Climate‑induced Habitat Contraction of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
The recent paper “Biogeography and habitat suitability of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon using MaxEnt” (Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy) warns that the endemic Nilgiri Wood Pigeon could be confined to a few isolated pockets by the end of the century because of climate change.
Key Developments
- Using MaxEnt, researchers forecast an initial rise in suitable area (2021‑2040) followed by a sharp decline (2081‑2100).
- Habitat suitability is projected to contract as montane forests become hotter and less suitable for cold‑adapted species.
- Despite a recent IUCN down‑listing to Least Concern, the authors argue that the status is not backed by systematic ground surveys.
Important Facts
The pigeon inhabits high‑elevation wet evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, especially the Nilgiris and Anamalai Hills. Isolated populations exist in Biligirirangan, Nandi Hills and northern Maharashtra. These “sky islands” host many specialised species.
Researchers extracted 9,757 occurrence records from eBird, distilled to 117 reliable presence points, and modelled them against nine bioclimatic variables.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding species‑distribution modelling, the impact of climate change on biodiversity, and the role of institutions like BNHS are crucial for GS‑4 (Environment) and for interdisciplinary questions linking ecology, policy and sustainable development.
Way Forward
- Implement climate‑resilient conservation strategies for high‑altitude forests, including habitat corridors to connect fragmented sky islands.
- Conduct systematic ground surveys to validate population estimates, breeding ecology and habitat use.
- Integrate the species’ projected habitat loss into periodic IUCN reassessments and national Red‑List updates.
- Promote community‑based monitoring using platforms like eBird to generate real‑time data.
Proactive planning that anticipates ecological shifts, rather than reacting post‑collapse, is essential to safeguard the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and the broader endemic fauna of the Western Ghats.