S. Sukumaran , A. D. S. Raj

Abstract

A thorough exploration for the rare, endemic and threatened species in the sacred groves of Kanyakumari District in Southern Western Ghats is lacking. The tropical climate and soil conditions coupled with the religious and social beliefs enabled these groves to harbour a large number of RET species, which are on the verge of extinction. Periodic botanical field studies revealed the occurrence of trees and lianas. Of these, most of them are evergreen and semi evergreen representatives. The similarity between the tropical forest of Western Ghats and sacred groves with their trees and lianas indicate that the vegetation stand as fragments of the evergreen tropical rain forest. The present study listed 36 RET species from 21 families belong to 29 genera of these 28 trees and eight lianas & climbers. Of which 28 trees from 21 genera belong to 16 families, 8 lianas & climbers from 8 genea under 8 families. Out of thirty six, 23 are endemic to Western Ghats, 3 to Peninsular India, and rest of them are endangered in southern Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu at present. These groves with such lofty and magnificent tree growths are also associated with many rare and endangered species. Lofty species are national monuments and their conservation will help to preserve these endangered species facing threats of extinction due to lack of habitats.

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S. Sukumaran , G. B. Rejini Balasingh , A. Kavitha , A. D. S. Raj

Abstract

Sacred groves are one of the traditional, informal conservation concepts for preserving bio-diversity. Present study has brought to light 329 plant species from 251 genera belonging to 110 families from 40 sacred groves. Out of the 110 families, 108 belonging to angiosperms and two to gymnosperms. In the floristic composition also, they are very rich with 139 species of trees, 95 shrubs, 79 herbs and 16 Iianas, climbers and twiners. Nearly 88% plants are of dicots, monocots 11.25% and gymnosperms just represent only 0.61 % from the overall record of flora. Of the 329 species enumerated, 54 are listed rare, endemic and threatened. The groves from the Vilavancode Taluk floristic diversity is the richest (37.9%), followed by Kalkulam, Thovalai and Agastheeswaram taluks. The dominant family was Fabaceae with 16 species to its credit recorded from these groves. The phytogeographic analysis of flora showed that the Asiatic element is predominant, followed by Indian and the Endemics. In the critical observation two Keystone and four Flagship species were identified. Creating awareness among local people, educating all those who are associated in the management of the sacred groves and nearby residents are important in their conservation.

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