The Western Ghats biodiversity information system is a collaborative endeavour of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Indian Institute of Science and Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions. It is coordinated by Prof. Madhav Gadgil with inputs from various sources. The system has not become fully operational as yet as the databases are being gradually built up. However, this demonstration of key species provides a glimpse of the future. The databases underway include information of over 5000 species of flowering plants compiled using over 10 regional/ state level and 15 district level publications together spanning the entire centuary and the whole of peninsular India. The kind of information contained in these databases include :

• Species lists
• Nomenclature
• Morphology
• Ecology
• Utility
• Conservation
• Bibliography
• Experts

SPECIES

Artocarpus heterophyllus (JACKFRUIT)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Azadirachta indica (NEEM / MARGOSA)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Bambusa arundinaceae (BAMBOO [thorny])
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Canarium strictum (BLACK DAMMER/ DUP)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Cinnamomum malabathrum (CINNAMON)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Gloriosa superba (GLORY LILY)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Myristica malabarica (MALABAR NUTMEG)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

Strychnos nux-vomica (NUX-VOMIC / STRYCHNINE)
Nomenclature Illustration Ecology Morphology Utility Map Conservation

BIBLIOGRAPHY