About ShOLA SKY ISLANDS
WHY ARE SHOLA FORESTS INTERESTING?
Shola forests are montane evergreen forests found in the highest reaches of the Western Ghats. These forests have different scales of patchiness; first, at a large scale (map below) Sholas are found on geographically isolated high elevation regions forming one of the “Sky-island” systems of the world. Second, on each ‘island’ there is a matrix of natural grassland and forests. Finally, at a third scale, human habitations have fragmented forest patches on each island. This leaves us with a habitat that is isolated at different scales in distance (100s of kilometres to a few meters) and time (millions of years to a few decades). At present we know close to nothing about how species cope with this isolation.
WHY ARE SHOLA FORESTS IMPORTANT?
Shola forests harbour disproportionately more endemic taxa across birds, plants, fishes and invertebrates from what little we know at present. This habitat is known for its water retention ability and most south Indian rivers originate in this habitat, supporting millions of people and their farmlands downstream.
Unfortunately, Shola forests have also faced disproportionately high deforestation rates over the past century. Shola forests and adjoining areas also happen to be one of the major tourist attractions of India (Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar), generating income for a large number of people. The habitat is considered visually appealing and is often chosen as a location for Indian movies (YouTube videos in the panel on the right).
WHERE DO WE STAND WITH SHOLA CONSERVATION?
The good news is that large parts of Shola forests are under the protected area network by accident or intent. However, they are often separated by deforested areas resulting in limited or no connectivity between them. There is no information on how species cope with various ecological and geographical constraints in this habitat. We are also still in the process of understanding what species exist in this region. The habitat is clearly very important both economically and aesthetically and requires conservation action. However, exotic plants, unregulated tourism and lack of scientific data are some of the problems that currently affect this wonderful, unique habitat that is exciting for academic research and critical for conservation.
Shola forests are montane evergreen forests found in the highest reaches of the Western Ghats. These forests have different scales of patchiness; first, at a large scale (map below) Sholas are found on geographically isolated high elevation regions forming one of the “Sky-island” systems of the world. Second, on each ‘island’ there is a matrix of natural grassland and forests. Finally, at a third scale, human habitations have fragmented forest patches on each island. This leaves us with a habitat that is isolated at different scales in distance (100s of kilometres to a few meters) and time (millions of years to a few decades). At present we know close to nothing about how species cope with this isolation.
WHY ARE SHOLA FORESTS IMPORTANT?
Shola forests harbour disproportionately more endemic taxa across birds, plants, fishes and invertebrates from what little we know at present. This habitat is known for its water retention ability and most south Indian rivers originate in this habitat, supporting millions of people and their farmlands downstream.
Unfortunately, Shola forests have also faced disproportionately high deforestation rates over the past century. Shola forests and adjoining areas also happen to be one of the major tourist attractions of India (Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar), generating income for a large number of people. The habitat is considered visually appealing and is often chosen as a location for Indian movies (YouTube videos in the panel on the right).
WHERE DO WE STAND WITH SHOLA CONSERVATION?
The good news is that large parts of Shola forests are under the protected area network by accident or intent. However, they are often separated by deforested areas resulting in limited or no connectivity between them. There is no information on how species cope with various ecological and geographical constraints in this habitat. We are also still in the process of understanding what species exist in this region. The habitat is clearly very important both economically and aesthetically and requires conservation action. However, exotic plants, unregulated tourism and lack of scientific data are some of the problems that currently affect this wonderful, unique habitat that is exciting for academic research and critical for conservation.
This project is the product of enormous support from a large number of collaborators, colleagues, friends, volunteers and field assistants. There has also been a lot of support from different organizations, funding agencies and forest departments.
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