Why in News?
Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute discovered a new evergreen tree species, Humboldtia nairiana, in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
About the Species
- Belongs to the genus Humboldtia
- Found in riparian forests of the southern Western Ghats
- Named in honour of plant biotechnologist G.M. Nair
Discovery
- First collected during a 2010 floristic survey along the Cheenikkala-Pandimotta forest trail
- Seedlings were conserved ex-situ at the JNTBGRI Arboretum
- Flowering and fruiting observed in 2022
- Morphological studies confirmed it as a new species
Distribution
- Strictly endemic to Kerala
- Known only from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
Conservation Status
- Wild population is fragile and limited
- Categorised as “Data Deficient” under IUCN criteria
- Highlights need for habitat protection and field monitoring
Ecological Importance
- Adds to the biodiversity significance of the Western Ghats
- Shows importance of riparian forest ecosystems
- Strengthens conservation value of Agasthyamala region
About Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
- Part of the Western Ghats
- UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve
- Known for high endemism and rich biodiversity
[2019] “Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries” are part of which of the following?
[A] Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve
[B] Nilgiri biosphere reserve
[C] Seshachalam Hills
[D] Panna biosphere reserve
