Kerala Scientists Discover Rare Evergreen Tree

Kerala Scientists Discover Rare Evergreen Tree In Western Ghats

Why in the News ?

Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) discovered a new evergreen tree species named Humboldtia nairiana in Kerala’s Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the need for habitat conservation.

Kerala Scientists Discover Rare Evergreen Tree

Discovery Of Humboldtia Nairiana:

  • Researchers from JNTBGRI, Palode identified a new evergreen tree species in the riparian forests of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
  • The species has been officially named Humboldtia nairiana in honour of plant biotechnologist M. Nair, former Director of JNTBGRI.
  • The discovery began during a floristic survey conducted along the Cheenikkala-Pandimotta forest trail in 2010.
  • Scientists collected an unusual plant specimen and later cultivated healthy seedlings in the JNTBGRI Arboretum for detailed study.
  • Flowering and fruiting observed in 2022 enabled researchers to confirm it as a completely new species through morphological analysis.

Ecological Importance And Conservation Concerns

  • The species is endemic to Kerala and is currently known only from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
  • It belongs to the Humboldtia genus, a group known for its ecological importance in tropical forest ecosystems.
  • Field surveys revealed that the species has a small and fragile wild population, making conservation urgent.
  • Based on IUCN Red List standards, the species has been classified as “Data Deficient” due to inadequate information on its population status.
  • Scientists stressed the need for extensive field studies, habitat monitoring, and biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.

About Western Ghats And Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve:

●     The Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot recognised by UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

●     It hosts a large number of endemic plant and animal species and plays a vital role in India’s climate and water systems.

●     The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve lies across Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich floral diversity and medicinal plants.

●     Riparian forests are ecosystems located along riverbanks and are important for soil conservation, biodiversity, and water regulation.

●     The IUCN Red List classifies species based on extinction risk categories such as vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, and data deficient.