Western Ghats forest and climate (change)
The Western Ghats are a global biodiversity hotspot and currently experience rapidly changing environmental conditions. Climate change as well as land use threatens unique forest and grassland habitats. We study the interaction between macroclimate, understory microclimate and different vegetation types along elevational gradients in the Karnataka state. I collaborate with Balachandra "Balu" Hegde (PhD candidate and his own PI) and Rohan Shetti (Postdoc). Some years ago, I have visited both Balu's farm in the Western Ghats and Rohan and his family in Pune. I am excited to start now a professional collaboration with my two old friends from Greifswald University.
All photos by Balu Hegde. |