Push to Name Nilgiri Lily as District Flower to Boost Conservation

Speedy Summary

• Subject: Endemic Nilgiri lily (Lilium wallichianum var.neilgherrense) blooms in Western Ghats during late August, signaling teh end of the south-west monsoon season.
• Geography: Found only in Nilgiris and Palani hills; populations are limited to high-elevation grasslands and rocky outcrops.
• Decline: Ecologists report drastic population decline due to factors like cattle grazing, climate change, and invasive species.
• Conservation Appeal: Experts call for declaring Nilgiri lily as the district flower of Nilgiris to promote awareness and conservation.
• Observation by Experts:

– Tarun Chhabra describes its connection with Toda culture & warming climates affecting blooming cycles.
– Keystone Foundation finds reduced sightings even in areas where it was once abundant.- Need for assessment on existing locations highlighted.

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