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Secret Shola, Palni Hills. Shola forests are montane (above 1,800 meters) evergreen tropical forests that are unique to the high altitude regions of the Western Ghats. Stunted by fierce wind, sholas contain a wealth of plant and animal species. Together with native grasslands, this ecosystem plays a key role in absorbing monsoon rains and supplying the thirsty plains with a perennial source of water. Sholas are most often found in the protected folds of hills. They can be small clumps are larger expansive forests that cover several square kilometers. This picture illustrates the importance of lianas in the under story of the forest. It was taken in an isolated corner of the Palni Hills at about 2,000 meters. (June 1998)