THE SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS A Rich Museum and Cradle of Diversity for Woody Plants

vast geographic areas, extended timescales spanning millions of years, and hundreds of species, provide invaluable insights into the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. The research team's findings underscore the immense evolutionary diversity harbored within the Western Ghats They emphasize the global significance of this ecological hotspot, particularly highlighting the criticality of safeguarding the southern Western Ghats as a stronghold for plant diversification and persistence.

The Western Ghats of India stand as a global treasure trove of biodiversity, housing a plethora of woody plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes, and insects Many of these species are found nowhere else on Earth, making the region a unique hotspot of endemic life forms. Over the past two centuries, ecologists and evolutionary biologists have been captivated by the intricate study of factors influencing species diversity and distribution patterns in this extraordinary area. In recent decades, DNA-based tools have become pivotal in understanding the role of past climates in shaping the diversity of communities and species

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Jahnavi Joshi's group at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, in collaboration with national and international institutions, has shed light on the evolutionary history of plants in the Western Ghats Published in the esteemed journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, their research unravels the uneven distribution of evolutionary diversity across the Western Ghats, influenced by past climatic and geographic processes, as well as current climate dynamics Furthermore, the study reveals the phenomenon of niche conservatism in wet sites, where lineages tend to persist within their evolved ecological niches and even give rise to new species.

"This study beautifully complements previous taxonomic research conducted in the region, which already indicated a high diversity of woody plants in the Western Ghats, with more than 60% of species being endemic," shared Abhishek Gopal, the first author of the study "Through our examination of evolutionary diversity, we discovered that the southern Western Ghats serve as both a 'museum' and a 'cradle' of evolutionary diversity. This means that the region is home to both ancient and recently evolved species in the timescale of millions of years Surprisingly, the southern Western Ghats host six times more species compared to the northern Western Ghats "

Studies of this magnitude, encompassing

Dr Jahnavi Joshi, the senior author of the study, emphasized the broader implications of their research, stating, "Our study underscores the importance of large-scale investigations that transcend geographic boundaries and timescales, offering us insights into the generality of diversity generation and maintenance We showcase the tremendous evolutionary diversity present within the Western Ghats and shed light on the urgent need to protect the southern region a true engine of plant diversification and long-term survival. These findings should guide efforts to enhance the conservation of existing protected areas in the landscape, which are currently facing severe anthropogenic pressures "

The research not only deepens our understanding of the Southern Western Ghats' significance as a hot bed of evolutionary marvels but also provides crucial guidance for conservation strategies aimed at preserving the rich biodiversity of this unique region. As we continue to explore and comprehend the intricate tapestry of life in the Western Ghats, it becomes increasingly apparent that this ecological gem warrants our unwavering commitment to its long-term protection and stewardship