About the habitat
‘Rock Outcrops’ are areas with prevalence of bare or lichen-encrusted bedrock with on average 55% ground surface of exposed rock that separates them from adjacent habitats (Wiser & White, 1999). Rocky areas is an accepted category under the Habitats Classification Scheme (Version 3.1) of IUCN and it includes landforms ranging from cliffs and mountain peaks. Their geological origin can vary widely.
Rock outcrop ecology has been extensively studied in Europe, America, Africa and Australia. Studies on Asian outcrops are limited to Karst landscapes in China and SE Asia. The outcrops of granite, gneiss, sandstone, laterite are widespread in India, but their ecology is poorly studied.
Inselbergs
Inselbergs are isolated rock outcrops of granite or gneiss that rise abruptly above the surrounding plains
Rocky Plateaus
Rocky plateaus flat or horizontal exposures of laterite or basalt or other rock types.
Cliffs
Cliffs are high, steep or overhanging faces of rock generally in mountainous areas