Conservation significance of Yelakundli Sacred Grove: a relic population of the endemic dipterocarp Vateria indica L.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10140.17.11.27954-27959Keywords:
Biodiversity heritage site, community-driven conservation, evergreen forest, flowering plant, sacred grove, Western GhatsAbstract
Yelakundli Sacred Grove, a 4 ha evergreen forest patch in Shivamogga District, Karnataka State, India, harbours a rare and exceptionally large population of the endemic dipterocarp tree Vateria indica. A single transect revealed 122 mature individuals of this species, whereas it was virtually absent outside the grove. The grove’s unique characteristics, including 100% evergreenness, 87% tree endemism, and a thick leaf litter layer, support the dominance of Vateria indica and other climax tree species, such as Mesua ferrea. The absence of fire and the non-removal of leaf litter have contributed to the grove’s ecological integrity. In contrast, intensive litter collection and forest fires in other forest patches have altered soil properties, impaired seedling establishment, and shifted species composition. Yelakundli sacred grove’s conservation significance lies in its role as a biodiversity heritage site, providing a window into the evolutionary history of tropical forests. Its protection by the local community, driven by cultural and religious beliefs, has ensured the persistence of this relic population, highlighting the importance of community-driven conservation efforts.
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