Abstract
Nearly a third of the endemic plant species of the Western Ghats are threatened and are believed to be on the verge of extinction. In situ conservation is known to be the best way to preserve a species but sometimes ex situ proves to be an effective alternative. An arboretum of about three hectares has been established in Mangalore University Campus, Karnataka for the introduction of endemic taxa of the Western Ghats especially those occurin gin Karnataka. Fifty--seven taxa of trees, two species of bamboos, 23 species of shrubs including woody climbers and 16 endemic species of herbs/under shrubs have been introduced in the arboretum, the total number of arborescent endemic plants being 2000. The ex situ preservation of these taxa would be a great boon to student community to learn about endemic plants in Western Ghats as well as educate people regarding the need to conserve them. It would also serve as a source material for micro-propagation of rare and threatened plants.