its large webbed feet to glide between trees. During the breeding season, it builds foam nests above ponds, where its tadpoles later hatch into the water below. (wikimedia commons)

Malabar Grey Hornbill: Found only in the Western Ghats, the Malabar grey hornbill is easily identified by its large curved bill and loud, cackling calls. It plays a vital ecological role by dispersing the seeds of many forest trees, helping regenerate tropical forests. (wikimedia commons)

Malabar Pit Viper: This beautifully patterned venomous snake inhabits the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. Its colour varies from green and brown to vibrant yellow, allowing it to blend perfectly into moss-covered branches. (wikimedia commons)

Nilgiri Marten: India's only native marten, the Nilgiri marten is a rare carnivore found in the forests of the Western Ghats. Recognisable by its glossy dark coat and bright orange-yellow throat, it is an agile climber and skilled hunter.