Understanding geographical distribution of biodiversity and its conservation is perhaps the most important information required for any country in the post Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) era. Mapping of these bioresources thus becomes an important national priority as India is a signatory to the CBD.
Identification of biodiversity rich areas within an eco-region has become a national priority in the wake of Biodiversity Act (2004). Besides, demarcating areas as ‘ecologically sensitive’ and to make recommendations for the conservation, protection and rejuvenation of the same has been one of the mandates of constituted Expert Panel on Western Ghats ecology by Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC, GoI).
The present study primarily focuses on preparing (a) biological richness maps and (b) thematic maps using GIS and RS tools, that will aid in systematic conservation planning.