situated in the middle of the mookambika national park and considered as a biodiversity hotspot, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. the peak is barren due to strong winds and the thick forest cover at the base makes the peak invisible from lower ground level and also several other smaller peaks and hills exist around the peak. the important animal life include malabar langur, malabar pied hornbill, malabar grey hornbill, paradise flycatcher, indian tiger, indian leopard, indian elephant, hyena, gaur, indian rock python and many more, of which several are threatened.