New website brings together India's tree knowledge: over 4,380 species catalogued
A new digital resource aims to consolidate information on India's tree wealth into a single platform. The website, called India Trees and Vegetation Types, was launched on June 20 and currently features details of approximately 4,380 tree species. It provides scientific and vernacular names, herbarium specimen scans, field photographs, morphological descriptions, and data on habitat, geographical distribution, and threat status.
The website was developed by Dr. Sankara Rao, a Visiting Professor and Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Dr. Rao's work is driven by concerns over current afforestation practices in India, which he says often rely on single-species plantations that threaten biodiversity. 'Tree planting schemes have lately become carbon-centric, particularly single-species plantations, which are further threatening tropical biodiversity,' he said. He advocates for afforestation based on scientific grounds, using native species where they once grew.
Dr. Rao's interest in trees dates back to his childhood, but his professional journey into botany began after his retirement from IISc's Biochemistry Department. In 2006, he joined CES and was put in charge of its herbarium. Recognising that physical specimens were of limited use to non-botanists, he initiated the creation of digital databases. He has previously developed several online floras, including Digital Flora of Karnataka and India Flora Online.
The new website builds on this work and includes data from his earlier databases. Dr. Rao hopes the platform will not only educate the public but also serve as a practical tool for reforestation and restoration. 'We hope this will help with practical reforestation and restoration blueprints so that planting is done on a scientific basis…with hope of rebuilding our native forest,' he said.
