The impact of climate change on the nearly threatened taxa Elaeocarpus munroi (Wight) Mast. inhabiting in the forest of the Western Ghats

Elaeocarpus munroi (Wight) Mast., commonly called Nilgiri Marble Tree, is a nearly threatened taxa as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This species is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. The present study examines its spatial distribution across the sky islands of the Western Ghats under different climate scenarios (1900-2100) using four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Species distribution modeling was conducted using ensemble techniques in R, along with various ecological niche modeling algorithms. The present study examines the past, present, and future distribution of E. munroi across the Western Ghats. Historical projections indicated that the highest habitat suitability areas for the species were in the southern and central regions of the Western Ghats. The model projections for the species from 2021 to 2100 indicate a noticeable northward shift in habitat suitability. As climate scenarios change, the central and northern regions of the Western Ghats are becoming more suitable for it. This anticipated shift poses a potential threat to the species persistence, as the availability of suitable habitats decline in its historically preferred southern range. This range shift, coupled with E. munroi's near-threatened status, emphasizes the urgent need for its conservation interventions. This study pioneers efforts to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change on E. munroi. This, in turn, offers a foundation for developing targeted conservation strategies in this ecologically important region. The findings highlight the importance of integrating climate change into conservation planning and management practices to safeguard the future of species like E. munroi within the broader ecosystem they inhabit. This study contributes to the growing body of research addressing the complex interplay between climate change and biodiversity conservation, thereby underscoring the need for collaborative and proactive approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.