Nine Anchor Species Could Boost India’s Biodiversity and Climate Goals

A new study published in *Conservation Letters* suggests that protecting the habitats of nine "anchor species" in India could simultaneously advance biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation. The research highlights how focusing on these species could help conserve more than 700 mammals, birds, and reptiles while safeguarding around 1.1 gigatonnes of above-ground carbon-a significant step toward India’s environmental goals. ## The Nine Anchor Species The study identifies the following species as key to this dual conservation strategy: - Sambar deer (*Rusa unicolor*) - Dhole (*Cuon alpinus*) - King cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*) - Gaur (*Bos gaurus*) - Sloth bear (*Melursus ursinus*) - Indian pangolin (*Manis crassicaudata*) - Great hornbill (*Buceros bicornis*) - Tiger (*Panthera tigris*) - Leopard (*Panthera pardus*) By protecting the habitats of these species, researchers estimate that India could conserve a substantial portion of its vertebrate biodiversity and natural carbon stocks. For instance, the habitat of the sambar deer alone is estimated to hold 3.12 gigatonnes of above-ground carbon, while the habitats of the sambar deer, leopard, and dhole collectively shelter over half of India’s above-ground carbon and co-occurring species. ## Linking Biodiversity and Climate Action The study’s co-author, Aakash Lamba, a conservation scientist at the Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions at the National University of Singapore, emphasizes that biodiversity is often treated as a secondary benefit in carbon-focused conservation efforts. This research, however, positions biodiversity as central to climate mitigation by demonstrating that protecting the habitats of these anchor species directly contributes to both goals. The methodology involved measuring two key factors for each species: the number of other vertebrate species sharing its habitat and the amount of above-ground carbon stored in that habitat. This approach establishes a clear connection between species conservation and climate action, showing that safeguarding these habitats can yield significant environmental benefits. ## Expanding Protected Areas to Meet 30×30 Targets India is under increasing pressure to expand its protected area network to meet the 30×30 target-a global goal to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and ocean by 2030. Currently, only about 5% of India’s land is protected. The study argues that a species-centred conservation model could be a crucial pathway to achieving this target. Researchers found that a majority of the land inhabited by these anchor species lies outside India’s current protected area network. For example, habitats used by sambar deer (90.7%), dhole (88.2%), and leopard (75.1%) show significant overlap with areas that could be prioritized for protection. This suggests that expanding conservation efforts to include these species could help India meet its 30×30 commitments. ## Challenges and Future Directions While the study presents a compelling case for anchor species conservation, some experts caution against oversimplifying the relationship between biodiversity and carbon stock. Vikram Aditya, a principal scientist at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru, notes that the study validates the "umbrella species" concept but suggests that finer-scale mapping could provide more accurate results. He also highlights the need for further research to understand how local biodiversity and ecosystems can benefit from carbon sinks in non-forest areas. Alok Bang, an ecologist at Azim Premji University, Bhopal, praises the study for its quantitative framework but points out that the approach may favor terrestrial over aquatic ecosystems and forests over grasslands or arid regions. He also notes that historically overlooked species like dholes and leopards are now being recognized as key conservation priorities, marking a shift in India’s conservation strategy. ## A New Conservation Model The concept of "anchor species" represents a next-generation conservation model that could make it politically easier to expand protection efforts. By leveraging existing conservation initiatives like Project Tiger and Project Elephant, India could extend similar support to other anchor species, thereby enhancing both biodiversity and climate outcomes. The study’s findings provide a transparent and testable framework for prioritizing conservation efforts, offering a promising path forward for India’s environmental goals.