Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune have come up with plant data of the Northern Western Ghats which indicates that plateaus, in addition to the forests, should be prioritized for conservation of the Northern Western Ghats.
The data said that the plateaus and the cliffs that harbour most of the endemic species and increase their importance in conservation plans.
Northern Western Ghats produce 181 local endemic plant species, including four monospecific genera.
It was also found that a majority of the endemic species are therophytes, which complete their life cycle in a short period during monsoon.
The northern part of the Western Ghats of India, which is a biodiversity hotspot, along with the Konkan region, is considerably different from its southern and central counterparts on account of lesser precipitation and extended dry season.
The study also said that the Northern Western Ghats is the region of rapid diversification of specific herbaceous endemic genera like Ceropegia, Glyphochloa, Dipcadi, and Eriocaulon.
The scientists have many other estimates about the species that are endemic to the region, and the understanding of habitats, seasons, and plant distribution is limited.
The scientists also suggested that it is necessary to complete the IUCN threat status assessment on priority, which is underrepresented for the region.
