Our focus lies in understanding how species diversity is organized and sustained across different spatial scales, primarily concentrating on plant diversity. We investigate various aspects such as species distributions, plant life histories, invasions, environmental variations, spatial structure, demographic processes, dispersal, and succession. Of particular interest is the functional trait variation and adaptive capacity within and among populations of widely distributed and important tree species to emerging temperature and drought stress due to climatic changes. Seasonally dry environments which support both forest and grassland vegetation account for much of the natural vegetation of India, and their response to environmental changes is critical for the subcontinent. In central India, we are working on developing climate-resilient forest restoration strategies in line with the Green India Mission goals. I am also interested in expanding research in the area of ecological restoration of mined-out lands.
While such research is of fundamental importance to ecology, we believe it is highly relevant for responding to current challenges in conservation and sustainable development in the face of habitat degradation and loss, and global environmental change. It can help design/manage biodiversity conservation, afforestation and restoration programmes, wildlife habitat management, production forestry, carbon sequestration, forest-dependent livelihoods, agroforestry-based production and conservation, watershed management, and various land management interventions.
Our research is relevant to mitigating challenges in conservation and sustainable development in the face of habitat degradation and loss, and global environmental change.
We are currently also focusing on understanding the drivers of forest/vegetation transformations in species rich regions and the drivers of landcover and land use change in multifunctional landscapes. We do this by analyzing time series of surface reflectance changes derived from a wide range of satellite sensors, in combination with environmental and climatic data, extensive ground measurements, and socioeconomic analyses. My long-term goal is to integrate the drivers of ecosystem changes, development imperatives, conservation, and livelihoods to create a framework for sustainability.
