Kerala’s Rainforest Gurukula: How Indigenous Women Are Saving Endangered Western Ghats Plants

Did you know that India’s Western Ghats are home to over 27% of the country’s higher plant species, many of which are endangered? Amid deforestation and climate change, a unique conservation model thrives quietly in northern Kerala. Known as the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, this haven is led by Indigenous and local women who are reviving rare plants and restoring ecosystems — plant by plant, forest by forest.

This blog dives deep into the remarkable story of the women of Gurukula, their decades of dedication, and why their work matters for India’s biodiversity and the planet’s future.

A Morning in Gurukula

One morning, after a storm tore through the rainforest, Laly Joseph — a quiet yet resolute guardian of Gurukula — walked through the sanctuary she has spent decades caring for. Amid fallen branches, she spotted a native orchid clinging to a snapped bough. Without hesitation, she tied it to a standing tree, giving it another chance to live.

Moments like these are the essence of Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary. Tucked into Kerala’s Western Ghats, this sanctuary is not just a conservation project — it is a living refuge for plants on the brink of extinction, nurtured by women who view the forest as a family member rather than a resource.

How It All Began

The story of Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary dates back to 1981 when Wolfgang Theuerkauf, a German conservationist, was gifted three hectares of rainforest by a spiritual teacher. Witnessing the rampant clearing of forests for tea, ginger, and lemongrass plantations, Theuerkauf made it his mission to save the native flora.

He began by collecting endangered and rare plants from nearby forests to replant in the sanctuary. What started as a small act of care has grown into 32 hectares of restored forest, sheltering over 2,000 native plant species, and protecting nearly 40% of all plant species in the Western Ghats.

The Women Behind the Mission

Before his passing in 2014, Theuerkauf mentored a team of 20 local women, many from Indigenous backgrounds, to carry forward his mission. Today, these women are the true guardians of Gurukula.

Laly Joseph, who now leads the team, recalls:

“I was training to become an X-ray technician, but I joined Gurukula because I loved working with plants. That was 37 years ago, and I never looked back.”

None of these women are formally trained scientists. Their expertise has been built by working directly with the forest, understanding each plant’s needs through observation, care, and trial-and-error.

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Learning Without Classrooms

Over decades, the women of Gurukula have mastered the care of some of the most delicate species of the Western Ghats, such as:

• 260+ species of ferns (out of 280 found in South India)
• 110 species of Impatiens, including the rare Impatiens jerdoniae
• 100+ native tree species
• 500+ herbs, climbers, and epiphytes
• 200+ mosses and liverworts

The sanctuary’s nursery and open beds, shaded by rainforest trees, provide ideal conditions for reintroducing these fragile species back into their natural habitats.

Why the Western Ghats Matter

The Western Ghats stretch across 1,600 km of southern India and are considered one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity (UNESCO).

• 27% of India’s higher plant species are found here.
• Rivers originating from these mountains sustain over 245 million people.
• The forests act as crucial climate stabilizers and water regulators.

However, rapid urbanization, mining, and deforestation have left less than 7% of primary forests intact. This is where sanctuaries like Gurukula are making a difference.

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The Gurukula Way of Restoration

Unlike conventional afforestation efforts, which often focus solely on tree planting, Gurukula restores entire ecosystems — from mosses and orchids to giant rainforest trees.

Their approach is simple but powerful:

• Minimal interference: Allow natural succession to take its course.
• Native species focus: Protect species adapted to the Western Ghats’ unique climate.
• Observation-based care: Each plant’s needs are carefully monitored and addressed.

As Laly explains:

“Because of climate change and deforestation, we are losing plants at an alarming rate. We can’t save everything, but we will save as many as we can.”

The Forest That Came Back

Gurukula’s restoration efforts have not only revived plants but also encouraged wildlife to return. Today, the sanctuary is home to:

• 240 bird species
• 65+ butterfly species
• 25 amphibian species
• 20 species of snakes
• Deer, elephants, Indian bison, and even tiger tracks.

Each animal’s return signals that the forest is regaining its natural balance.

A Legacy That Lives On

Wolfgang Theuerkauf’s vision lives on through every transplanted fern and shaded orchid. Three plant species have been named in his honor.

Laly Joseph, once a young recruit, is now a recognized plant expert and co-author of several scientific papers on newly discovered species — a remarkable achievement for someone with no formal academic training.

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“Forests Are More Than Trees”

As Suprabha Seshan, an educator at the sanctuary, puts it:

“There are 5,000–6,000 species of flowering plants in the Western Ghats, thousands of fungi, hundreds of mammals. Nature can come back. But only if we stop the destruction. The industrial world isn’t slowing down — it’s speeding up.”

The women of Gurukula show us what true care looks like — slow, deliberate, and rooted in deep respect for life.

Conclusion

The story of Kerala’s Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is more than a tale of conservation. It is a reminder that saving biodiversity requires patience, love, and community-driven action. In a time when environmental efforts are often measured in numbers and carbon credits, Gurukula is proof that every orchid tied to a tree and every fern transplanted with care matters.

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FAQs

Q1. What makes Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary unique?
It focuses on saving endangered plants of the Western Ghats through women-led, hands-on conservation rather than large-scale tree plantations.

Q2. How many plant species does Gurukula preserve?
The sanctuary houses over 2,000 native species, including 260 fern species and 110 types of Impatiens.

Q3. Can visitors tour the sanctuary?
Yes, but entry is limited to eco-educational programs to avoid disturbing the ecosystem.

Q4. Why is the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot important?
It is home to 27% of India’s plant species and is a critical water source for millions of people.

Q5. How can I support Gurukula?
By donating, spreading awareness, or volunteering with eco-restoration projects.