Cultural and Ecological Importance of Sacred Groves of Kondhs

Cultural and Ecological Importance of Sacred Groves of Kondhs
by F. Merlin Franco and D. Narasimhan Centre for Floristic Research, Department of Botany, Madras Christian College

sacred groves are remnants of natural vegetation, protected and conserved by the spiritual beliefs of local people. Since these sacred groves are free from disturbances, they reflect the original vegetation of that area. A number of human societies in Asia, Africa, Europe, America and Australia have preserved sections of their natural environment as sacred groves. Besides catering to the spiritual and cultural needs of the host community, they also play an important role in conserving biodiversity by facilitating the conservation of medicinal as well as endangered flora and fauna and hence of great ecological value. For instance, it is reported that sacred groves in Kerala preserve more than 800 species of Angiosperms, out of which 150 plants are medicinal and 40% rare and endangered. Usually, it turns out that the plants found in the sacred grove find great use in the community. The sacred groves act as a repository of germ plasm, which are dispersed effectively by birds and other animals that are dependant on them. Certain sacred groves are known to serve as catchment areas or abode of springs. There are several cases where the local agriculture depends on the springs that arise from sacred groves. Besides sacred groves, sacred pools and streams also help in biodiversity conservation.

Read more at http://ecoheritage.webindia.com/viewdetails.php?$mFC