Informatics Publishing Limited

S. Chand Basha

Abstract

The pecularities in the distribution of mangrove vegetation found in the coastal tracts of the country in general has been dealt with special reference to Kerala. A brief historical review of the literature on Kerala mangroves has been given and distribution of mangroves in Kerala has been described in detail with few classified list of species appended. The present ecological status of the mangrove vegetation has also been dealt with The factors which lead to the destruction of the mangrove vegetation have been indicated and rehabilitation measures urgently required have been suggested.

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S. Chand Basha , S. Sankar , K. Balasubramanian

Abstract

The Silent Valley National Park is the largest chunk of comparatively undisturbed area aboding tropical rain forest in the whole of Western Ghats. The flora of the area is fascinating from the phytogeographical point of view with Asiatic endemic, Indo-Sri Lankan elements dominating the scenario. These are followed by Pantropic, Australo-Aslan, Indo-African and other forms. From the point of view richness in Biodiversity, this Silent Valley stands out as an exceptional location harbouring highly diverse life forms.

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S. Chand Basha

Abstract

The different Social Forestry activities taken up under the various programmes in Kerala have been discussed. The Involvement of people specially the Non-Governmental Organisations in the Farm Forestry sector has been given. The welfare activities benefiting Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes taken up under the Social Forestry Schemes have been mentioned. The distribution of produce to the deserving people and the procedure approved by the Government for dealing with the produce obtainable from the various plantations Including that of tribal sector are dealt with In brief. Civil works taken up for the effective Implementation of the World Bank Aided Social Forestry ProJect has been touched upon. The various research organisation Involved in conducting the research and the research activities taken up the various fields of social forestry are discussed. Special mention has been made on the publicity and extenalon activities Implemented.

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S. Chand Basha

Abstract

The mangrove vegetation of the Kerala coast in its present condition has been described. A brief historical background has been given in order to understand the reasons for the dwindling of the once existed very rich 700 km² of mangrove forests to the present stage of discontinuous and isolated bits totally constituting a balance of about 17 km². The patches of mangrove vegetation existing on lands under the public and private ownership have been discussed with their approximate extents so as tu decide the possibility for preserving them in their natural home. Acquisition of mangrove pockets of reasonable and manageable extent belonging to the private ownership has been suggested. The necessity for bringing some bigger pockets under the Forest Act for the effective protection from illicit removal and encroachments of land has been stressed. Suggestion has been made for adopting artificial regeneration methods for increasing the area in suitable localities. Necessity for taking up of extension activities for creating awareness among people staying near the mangrove locality has been suggested.

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