BIODIVERSITY IN THE SACRED GROVES

This study envisages the estimation of floral and faunal wealth of the sacred groves in Kerala and understanding the vegetation from a holistic point of view. Based on the floristic data gathered, the status of rare, endemic, endangered or threatened taxa was ascertained. Sacred groves are small patches of native vegetation traditionally protected and managed by local communities. All sacred groves are islands of greenery in the landscape protecting biodiversity and enhancing the environmental quality and they represents hotspots of biodiversity. Due to changing socio-economic conditions as well as land use systems many sacred groves are now threatened and altered in terms of size, vegetation structure and species composition. For creating a better world we must develop a spirit of reverence and empathy for these Sacred groves.The endemics are represented in over 50 families and 94 genera. Vertebrate fauna in all the sacred groves composed of 5 species of Amphibia, 14 species of Reptiles, 49 species of Aves and 11 species of Mammals. Biological and ecological values of sacred groves were included and recommendations for conserving this miniature forests were also included.