IIT-I develops app to map climate risks in key biodiversity areas

Indore: Indian Institute of Technology, Indore (IIT-I), developed a climate monitoring application to map extreme rain and drought risks across India's key biodiversity areas (KBAs). The application can help policymakers and conservation agencies better protect vulnerable ecosystems.The tool developed by a research team led by professor Manish Kumar Goyal from the civil engineering department, maps precipitation extremes and drought patterns at the district level. It identifies climate "hotspots" where biodiversity faces heightened stress due to erratic weather patterns."Precipitation Extremes and Drought Monitoring Application for Indian key biodiversity areas at district level has been developed to address growing climate concerns. The tool tracks historical precipitation extremes and drought patterns from 1951 to 2022. By helping understand changing climate trends and supporting evidence-based conservation actions, it marks an important step toward protecting India's biodiversity from climate-related risks," Goyal said.The findings point to increasing vulnerability of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and grasslands, where both extreme rain and prolonged dry spells can disrupt habitats, affect species survival and alter ecological balance. Regions like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas are particularly at risk due to rising temperature and human pressure.Experts said the application has strong practical relevance, enabling policymakers and conservation agencies to prioritise interventions such as water management, habitat restoration and climate adaptation strategies in high-risk zones."At IIT-I, we are committed to developing research-driven solutions that address real-world environmental challenges. This application reflects our effort to combine scientific research with practical tools that support biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in India," IIT-I director Suhas Joshi said.India has over 600 KBAs that are critical for the survival of unique and endangered species. With climate risks intensifying, the tool is expected to aid district-level planning and strengthen conservation efforts across the country.