AI charts new path to protect Meghalaya’s rare tree species

SHILLONG, April 10: In a study, a team of Indian scientists have harnessed the power of machine learning to map the habitat of Elaeocarpus prunifolius, an endangered tree endemic to the state. Using ecological niche modeling, the researchers have identified nearly 9% of Meghalaya’s land as potentially suitable for the species — offering a high-tech lifeline for a tree on the brink of extinction.
Published in the journal Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, the study showcases how modern algorithms and remote sensing data are changing the game for conservation. “Machine learning allows us to forecast suitable habitats with remarkable accuracy, something traditional methods struggled with due to limited field data and rugged terrain,” said co-author Dibyendu Adhikari.
The model’s output is precise: about 201,321 hectares across Meghalaya could support E. prunifolius. Within this, nearly 10,361 hectares in the East Khasi Hills have been pinpointed as prime zones for reintroduction and restoration. The Khasi and Jaintia Hills emerged as the strongest candidates for habitat revival.
Despite this glimmer of hope, the ground reality is grim. The species is facing mounting threats from illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and rapid urban development. Even within designated protected areas, the tree’s natural regeneration is stalling — thanks to early seed drop and predation by rodents and insects.
Field surveys between 2014 and 2018 told a sobering tale: only 275 adult trees were found across 43 sites, accompanied by 828 saplings and 1,252 seedlings. The survival odds are thinning.
However, the silver lining lies in data. The machine learning models revealed that smaller forests don’t always equal poor growth. In fact, seedling abundance was significantly higher in large, undisturbed patches of forest — pointing toward pockets of resilience.
The research team, including Viheno Iralu, Krishna Upadhaya, and Hiranjit Choudhury, has laid out a detailed action plan. They propose seed banks, tree nurseries, and strict anti-deforestation laws as immediate steps. Specific zones like Lum Shynna, Lawbah Arliang, and Krang Suri forest have been shortlisted for habitat restoration and species reintroduction.