Study Warns Climate Change May Shrink Habitat for Western Ghats Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy warns that climate change could severely reduce the habitat of Western Ghats endemic birds like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon by the end of the century. Using MaxEnt modeling and nearly 10,000 occurrence records, researchers predict sharp declines in suitable habitats, especially in high-elevation wet evergreen and moist deciduous forests. The species' limited range and sensitivity to habitat disturbance make it vulnerable to climate change and human activities such as deforestation and land-use changes.