Dr. Mandar N. Datar

Biography

His Education & Scientific Career: M. Sc. Pune University in 2000 (Angiosperms), Ph. D. Pune University in 2007(Plant Taxonomy) and Junior Research Fellowship in Botanical Survey of India. Their lab is focusing on diversity, distribution and endemism of flowering plants of India with a special emphasis on Northern region of Western Ghats, which is one of the 35 global biodiversity hotspots. Currently, they are also involved in quantifying and mapping plant diversity of various habitats like forests, rock outcrops and cliffs in Northern Western Ghats for understanding their species composition and endemism using standard ecological methods. We are studying autecology of some endemic species to help us understand their restrictedness to particular habitats. They have special interests in grasses, their adaptations and distribution patterns and reasons for their endemism. They are trying to combine conventional taxonomy with ecology and molecular phylogeny studies for which they are collaborating with other scientists of ARI. They have a recognized and well organized herbarium (AHMA), which is the backbone of our research activities. We are also digitizing our herbarium and have made it available online through their website.

Research Interest

Diversity, distribution and endemism of flowering plants