Alsophila nilgirensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Alsophila nilgirensis faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across the Western Ghats. Commercial logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have eliminated much of its native montane forest habitat. The species' slow growth rate and specific microclimate requirements make recovery particularly challenging, while remaining populations are increasingly isolated in small forest fragments vulnerable to edge effects and further degradation.
Habitat
This tree fern inhabits the montane evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, typically occurring at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters in areas with high humidity and consistent moisture. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed forest understories, including filtered sunlight and protection from strong winds.
