Chennai: Forest officials in Chennai launched an initiative to identify and protect rare and endangered trees by officially designating them as ‘heritage trees’ in recognition of their ecological, cultural, historical, and aesthetic value. Tamil Nadu forest secretary Supriya Sahu said these heritage trees will receive special protection to ensure their survival and to highlight their role within the urban ecosystem.Spread across different parts of the city, these trees include the iconic Adyar Banyan Tree—estimated to be over 450 years old—which stands as a living symbol of Chennai’s natural and cultural history. To carry out the initiative, the Chennai forest division collaborated with botany professor D Narasimhan and the environmental NGO Nizhal Trust to identify suitable trees across the district.A special team, formed under the supervision of district forest officer V A Saravanan, conducted extensive fieldwork and identified 104 trees that qualify as heritage trees. These were chosen not only for their age but also for their historical associations, ecological value, and relevance to community life.Among the notable examples is an African Baobab tree located on a school campus in Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar district, believed to be planted by Arab travellers more than a century ago. Another Baobab tree stands inside the Theosophical Society campus in Chennai, reflecting the diverse origins of heritage trees in Tamil Nadu.While the current phase covers Chennai, the initiative is expected to expand to other districts. By documenting and conserving these botanical landmarks, the forest department aims to foster environmental awareness and ensure that future generations stay connected to their natural heritage.