Conservation of ten globally threatened tree species in the Western Ghats, India

Protection, propagation, and reinforcement planting of 10 globally threatened rainforest tree species to enhance their in-situ conservation in the Anamalai Hills, Western Ghats, India

Partner: Nature Conservation Foundation, India
Years: 2020-2023

This project aims at the in situ conservation of 10 threatened species (2 Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered, 4 Vulnerable) through their propagation and use in ecological restoration of degraded rainforest fragments in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats.

Vateria indica (CR)

The Western Ghats support about 645 evergreen tree species (>350 endemics), particularly in tropical rainforests of the southern part, in protected reserves and forest fragments within commercial plantations of tea, coffee, and other crops. However habitat fragmentation and degradation remain a major threat for the conservation of this ecosystem.

This project focuses on in situ conservation of 10 threatened tree species (2 Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered, 4 Vulnerable) through their propagation and use in ecological restoration of degraded rainforest fragments in the Anamalai Hills. The project builds on NCF two-decade long experience in ecological restoration of degraded rainforests carried out in partnership with plantation companies on the Valparai Plateau and the state Forest Department. The project will also enhance knowledge of these species and foster their use as plantation shade trees.