Bulganin Mitra , Dhriti Banerjee , R. S. Mridha

Abstract

The present study reveals that the integral association of the 'giant red bug' Macroceroea (Lohita) grandis (Gray) with the false white teak tree, with regards to its saprozoic feeding and all other essential biological activities need the presence of the host plant species and its loss is directly related with the existence of the bug. Though insects are overlooked when forest management issues are discussed, proper management of our forests however should not exclude the forest associated and dependant fauna. Even innocuous actions like clearing of forest, removal of leaf litter and rotting fruits (as in the present case) can actually have larger implicatious like habitat loss for a species. Thus, while planning forest management and conservation strategy even these smaller issues should be kept in mind.

Keywords

Giant Red Bug, Macroceroea (Lohita) grandis (Gray), Bioecology, Conservation,
Trewia Nudiflora

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Bulganin Mitra ¹, Priyanka Das ², Sujit Ghosh ¹, Purnendu Mishra ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, M-Block, Kolkata, West Bengal, IN
2 West Bengal State University, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

A total of 17 sacred groves were identified from Barjora (7), Saltora (7) and Chhatna (3) blocks of Bankura district. The largest sacred grove was reported with 0.4891 km² at Kathia Babar Ashram in Barjora block. Total 58 trees were recorded from these three blocks of which 51 scientifically identified. Among them, 12 are important for their timber value, 16 for their food value, 17 having medicinal properties, 6 ornamental and 3 as sacred trees.

Keywords

Sacred Groves, Bankura, Conservation.

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