Devika M A
Botanic Gardens Conservation International: BGCI, University of Calicut
0000-0002-6246-0729
About
A passionate and results-driven Ecologist and Plant Conservationist with experience in the conservation and restoration of plant biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and other natural habitats. Specialised in developing and implementing conservation strategies that promote sustainable practices and the protection of threatened plant species and their habitat across the Western Ghats. Contributed to the IUCN Red List assessments of 130 plant species in the Western Ghats region. Expertise spans from field-level ecological research, species monitoring, Ecological niche modelling, habitat restoration, policy advocacy, and community engagement, all aimed at mitigating biodiversity loss and enhancing ecological resilience. Completed PhD in Botany from the University of Calicut on the work “Niche Specificity and Overlap of Threatened Angiosperms in the Western Ghats and Its Applicability in Red List Assessment, Conservation and Ecorestoration. Received the 1st and 2nd Phases Rufford Small Grants (2022) for studies on threatened trees, Prakriti Research Fellowship (2023) for engaging communities in the conservation of threatened species habitat and sacred groves, and the Kerala State Biodiversity Board Doctoral Fellowship (2023-2026), which have contributed to Red List assessment of 17 taxa, including the flagship ‘Neelakurinji’ (Strobilanthes kunthiana). Authored eight peer-reviewed research papers, 89 IUCN Red List assessments and co-authored one book on ecorestoration. Received Padmanabhan Ramamani Endowment Award 2026 for Best Paper in Life Science of the 38th Kerala Science Congress. Contributed to data collection and preparation of research reports for research projects and consultancy reports focusing on niche-specific conservation and ecorestoration planning to various government agencies such as Kerala State Biodiversity Board, IIPM, BMCs, Kerala Forest Department, LSGs.
Employment
Employment history is unavailable.
Education
-
Botanic Gardens Conservation International: BGCI Post Doctoral Fellow2026 - Present
-
University of Calicut PhD in Botany2022 - 2026
Projects & Funding
Projects & funding information is unavailable.
Publications (17)
- Integrating High-Resolution Mapping and Multiscale Fragmentation to Assess Ecosystem Patterns in Shola Forest - Grassland Mosaics of Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot Save
- Integrating niche modelling and species assemblage to assess current and future habitats of threatened Diospyros crumenata under climate change Save
- Niche modelling with vegetation inputs for Grinnellian and Eltonian niche factors in niche specific conservation and ecorestoration planning Save
- An Integrated Approach for Predication of Potential Conservation and Eco Restoration Habitat of Endemic Taxa: Case Study on Elaeocarpus munroi Save
- Strobilanthes kunthiana: IUCN Red List Assessment Save
- Ecoregion level niche specific habitat prediction of threatened Syzygium caryophyllatum (Myrtaceae) for reintroduction and ecorestoration Save
- Niche model based conservation and ecorestoration area prediction of threatened Prioria pinnata (Fabaceae) and conservation implication on IUCN status Save
- Gluta travancorica: IUCN Red List Assessment Save
- Atuna travancorica: IUCN Red List Assessment Save
- Orophea erythrocarpa: IUCN Red List Assessment Save