Elaphoglossum nilgiricum

Elaphoglossum nilgiricum is a fern species belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae, part of a genus known for its distinctive undivided, strap-shaped fronds that set it apart from more finely divided fern relatives. As its name suggests, this species is closely tied to the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats in southern India, a global biodiversity hotspot renowned for high rates of endemism among ferns and flowering plants alike. It grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte in the moist, shaded understory of montane shola forests, relying on the stable humidity and cool temperatures created by dense forest canopy and cloud cover at higher elevations.

The species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN, reflecting its extremely restricted range, the small number of known populations, and a population trend that is currently decreasing. Habitat degradation across the Nilgiris—driven by conversion of native shola-grassland mosaics to tea, coffee, and eucalyptus plantations, along with encroaching tourism infrastructure—has fragmented and reduced the specialized microhabitats this fern depends upon. Because Elaphoglossum nilgiricum occurs in such a narrow geographic and ecological niche, even localized disturbances can have outsized effects on its survival.

On a more encouraging note, growing recognition of the Western Ghats' conservation value has led to expanded protected area coverage and renewed botanical survey efforts in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which may help identify additional populations and inform targeted habitat protection. Continued documentation of this fern's precise distribution and ecological requirements will be essential to designing effective conservation measures and ensuring that remaining shola forest fragments are managed with endemic flora like this species in mind.

This endemic fern inhabits the montane shola forests of the Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats, typically growing as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches in cool, moist conditions at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It requires the specific microclimate of these ancient forest fragments, thriving in areas with consistent humidity and filtered sunlight.