Ashish N. Nerlekar, Avishkar Munje, Pranav Mhaisalkar, Ankila J. Hiremath, Joseph W. Veldman

Journal of Ecology  | November 23, 2023

Across various land-use types—old-growth savannas, tree plantations, tillage agriculture, and agricultural fallows—consistent declines in native species richness and cover were observed, with tillage agriculture showing the most significant changes.

The new study by Ashish Nerlekar and others finds that conservation efforts must prioritise the protection of old-growth savannas to safeguard India’s native biodiversity.