Elaphoglossum nilgiricum is an epiphytic fern endemic to Western Ghats. It is reported from Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of India. It grows in evergreen and semi-evergreen forest habitats between 750-1,800 m elevation as a lithophytic, terrestrial or epiphytic species. This species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 25,839 km² calculated by drawing a minimum convex polygon in GeoCAT (Bachman et al. 2011) and area of occupancy (AOO) of 60 km² calculated using 2x2 km grid. It is known to occur in 5 subpopulations. Continuing decline is reported in AOO and EOO. 

The present study identified four primary direct threats to this species: habitat loss and fragmentation, moisture scarcity, elevated temperatures, reduced water flow into nearby streams, and substantial human interference. These threats collectively endanger the species' habitat integrity and survival, warranting urgent conservation action. The species is assessed here as Critically Endangered as it has a very small population (estimated population size of 37-45 mature individuals), fragmented into extremely small subpopulations (the largest having 11 mature mature individuals), with an estimated continuing decline in population size of 40% over 3 years. It thus meets the criteria for CR C1+2a(i); D.

Effective conservation requires a multi-faceted approach: restoring and protecting habitats through reforestation and protected areas, managing water resources to ensure adequate moisture, adapting to climate change by creating micro habitats and conducting resilience research, and conserving moss populations crucial for the species' growth. Engaging local communities and educating them about conservation, managing ecotourism to minimize habitat disturbance, and investing in research and monitoring are also essential. These strategies, implemented collaboratively, aim to stabilize and eventually allow the collection of the species for ex-situ conservation, ensuring the long-term survival of Elaphoglossum nilgiricum in its natural habitat. Further research in habitat and population trends is required along with species recovery planning.

Elaphoglossum nilgiricum is endemic to the Western Ghats, specifically in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and is restricted to high elevation forests, where it occurs rarely and in small patches of a few individuals. In Tamil Nadu, it is found in the Nilgiris (Pykara, Naduvattom), and Coimbatore (Akkamalai forest, Valparai) (Manickam and Irudayaraj 1992, 2003). In Kerala, it has been recorded in Palghat (Silent Valley Forest), Walakkad, Silent Valley, Dam site, Malappuram (New Amarambalam), Kozhikode (Vellarimala), Idukki (Munnar Hills, Eravikulam National Park), Kottayam (Anakampoyil), Pathanamthitta (Kakki, Pampa, Ranni, Sabarigiri), and Thiruvananthapuram (Ponmudi Hills) (Manickam and Irudayaraj 1992, 2003; Nair et al. 1992; Majeed et al. 1994). In Karnataka, it is present in Dakshina Kannada (Charmadi Ghat) (Saldanha et al. 1978), and in Kodagu (Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary) (Benniamin et al. 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024).

This species is distributed across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, occurring in small, scattered patches within these regions. In Tamil Nadu, Elaphoglossum nilgiricum has been recorded in the Nilgiris, particularly in Pykara, where 15 plants are found, but only 3 are mature. In Naduvattom, there are only 5 plants, and in Coimbatore, at Akkamalai Forest, 7 plants have been observed, with only 3 being mature. Kerala hosts diverse populations of this species in several locations. In New Amarambalam, Malappuram, 7 plants have been identified; in Vellarimala, Kozhikode, there are 12 plants with just 2 mature individuals; in Munnar Hills, 5 plants with only 1 mature individual; and in Eravikulam National Park, Idukki, 25 plants with 10 mature individuals. Other locations in Kerala include Anakampoyil in Kottayam (8 plants with 2 mature), Kakki, Pampa, Ranni (4 plants with no mature individuals), Sabarigiri in Pathanamthitta (7 plants with 2 mature), Silent Valley (10 plants with 4 mature) and Ponmudi Hills in Thiruvananthapuram (10 plants with 6 mature individuals bearing spores). In Karnataka, Elaphoglossum nilgiricum has been observed in the Charmadi ghat area of Dakshina Kannada with 6 plants and only 2 mature individuals, and in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu, where 10 plants are found with 2 mature spore-bearing individuals. The limited number of mature plants is a significant concern for the conservation of Elaphoglossum nilgiricum. This scarcity in mature individuals contributes to the low genetic diversity within the species and poses a threat to its survival in natural forest areas. The fragmented and sparse populations highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect and sustain this unique component of the Western Ghats' biodiversity.

