Long Term Ecological Research at Saryan Vatika

Project Background

Saryan Vatika, the botanical sanctuary of the Saryan Vigyan Foundation, spans approximately 4.5 acres. Situated near the natural treeline at an elevation of 3,100 meters, it is located near Mebar village in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. The land consists of both cultivation areas—largely unused for crop cultivation since 2017—and ghasnis (local grasslands), currently used as grazing land. Over the years, natural vegetation has begun reclaiming this space, offering a rare opportunity to study natural colonization in a time when most land conversion trends favor cultivation over rewilding. As of now, around 50 plant species have been identified on-site, with another 50-60 plant species to be cataloged this year. The region’s fauna remains largely undocumented, presenting a significant opportunity for further ecological research. Our immediate plan is to use moth traps to document the nocturnal fauna of this region, and setting up sound recorders to document local bat species. Given the lack of electricity and water in this area, we are partnering with Softcircuits Labs to overcome these logistical challenges. Our vision for Saryan Vatika is to develop dedicated sections for studying natural colonization, testing ecological theories (experimental and control groups), and focusing on specific plant groups. Planned areas include a monocot garden, a wildflower sanctuary, and a Betula forest. We also plan to install a climate station at Saryan Vatika to closely monitor weather patterns while conducting ecological research. We welcome collaborations with researchers and scientists interested in studying Himalayan biodiversity and climate patterns to expand the scope of studies conducted in our botanical sanctuary.