Roadkills of wild fauna in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India: Implications for management

The Western Ghats, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, houses a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bryophytes. These non-vascular plants play critical roles in ecosystem functioning, but their functional traits and ecological strategies in response to environmental gradients remain poorly understood in this region. This study aims to investigate the functional traits and ecological adaptations of bryophytes along temperature, humidity, and altitude gradients in the Sahyadri Mountain Range of Maharashtra, Western Ghats, India.In this research, field surveys are conducted across distinct forest types to sample bryophyte communities. Specific leaf area, shoot density, growth forms, and reproductive strategies ire quantified as key functional traits. Relationships between functional traits and environmental gradients ire analysed using regression models and multivariate techniques. Additionally, dominant ecological strategies among bryophytes ire identified based on trait composition.Our findings reveal a rich diversity of bryophytes in the Western Ghats, with 120 species identified across the sampled sites. Species composition varied significantly along the environmental gradients, with higher species richness observed in areas with higher humidity and lair altitude. Specific leaf area exhibited a negative correlation with temperature, indicating water conservation strategies in response to warmer conditions. Shoot density sloid positive associations with humidity, suggesting competitive adaptations under higher moisture availability.Furthermore, bryophytes in higher altitudes and cooler climates exhibited distinct growth forms, such as cushions and mats, likely to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Ecological strategies predominantly varied among forest types, with stress-tolerant strategies prevailing in the drier, low-altitude regions, and competitive strategies dominant in the cooler, high-altitude regions.These findings shed light on the adaptive capabilities of bryophytes in the Western Ghats and their ecological responses to changing environments. Understanding bryophyte functional traits and ecological strategies is vital for assessing their roles in ecosystem resilience and functioning. The insights from this study hold implications for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate change assessments in the Western Ghats and other mountainous regions worldwide

The Western Ghats of India support an array of tropical forests ranging from wet evergreen to scrub formations. Several endemic and threatened plant species are located in areas other than protected areas (PAs). There is an urgent need to understand species diversity in areas other than PAs, for effective management of tropical forests. In this context, reserve forests and informal PAs of Amboli from northern Western Ghats have been investigated. Woody species composition, diversity, and stand structure were assessed by laying quadrats and transects (n=46, area=2.575ha) in closed and open canopy forest patches covering habitat heterogeneity and environmental gradient of the area. A total of 2,224 individuals (of 87 species, 68 genera, and 35 families) was enumerated. Memecylon umbellatum, Syzygium cumini, and Diospyros nigrescens were found to be the most dominant species as per importance value index. Melastomataceae was the most dominant family as per family importance value, whereas Euphorbiaceae and Rutaceae were the most speciose. Fourteen IUCN Red List assessed species and 18 species endemic to the Western Ghats were encountered. Endemic species accounted for nearly 20% of the total number of individuals sampled. Demographic profile exhibited reverse ‘J’ pattern. Average basal area was 27.02m2 per hectare. Woody species diversity of Amboli forests was found comparable with other PAs from northern Western Ghats. Amboli and the adjoining area have been proposed as ecologically sensitive and in the wake of anthropogenic and developmental pressures they experience, it calls for urgent conservation attention.

A culture of coexistence

Litsea deccanensis Gamble, a vital wet-season blooming tree in the Lauraceae family, faces a dual threat from the Redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) and the Molytinae weevil (Alcidodes porrectirostris). This study, conducted in the Western Ghats, India, explores the impact of these pests on L. deccanensis, a commercially significant species used in agarbatti production. Stem bark exploitation, coupled with laurel wilt disease, contributes to the tree's declining population. These stem borers cause considerable damage to both seedlings and young saplings, and their influence extends to infestations in mature trees. The Molytinae weevils primarily target seeds, posing a significant challenge for the storage and production of planting stock. This dual pest threat jeopardizes the natural regeneration of L. deccanensis, contributing to population decline in the wild. Recognizing the urgent need for conservation, this study marks a crucial step in developing proactive strategies to manage L. deccanensis effectively within its natural habitat, safeguarding this commercially valuable species from further decline.

