Native Habitat Restoration Through Sowing and Planting of Indigenous Species One of the core projects undertaken by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is the restoration of degraded habitats through the sowing of native seeds and planting of indigenous tree, shrub, climber, and grass species in areas where invasive plants have been removed. Across the Eastern and Western Ghats, invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora, Lantana camara, Senna spectabilis, and Acacia species have displaced native vegetation, reduced biodiversity, and degraded wildlife habitats. Following the removal of these invasive plants, BCT actively restores the land by introducing locally native species that are naturally adapted to the ecosystem. Our restoration approach focuses on collecting seeds from native forests, establishing nurseries, producing healthy saplings, direct seed sowing, seed ball dispersal, and plantation activities. Special emphasis is placed on species that provide food, shelter, nesting sites, and ecological benefits for wildlife. By restoring native vegetation, BCT helps rebuild healthy ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, herbivores, and other wildlife while improving soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration. Native habitat restoration also contributes to reducing human-wildlife conflict by increasing the availability of natural food resources within forest landscapes. Key Activities Removal of invasive plant species Collection of native seeds from local forests Establishment of native plant nurseries Direct seed sowing in restoration sites Seed ball preparation and dispersal Plantation of native trees, shrubs, climbers, and grasses Monitoring plant survival and ecosystem recovery Community and volunteer participation in restoration efforts Impact Through habitat restoration, BCT aims to reconnect fragmented landscapes, improve biodiversity, strengthen wildlife habitats, and create self-sustaining ecosystems that can support future generations of both wildlife and people.

Volunteers play a crucial role in all our initiatives—participating in seed ball making, sapling maintenance, cleaning water troughs, and conducting cleanup drives on forest roads. Their commitment helps us achieve sustained ecological balance.