The population size for Elaphoglossum nilgiricum was estimated by Benniamin et al. across all subpopulations. The population trend has been estimated as follows, with the same decline rate applied across all subpopulations. The generation length of the species is 1 year, and the estimated decline over the past 3 years is as follows:

Year:  Estimated Number of Mature Individuals

2021:  62
2022:  53
2023:  47
2024:  37

Thus the estimated decline over 3 years = (62−37)/62 × 100 = 40.32%.

There is no reason to suppose this decline will not continue at a similar rate without intervention.

In the present study, the special habitat and environment required by the species were examined. The observation revealed a diverse ecological niche for the species, showing adaptability across multiple environments. Specifically, it displayed epiphytic behaviour, establishing itself on the lower, shaded trunks of trees (Benniamin et al. 2020). Additionally, the plant demonstrated lithophytic tendencies (Madhusoodanan 2015), thriving on moist rocks near streams. Furthermore, the species demonstrated terrestrial growth patterns (Manickam and Irudayaraj 1992), particularly on mud slopes within shady semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. This species is endemic to the Western Ghats and is found only within the elevation range of 750-1,800 metres. This multifaceted habitat utilization underscores the plant's ability to thrive in varied substrates and light conditions, highlighting its evolutionary resilience and ecological flexibility.

The present study identified four primary direct threats to this species: habitat loss and fragmentation, moisture scarcity, elevated temperatures, reduced water flow into nearby streams, and substantial human interference. These threats collectively endanger the species' habitat integrity and survival, warranting urgent conservation action.

During the summer season, most of the plants died, and the few that remained struggled with severe dryness. Generally, the surviving plants produced spores during the summer, but they often failed to do so and gradually rolled up longitudinally to withstand the hot weather.

The extremely hot temperatures caused most mature plants to die before producing spores, leading to a decrease in the appearance of new plants each year. During the rainy season after summer, some spores germinated normally, but the population density decreased.

Mosses play an important role in the growth of this species. They provide moisture and help control the temperature around the tree branches, muddy slopes, or moist stones where the species generally grows and germinates. However, due to reduced water flow into nearby streams and increased temperatures, mosses have disappeared, leading to disturbances in the growth and germination of new plants as well as mature plants.

The popularity of ecotourism is growing and being appreciated by relevant authorities. While it offers economic and social benefits, it poses a threat to biodiversity. One major concern is the expansion of trekking roads, which leads to decreased tree cover and increased sunlight penetration, resulting in soil heat and environmental dryness. Ultimately it creates unsuitable weather for very sensitive plants like Elaphoglossum nilgiricum Krajina ex Sledge.

This species is not in use or trade.

Conservation strategies for the species Elaphoglossum nilgiricum are vital to preserve its delicate ecosystem and prevent further population decline. Key threats include habitat loss, moisture scarcity, increased temperatures, reduced stream water flow, human interference, and ecotourism impacts. Effective conservation requires a multi-faceted approach: restoring and protecting habitats through reforestation and protected areas, managing water resources to ensure adequate moisture, adapting to climate change by creating microhabitats and conducting resilience research, and conserving moss populations crucial for the species' growth. Engaging local communities and educating them about conservation, managing ecotourism to minimize habitat disturbance, and investing in research and monitoring are also essential. These strategies, implemented collaboratively, aim to stabilize and eventually allow the collection of the species for ex-situ conservation, ensuring the long-term survival of Elaphoglossum nilgiricum in its natural habitat.

Conservation of an endemic species Elaphoglossum nilgiricum are vital to ensure its survival, particularly through the use of spore and tissue culture techniques for ex-situ conservation. Given the species' vulnerability to habitat loss, climate change, and human interference, ex-situ methods such as spore culture and tissue culture provide a controlled environment to propagate and preserve the species. These techniques allow for the growth of new plants from spores and tissue samples, safeguarding genetic diversity and creating a reservoir population that can be reintroduced into the wild if necessary. By developing robust ex-situ conservation programs, we can mitigate the risks associated with in-situ conservation challenges, ensuring that Elaphoglossum nilgiricum remains a viable species for future generations. These efforts complement in-situ strategies, providing a comprehensive approach to the species' conservation.