ANJANERI – The hidden treasure

Anjaneri hill is one of the high altitude basaltic rocky outcrops from Northern Western Ghats, located 20 Km west from Nashik,Maharashtra (India). Anjaneri Hill (190 55’11.14” N & 730 34’18.0” E) (Map 1 and 2) is a basalt mesa, a flat-topped hill with steep cliff edges. It is one of a cluster of five hills, together known as ‘Tryambak Range’ of the Northern Western Ghats. It is the highest peak (1300 msl) from this range. Anjaneri hills is an ancient mountain pass, from the period of Yadava, Satvahana Kings (approximately 700 A.D.). Historical references were also found in the regime of Peshava.

Anjaneri outcrop is unique due to great diversity of plant species. More than 400 flowering plant species have been reported from Anjaneri protected area during our studies. Out of these 114 species are (81) endemic to India / Western Ghats (33). Anjaneri outcrop is type locality of two plant species Ceropegia anjanerica and Dicliptera lionotis. Outcrop exhibited different habitat due to distinct geographical location, climatic conditions and edaphic nature. Due to existence of adverse climatic conditions and extreme micro-environments, plants have developed unique morphological, physiological and life cycle adaptations.
Anjaneri Hill is a reserved forest (RF) area and has been given the status of medicinal plant conservation area (MPCA) in 2009-2010 and reserve area conservation committee has been constituted (April 2017) for the conservation of endemic plants from the plateau. Systematic approaches are required to conserve various unique habitats, which supported great diversity of existing plant species and for the conservation of unique plant species Ceropegia anjanerica and Dicliptera lionotis. The environmental uniqueness, high diversity, lack of studies, high anthropogenic activities and rapid destruction of these ecosystems make Anjaneri outcrop “hotspot” from the region of Northern Western Ghats.
In this documentary, we have documented endemic and endangered plants and all the glimpses of nature. Purpose of documentary is to create awareness about rich flora existed on Anjaneri rock outcrop, its conservation and live documentation. Documentary will be useful to everyone who loves nature and can be used as field guide for identification of various herbaceous plants and its habitat.