Synergistic impacts of anthropogenic fires and aridity on plant diversity in the Western Ghats: Implications for management of ancient social-ecological systems

Fragmentation of the continuous tropical forest-scape into isolated remnant forest patches among seas of human influenced alternative landscapes is a widespread pantropical phenomenon compounded by the emerging impacts of global climate change events (Loo et al. 2011). Sri Lanka, with exceptionally rich biodiversity, particularly in its aseasonal south-western sector, is no exception to this alarming trend, acknowledged as such by declaring the island together with Western Ghats of India as one of 34 global hotspots of biodiversity (Mittermeier et al. 2004).

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is known to vary among different ecosystems and soilscapes, yet the degree of variation remains uncertain. Comparing SOC levels in undisturbed ecosystems like forests with those in gradually altered ecosystems can provide valuable insights into the impact of land use on carbon dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different land uses on soil fertility parameters in the tropical region of Kerala, focusing on forests as well as cultivated agricultural landscape such as coconut, pepper, tapioca, acacia plantations, and mixed home garden cropping systems. Significant variations were observed among different crops and land use systems in terms of soil fertility. Forests exhibited the highest SOC content at 3.78 g kg-1,while acacia plantations showed the lowest at 0.76 g kg-1. Additionally, various soil properties such as different carbon fractions (e.g., humic acid, fulvic acid), total nitrogen, carbon, available nutrients, physical properties, aggregate size fractions, microbial biomass carbon, and spectral signatures differed significantly across the different land uses. These findings suggest a decline in soil fertility in altered ecosystems compared to adjacent forest soils, highlighting the vital role of forests in conserving natural resources and maintaining soil health. In addition, among the different landscapes studied, mixed cropping systems of home gardens sustained soil fertility better than monocropping systems. The observed variations in soil physicochemical properties among different land use types indicate a threat to sustainable crop production. Effective management practices aimed at improving soil fertility and sustaining crop production in these altered ecosystems are essential. This study highlights the importance of adopting appropriate management strategies to conserve soil health and ensure sustainable crop production in tropical landscapes like Kerala. The holistic approach adopted in this study, encompassing a wide range of soil fertility parameters across various land uses, along with its implications for sustainable land management, adds significant novelty and relevance to the existing literature on soil dynamics in tropical regions like Kerala.

Three new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in India: P. cyanofemora sp. nov. (wet evergreen forests in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam, Kerala and Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu), P. myristicaensis sp. nov. (Myristica swamp at Kathalekan, Shivamogga, Karnataka) and P. sholai sp. nov. (montane sholas of Upper Manalar, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Theni, Tamil Nadu) are described and illustrated. We compare these three new species with other Protosticta spp. from the Western Ghats based on new material and provide comprehensive differential diagnoses with determination key for males of all species occurring in the Western Ghats. The taxonomic validity of P. mortoni Fraser, 1922 is established with fresh specimens from Hassan, Karnataka, and rediscovery of P. rufostigma Kimmins, 1958 is reported from Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu.

Abstract: The acceleration of processes such as forest fragmentation and forest fires in landscapes under intense human pressures makes it imperative to quantify and understand the effects of these processes on the conservation of biodiversity in these landscapes. We combined information from remote‐sensing imagery and ground maps of all fires in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (MWLS) in the Western Ghats of India over 14 years (1989–2002). These spatial data on fire occurrence were integrated with maps of vegetation types found in the MWLS to examine fire conditions in each. We calculated the average fire‐return interval for each of the vegetation types individually and for the MWLS as a whole. Using vegetation data from the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the entire Western Ghats region, we conservatively estimated fire‐frequency information for these larger regions. Because the MWLS does not contain tropical evergreen or montane forests, we were unable to estimate fire conditions in these forest types, which represent 31% of all Western Ghats vegetation cover. For the MWLS, all vegetation types had average fire‐return intervals of <7 years, and the sanctuary as a whole had a fire‐return interval of 3.3 years. Compared with a 13‐year MWLS fire data set from 1909–1921, this represents a threefold increase in fire frequency over the last 80 years. We estimated average fire‐return intervals of roughly 5 years for both the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the entire Western Ghats region. Given other recent reports, the estimated fire frequencies for the Western Ghats forests outside protected reserves are conservative. We conclude that the current fire regime of the Western Ghats poses a severe and persistent conservation threat to forests both within and outside protected reserves.

