EARTHWORMS IN THE HIMALAYA AND WESTERN GHATS REGION OF INDIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Soil biodiversity is one of the most challenging areas. Our understanding about belowground biodiversity, especially the soil faunal component and its functions in mountainous ecosystems are not as strong as that of other ecosystems and on aboveground biodiversity. Earthworms help faster nutrient release from the organic substrates. This paper provides a review of the available knowledge on earthworm diversity, community structure and abundance in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats, the regions distinguished as global biodiversity hotspots based on the assessment of aboveground diversity.