Conservation of threatened native tree species of the Western Ghats in India

Strengthening integrated (in situ and ex situ) conservation actions for selected endangered native tree species of the Western Ghats through enhanced ecological restoration, monitoring and protection efforts.

Partner: Keystone Foundation – IUCN SSC Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group
Years: 2021-2024

This project aims to strengthen conservation actions for selected endangered tree species in the Western Ghats by establishing ecological restoration hubs for seed collection and banking, propagation, planting and monitoring of these species. The project will also work closely with forest departments to raise the level of protection of threatened tree species in the Western Ghats and strengthen the capacity of local institutions and organizations to develop and implement threatened tree species recovery plans.

Arenga palms in landslide zones

The IUCN SSC Western Ghats Plant Specialist group is a partnership between organizations and individuals who have more than two decades of experience in plant conservation in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Together with Keystone Foundation, their priority actions on the ground is to raise, plant and protect endemic trees.

More specifically the project aims at (1) increasing propagation and protection of the threatened trees of the region through ex situ and in situ conservation efforts; (2) raising the level of protection of threatened trees working with forest departments and all relevant stakeholders; (3) strengthening the capacity of local institutions and organizations to develop and implement threatened tree species recovery plans. Their work will increase knowledge, co-operation and advocacy for ecological restauration in this biodiversity hotspot. The restoration hubs will host nurseries, seed banks and expertise in endangered tree protection and propagation. Through the setting up of a native species conservatory in the Nilgiris, which is a region of high endemism, the project will also bring knowledge and awareness on threats to plant diversity to the public at large.