Conservation Prioritization of Semi-Arid Savannas in India: A Multi-Scale Landscape Approach

• Main Author: Vanak, Abi Tamim
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: UKnowledge 2020
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Endangered; Grasslands; Indian subcontinent; Plant Sciences; Soil Science; Indian; Canis lupus
• Online Access: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/23/3-6-1/5; https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2013&context=igc

The semi-arid savanna grasslands of peninsular India are unique habitats that support a vast proportion of Indiaís agropastoralist community. They are also home to critically endangered species such as the Great Indian bustard and other endangered and endemic species such as the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra). Unfortunately, savanna grasslands have not received the attention of conservationists or policy makers, resulting in a lack of protection for both the endangered and endemic wildlife as well as the habitat. Given the high human-dependence on these biomes, traditional conservation measures such as large protected areas are not feasible. The management and conservation of these fragmented and human-dominated regions requires delineation of high-priority areas which are most likely to persist in the long-term.