Biomass and carbon stock assessments in data-deficient plantations and identifying the factors influencing tree growth, distribution, and carbon stocks are extremely important for implementing sound silvicultural management and monitoring practices to achieve REDD+ goals. We conducted carbon stock assessments in five major plantation types in a regional landscape in the central Western Ghats, India, by establishing fifty 0.1-ha plots across the landscape. We quantified the overall carbon stocks by summing the carbon pools across mature trees, deadwood, and soil (0-15cm) components. Allometric equations were compared to address the uncertainty in the tree biomass carbon. The tree biomass carbon and soil organic carbon varied significantly across the plantation types (F = 55.23, p < 0.00). The present study yielded the highest carbon stocks in Pinus plantation (201.91 ± 9.52Mgha-1) and the least in Eucalyptus (122.63 ± 9.73Mgha-1). The correlation analysis displayed a strong influence of mean annual precipitation and edaphic factors on soil organic carbon, while basal area and elevation were good predictors of tree biomass carbon. The principal component analysis revealed an association of predictor variables in the distribution of plantation types. We found a strong association between mean annual precipitation on Pinus plantation and mean annual temperature on Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations. On the other hand, teak pure plantation was associated with structural and topographic variables, while edaphic factors mainly influenced the distribution of teak mixed plantations. The findings of the present study conclude substantial carbon storage ability of the plantations in the studied landscape which can play a significant role in mitigating the effects of climate change and reaching carbon neutrality.

The present study deals with the assessment of quantitative structure and floristic composition of tropical forests of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India. Forest structure was analyzed across girth classes and height intervals. Altogether 156 tree species were analyzed. Vegetation type-wise Importance Value Index, Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson index, Margalef’s index and Pielou Index were calculated. The tree stand density varies from 112-406.8 ha-1 with the average basal area of 26.25m2/ha-1. Shannon-Weiner Index (H') ranges from 3.94-4.90. The Simpson Index of dominance varies from 0.86-0.94. The Margalef Species Richness Index varies from 4.61-8.31.The population density of tree species across girth class intervals shows that 65.4% and 36.4% of individuals belong to 30-60 cm gbh. Tree distribution by height class intervals shows that around 28.7% of individuals are in the height class of 20-25m, followed by 24.4% in the height of 15-20m, whereas 3.37% of individuals are in the height class of &gt;30m.

