Informatics Publishing Limited

Jomy Augustine , Pramod G. Krishnan

Abstract

Periyar Tiger Reserve with more than 62% the tropical evergreen forests is the largest protected area in Kerala state. It is the ideal habitat of the black dammar tree, Canarium strictum Roxb. (Burseraceae). People living in the vicinity of the tiger reserve especially on the Tamil Nadu side heavily subject the population of this tree for the extraction of black dammar. The present status of the black dammar tree including its population structure in the tiger reserve was studied and it was found that the population is in a declining phase with fewer juvenile ones. There are six different kinds of use identified for Black dammar.

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Jomy Augustine , N. Sasidharan , A. K. Bhardwaj , K. P. Rajesh

Abstract

Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for its rich fauna, particularly larger mammals. Grasses form an important food resource for the wild animals. During the studies on the flora of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, 163 species of grasses belonging to 74 genera were collected including seven species which have not been recorded earlier from Kerala. The species are listed in the alphabetical order. The nomenclature is made up to date. Important synonyms are also provided. Analysis with respect to endemism and rarity is also given.

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K. K Srivastava , V. J. Zacharias , A. K. Bhardwaj , Jomy Augustine , Sherly Joseph

Abstract

Periyar Tiger Reserve has a grassland area of about 54 km², It supports rich herbivorous animal populations. The grasslands of this Reserve are divided into Tropical Montane grasslands and South Indian Subtropical Hill Savannah. Besides their forage value, the grasslands are potential for maintaining micro-climates for many endangered plants and animals. Forest fire is one of the major ecological factors in grasslands. Planting of Eucalyptus and other exotic plants destabilize the ecology of grasslands. Which are ideal habitats for endangered species fauna like Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Pipit etc.

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