Relics of the past—Myristica swamps of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot

Abstract Wetlands are biomes of great conservation importance. Myristica swamps are critically endangered ecosystems seen only in India’s Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. They are primitive ecosystems with high diversity and endemism. Many plant species in the swamp are economically and evolutionarily significant. Most of the flora in the swamp has specialized roots that help them survive in the swampy habitat. Many plants endemic to these swamps are threatened and recorded in the IUCN Redlist. Human activities, tourism, invasive species, and climate change have severely affected this ecosystem. The policymakers and government have not taken any steps to conserve these swamps to date. Myristica swamps should be included as a Ramsar site, and this helps in getting global recognition, research funding, and effective conservation. The conservation measures should be done on a scientific basis.