Cultural and Conservation Values of Sacred Groves of Kerala, India

Abstract

A study was conducted in twenty eight sacred groves in Kerala to document their socio-cultural and ecological values, identify location-specific threats and conservation and sustainable management options for each grove. The total area of groves ranged from 0.04 ha to 24.0 ha. In majority of the groves, area occupied by the vegetation was more than 76% of total area of the grove. While most of the sacred groves were surrounded by the crop lands, some were bordered by highly degraded forest lands and barren lands. Many sacred groves held water resources in the form of ponds, streams or wells. These water bodies, in many sacred groves play important ecological roles by providing water for organisms living in and around the groves. Out of 670 angiosperm species recorded, 76 species are endemic to the southern Western Ghats, 37 to the Western Ghats and the remaining 21 to the peninsular India. Majority of the sacred groves are associated with female deities and devotees dedicated offerings, generally agricultural products, for the fulfilment of their wish. Festivals and performing arts related to different sacred groves were documented. Even though some restrictions existed, women participate in the traditional activities, conservation and day-to-day management of many sacred groves. Among twelve major threats faced by sacred groves, dumping of solid wastes, trespassing, illegal collection and removal of small fallen timbers and other forest products were prominent. Altogether 26 management strategies were recognized for the conservation and protection of these sacred groves. Even though the social barrier is more appropriate, in the present day socio-cultural context, it is suggested that physical barriers such as fencing and compound wall are needed to protect sacred groves till the attitude of stakeholders towards sacred groves becomes positive. The need for a Sacred Grove Biodiversity Network (SGBN) to document and organise comprehensive programme of maintaining biodiversity is also highlighted.