A new interactive web tool, PlantWise, has been launched to aid ecological restoration efforts in the Western Ghats, one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Developed by researchers from the Nature Conservation Foundation, BITS Pilani, and Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, the tool helps identify native evergreen tree species suitable for restoration.
PlantWise utilizes species distribution models based on curated plant occurrence data and environmental variables. It suggests appropriate evergreen tree species for specific sites, considering their climatic and elevational profiles. The tool focuses on evergreen tree species, as over 60% of those in the Western Ghats are endemic.
The initiative aims to address the critical need for scientifically guided recovery of degraded forests. This is vital for conserving flora and fauna and creating a climate-resilient ecosystem. PlantWise integrates publicly available datasets and fieldwork data to provide accurate distribution maps, crucial for determining native species and guiding restoration efforts.
The tool reflects biogeographic patterns to minimize errors, ensuring species are not recommended for unsuitable habitats. The team plans to expand PlantWise to include more species and extend its application to other regions in India. Users can access PlantWise at www.plantwise-india.org.