Tue Jan 14 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Konkan’s Hidden Treasure: Unique Plateaus Support Rich Biodiversity, Face Development Threats

**Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, January 14, 2025** – A recent study reveals the ecological significance of the “sada,” unique flat-topped hills in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra’s Konkan region. These often-overlooked landscapes, similar to the Kaas Plateau, thrive with biodiversity, supporting 459 plant species (105 endemic to the Konkan), 31 reptile species, 13 amphibian species, 169 bird species, and 41 mammal species.

The sada, barren for most of the year, transform during monsoons, becoming havens for unique flora and fauna. A key finding highlights the sada’s crucial role in providing freshwater resources to nearby villages year-round, despite their arid surroundings. This is attributed to the highly weathered lateritic soil acting as a natural rainwater catchment, recharging groundwater supplies. These water sources, maintained through local traditions and rituals, also support vulnerable species like the Indian flapshell turtle.

However, this vital ecosystem is under threat. Land-use changes, including conversion to orchards and residential areas, along with proposed developmental projects and laterite mining, pose significant challenges. The classification of the sada as “wasteland” in the Wasteland Atlas exacerbates the situation. The study, conducted between 2022 and 2024, underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this unique ecosystem and its rich biodiversity. The research was conducted by a team including Manali Rane of the Bombay Environmental Action Group and hydrogeologists Renie Thomas and Divyanshu Pawar.

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