BackgroundThe Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India harbours a high percentage of endemic species due to its unique and diverse habitats. These species which cannot survive elsewhere due to their specialised habitat requirements are at high risk from climatic and anthropogenic disturbances. The butterfly fauna of the region although well documented has not been investigated intensively at local scales. In this study, we present information on species presence within 10 km × 10 km grid cells (n= 30; area=3000 km2) of 94 butterfly species in the Western Ghats region. The data on the species distribution within these grids which included three wildlife sanctuaries and four forest divisions was mapped. Indicator analysis was performed in R using multipatt function in indispecies package to determine species associated with sites/site combinations. The corrected weighted endemism indices of the study grids were estimated.ResultsThe data collected over a 4-year period comprised of 393 records of 60 endemic species belonging to five families observed along 102 transects. Troides minos was the most widespread species occuring in 19 grids. Seventeen species indicative of sites and site combinations were obtained, of which Cirrochroa thais, Papilio paris tamilana, Papilio helenus daksha, Parthenos sylvia virens and Mycalesis patnia were significant. The highest corrected weighted endemism index was observed in grid 25 (14.44) followed by grids 24 (12.06) and 19 (11.86). Areas harbouring unique and range restricted species were Parambikulam WLS/TR: Kuthirakolpathy, Pupara, Kalyanathi, Top slip and Muthalakuzhy; Peechi-Vazhani WLS: Ayyapankadu; Thrissur FD: Chakkapara and Vellakarithadam; Nenmara FD: Karikutty, Pothumala and Nelliampathy estate; Vazhachal FD: Poringalkuthu dam, Meenchal and Vazhachal.ConclusionsThe study area which covers 2.14% of the Western Ghats hotspot harbours almost 63.82% of the region’s endemic butterfly species making this particular region crucial for butterfly conservation and management. Studying the phylogenetic endemism of the butterflies, identification of microrefugia and testing the mountain geobiodiversity hypothesis with respect to butterflies are the suggested approaches to be adopted for fine-tuning research and conservation of butterflies in this fragile hotspot.

The Western Ghats, vernacularly known as the ‘Sahyadri’ mountain ranges, constitutes a 1600 km chain of hills spread across 189,611 km2 and reaching an average elevation of 900–1500 m above mean sea level along the south-western coast of India. Falling well within Meyer’s classification as one of the hottest hotspots, the Western Ghats is home to thousands of endemic flora and associated fauna. Here we validate the biodiversity hotspot status of the Ghats with examples of chalcidid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), describing with illustrations a new species of Phasgonophora Westwood (P. rubra Binoy, sp. nov.) from southern Western Ghats. The regional species of Phasgonophora are reviewed along with a phylogenetic analysis based on morphology, exploring the possible congruence of morphological data for the newly collected species. Additionally, diagnoses and illustrations are presented for an unnamed species of Megachalcis Cameron based on a male specimen from the southern Western Ghats. Megachalcis kannapuramensis Sureshan and Girish Kumar is redescribed with illustrations based on a female collected from Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary, also within the Western Ghats. Distribution maps of Indian species of Phasgonophora Westwood and world species of Megachalcis Cameron are also provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1612501C-8FCA-4A57-A01C-BCC6325121A8

The Western Ghats are globally recognized as a hotspot of rich, endemic, and threatened biodiversity. Within this hotspot of biological diversity, there are islands of natural landscapes that can be termed as ‘hot specks’. These hot specks require careful prioritization and specific management strategies as they vary in objectives and ownership. Conserving hot specks of biodiversity is of great relevance because creating new protected areas with wildlife corridors between them has become relatively impossible in the present context of intensive land-use change in this rapidly developing region. Management strategies, however, must be based on scientific assessment and using a set of prioritization criteria for selecting the most appropriate forms of management. The conservation action plan for the Western Ghats has become a controversial issue based on the findings in the report submitted by the Western Ghats Expert Ecological Panel and the High Level Work Group on Western Ghats. In the present context of rapidly changing land-use patterns, economic development, forest fragmentation, isolation of habitats, linear intrusion, neo-urbanization and industrial growth are threats to the pristine nature of the ghats. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify, prioritize and manage the smaller fragments of biological importance within the larger ecologically sensitive landscape. A prioritization model for different types of hot specks is essential so that it can be easily replicated by training frontline forest staff, community-based organizations, Biodiversity Management Committees, and non-government organizations for implementing a strategy and action plans for the sites by using the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Support of the local Biodiversity Management Committees and the State Biodiversity Board is essential for the conservation management of these biodiversity-rich sites. This study presents an innovative approach to prioritize areas outside the formally notified boundaries of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to assess the conservation value of hot specks of diversity through a rapid biodiversity assessment tool. This can lead to a rational conservation strategy that conservation planners and practitioners can use.

The mammalian communities in coffee plantations around a protected area in the Western Ghats, India