Re-Invitation to Collaborate on Research on Endemic Flora in India
Dear Esteemed Research Scholars
We hope this message finds you well. As part of our ongoing efforts to understand and conserve India’s rich biodiversity, we are pleased to extend a warm invitation to collaborate on research related to endemic plant species.
Background: India, with its diverse ecosystems and varied climatic zones, is home to a remarkable array of flora. Approximately 28% of the total Indian flora and 33% of angiosperms occurring in India are endemic. These unique plant species play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing ecosystem services.
Our Research Focus: Our research initiative aims to address the following key aspects:
- Distribution Modeling: Predicting the future distribution of endemic plant species in India based on climate scenarios (A1B) for the years 2050 and 2080. We focus on three biodiversity hotspots: the Himalaya, Western Ghats, and Indo-Burma regions.
- Climate Change Impact: Assessing how climate change may impact the distribution ranges of endemic flora. Our models consider a combination of bioclimatic variables, disturbance factors, and physiography.
- Conservation Strategies: Identifying potential refugia for endemic plants under changing climatic conditions. Cooler climates and higher moisture availability may serve as critical refuges.
Your Participation: We invite you to contribute your expertise, insights, and data to this collaborative effort. By pooling our collective knowledge, we can enhance our understanding of endemic species and develop effective conservation strategies.
Next Steps: If you are interested in joining our research endeavor, please reply to this email or reach out to us directly. We welcome contributions from botanists, ecologists, climate scientists, and anyone passionate about preserving India’s unique plant heritage.
Together, let us work towards safeguarding our endemic flora for generations to come.
Thank you for your dedication to scientific inquiry and conservation.
