Ancient Fossil Discovery Links Northeast India to Western Ghats Flora

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed a fossilized leaf estimated to be 24 million years old in Assam's Makum Coalfield, establishing a significant connection between the ancient flora of Northeast India and the Western Ghats. The study, spearheaded by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow, has been published in the peer-reviewed journal *Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology* on June 21, 2025.

The fossilized leaves exhibit striking similarities to the Nothopegia genus, a group of flowering plants currently localized to the Western Ghats, indicating that these species once thrived in the warmer, humid climates of Northeast India. According to Dr. Harshita Bhatia, co-author of the study and a researcher at BSIP, "Fossil evidence suggests that Nothopegia had a much wider distribution during the late Paleogene, flourishing in conditions akin to those in the Western Ghats today."

The researchers posited that climatic and geological shifts, notably the uplift of the Himalayas, led to a drastic transformation of the local climate. As temperatures decreased and rainfall patterns altered, many tropical species, including Nothopegia, faced extinction or were forced to migrate. The study utilized advanced climate reconstruction methodologies, specifically the CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) method, to confirm that Northeast India enjoyed a warm and humid climate during the late Oligocene epoch, approximately 24 million years ago.

This discovery not only provides insight into the region's ecological history but also highlights the ongoing risks posed by climate change to biodiversity. According to a report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published in 2023, over 60% of tropical endemic species are currently at risk due to climate variations. The study warns that without swift conservation efforts, the Western Ghats could lose all its endemic plant species by 2050, a dire outcome for ecological heritage.

Dr. Bhatia emphasized the need to protect ecological refuges like the Western Ghats, where ancient lineages of flora continue to survive amidst changing climates. The findings underscore the intricate relationship between geological changes and biodiversity, further informing conservation strategies in the region.

The insights gained from this fossil discovery not only contribute to the understanding of past ecosystems but also serve as a critical reminder of the impacts of climate change on contemporary biodiversity. As highlighted by Dr. Rajesh Mehta, an environmental scientist at the Indian Institute of Science, "This research enriches our comprehension of ecological resilience and provides crucial data for future conservation efforts."

The implications of this research are profound, urging policymakers and conservationists to prioritize the protection of these ancient ecosystems as climate change continues to threaten their existence. As the urgency for effective environmental stewardship grows, the study stands as a pivotal reference for understanding and combating the ongoing biodiversity crisis in both Northeast India and the Western Ghats.