White-striped Viper Gecko (Hemidactylus albofasciatus) endemic to low-elevation lateritic plateaus of northern Western Ghats
CEROS

Conservation of rock outcrop biodiversity

The unique geological history of the northern Western Ghats has led to the formation of lateritic plateaus. These plateaus harbor unique species adapted to extreme climates during the summer and monsoon. Many of the species found here are endemic with small geographic ranges.

The low-elevation lateritic plateaus in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra.
Mango orchard on what was once an open lateritic plateau
the Critically Endangered Satara Gecko (Hemidactylus sataraensis) restricted to a few high-elevation plateaus in Satara District of Maharashtra
Loose rocks are critical microhabitats for the biodiversity on plateaus that are often removed by local communities for construction and other purposes
We have found that species like the Saw-scaled Viper are impacted by land use change on lateritic plateaus
Minervarya gomantaki, an endemic frog found on the plateaus that is negatively impacted by land-use change.

Unfortunately, these open ecosystems are classified as 'waste lands.' They are being rapidly transformed into mango orchards by blasting the plateaus and filling them with soil. The loose rocks, which provide refuge to animals from extreme weather, are removed for construction and other purposes. The ecology of the threatened species and the impacts of human activities on biodiversity are poorly understood. We strive to understand these dynamics and collaborate with local partners to conserve these unique ecosystems.