Understanding the Eastern Ghats: A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Threat

The Eastern Ghats, a discontinuous chain of ancient mountains stretching over 1,750 kilometers along India's eastern coast from Odisha to Tamil Nadu, represent one of the country's most ecologically significant regions. Unlike the more celebrated Western Ghats, these hills harbor a unique evolutionary history, predating their western counterparts and supporting an astonishing array of endemic species. Recent genomic studies have illuminated this hidden wealth, revealing undocumented insects, arthropods, fishes, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants that underscore the area's fragile biodiversity.

Spanning states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, the Eastern Ghats cover diverse ecosystems from dry deciduous forests to moist evergreen patches. Home to over 2,500 flowering plant species, 115 herpetofauna taxa, and 297 bird species, the region faces mounting pressures from habitat fragmentation, mining activities, agricultural expansion, and climate change. These threats have led to a 15.83% forest loss over the past century, amplifying the urgency for science-driven conservation strategies.

Genomic Revolution in Wildlife Conservation

Genomics, the study of an organism's complete set of DNA including genes (deoxyribonucleic acid), has transformed biodiversity protection. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, which detects genetic material shed by organisms into water or soil, offers non-invasive monitoring of elusive species. In the Eastern Ghats, such techniques have mapped bacterial communities across 40 aquatic ecosystems, highlighting rare taxa's ecological roles and invasive species like the armored sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys sp.).

Institutions like the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and its Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) lead this charge. LaCONES applies molecular, reproductive, and genomic tools for species recovery, genetic monitoring, and forensics, providing actionable data for policymakers.

CCMB-LaCONES: Pioneering Eastern Ghats Research

Under Dr. G. Umapathy's leadership, CCMB-LaCONES has conducted over five years of intensive work on Eastern Ghats biogeography, community ecology, population restoration, and systematic planning. Their project, MLP156 "Discerning the Eastern Ghats for Improving Conservation Outcomes," integrates field ecology with genomics to prioritize restoration sites.

Key advancements include genome sequencing of endangered Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an economically vital tree endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats. Microsatellite markers identified here enable population genetics tracking, revealing 72% variation among populations versus 28% within, guiding targeted interventions. For researchers eyeing careers in conservation genomics, explore opportunities at higher-ed research jobs.

The Landmark Conference: From Genes to Landscapes

The February 18-21, 2026, conference "Discerning the Eastern Ghats — From Genes to Landscapes" at CCMB-LaCONES united experts, students, NGOs, and officials. Themes spanned genes-to-ecosystems connections, fragmented landscapes, and policy integration. A Genomics 101 workshop trained participants in genome assembly, fostering capacity building.

Speakers covered ecology, biogeography, human-wildlife conflict, and conservation genomics, culminating in a roadmap emphasizing connectivity restoration and habitat prioritization. This event, convened by Dr. Umapathy with organizers Dr. Siddharth Kulkarni and Dr. Gopi Krishnan, marked a pivotal step.Learn more about the conference.

Key Genomic Discoveries and Their Implications

eDNA surveys unveiled spatially structured bacterial assemblages, influenced by protection status and environmental factors, signaling ecosystem health indicators. Reptile and amphibian phylogenetics trace evolutionary histories, while plant studies like Rubus treutleri extend known ranges.

• New gecko species from Odisha highlights under-explored endemism.
• Red Sanders genomics aids anti-poaching via genetic profiling.
• Aquatic invaders detected early via eDNA for rapid response.

These findings inform adaptive management, linking genetic diversity to landscape resilience. Aspiring genomicists can find training via academic career advice.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Major Threats to Eastern Ghats Biodiversity

Habitat loss from mining and agriculture fragments populations, reducing genetic flow. Climate shifts exacerbate moist heatwaves and species migration. A global study notes 26% species loss in hotspots like Eastern Ghats due to farming.

Invasive species and overexploitation threaten endemics like the Golden Gecko. Genomics quantifies these risks, identifying vulnerable lineages for priority action. Government reports highlight Eastern Ghats' role in India's four biodiversity hotspots.

The Proposed Conservation Roadmap

The roadmap advocates:

• Genetic Monitoring Networks: Establish eDNA stations for real-time biodiversity tracking.
• Restoration Prioritization: Use landscape genomics to reconnect fragments.
• Species Recovery Programs: Assisted reproduction for critically endangered taxa.
• Policy Integration: Incorporate findings into state wildlife plans.
• Capacity Building: Train locals and researchers in genomic tools.

This multi-scale approach promises sustainable protection, aligning with India's National Red List Roadmap 2025-2030. Read the full Hindu report.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Collaborations

Forest departments, NGOs like Rainforest Alliance, and universities collaborate on sustainable agriculture in Ghats. Experts stress interdisciplinary efforts: "Advanced genomic and ecological studies are crucial," notes CCMB-LaCONES.

Tribal communities provide ethnobotanical insights, vital for holistic plans. International ties, like APFORGEN symposia, enhance genetic resource conservation.Explore India higher ed jobs for roles in this domain.

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

By 2030, expanded genomic networks could halve undocumented species loss. Policymakers should fund LaCONES-like hubs, while researchers leverage tools like MaxEnt modeling for habitat suitability.

For students, pursue scholarships in conservation biology. Institutions hiring? Post on higher-ed-jobs.

Role of Higher Education in Genomic Conservation

Indian universities drive this field, with CCMB training postdocs via projects like MLP156. Programs in bioinformatics and ecology prepare the next generation. Rate professors in wildlife genomics on Rate My Professor to guide peers.

Career tip: Combine field skills with genomics for impactful roles. Check postdoc advice.

Photo by Artyom Korshunov on Unsplash

Conclusion: A Call for Collaborative Action

The Eastern Ghats conservation roadmap, powered by genomic studies, offers hope for India's biodiversity legacy. Urgent implementation can safeguard this ancient ecosystem. Engage via comments, explore Rate My Professor, higher-ed-jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post openings at post-a-job.