Guwahati, Aug. 13 -- Assam-born conservationist Raktima Basumatary has launched a project to protect one of the world's rarest and most evolutionarily unique trees - the Khasi Holly (Ilex khasiana) - found only in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.

Through her EDGE of Existence Fellowship, Basumatary's project, titled "Conserving Ilex khasiana in East Khasi Hills: A Study on Distribution, Threats and Community Awareness," aims to map the tree's shrinking range, assess threats to its survival, and engage local communities in safeguarding its fragile habitat.

The Critically Endangered Khasi Holly, which can grow up to 20 metres tall, represents millions of years of evolutionary history but faces severe threats from habitat loss and human press...