Ecology and management of sacred groves in Kerala, India

In Kerala, based on management systems, sacred groves can be categorised in to three groups namely those managed by individual families, by groups of f amilies and by the statutory agencies for temple management (Devaswom Board ). Ollur Kavu, S.N. Puram Kavu and Iringole Kavu which represent above ment ioned management systems, respectively, were studied far their tree species composition and vegetation structure. The study was also designed to asses s the strengths and weaknesses of present management systems and role of di fferent stakeholder groups in conserving the sacred groves. Of the three sa cred groves, the one managed by individual family (Ollur Kavu) is highly di sturbed as indicated by low stem density of mature trees (367 ha(-1)) and p oor regeneration potential with the ratio between mature trees and saplings is 1:0.4. In order to quantify the level of disturbance in these sacred gr oves, Ramakrishnan index of stand quality (RISQ) was calculated. The values obtained for all the three tree layers (i.e., mature trees, saplings and s eedlings) in single family managed sacred grove (Ollur Kavu) was between 2. 265 and 2.731, an indicator of the dominance of light demanding species in the population, suggested that the grove is highly disturbed one. Whereas, other two sacred groves are less disturbed as indicated by lower 'RISQ' val ues (between 1.319 and 1.648). Iringole Kavu and S.N. Puram Kavu were compa red with some other evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of India for the parameters like stem density, basal area and species diversity of trees (g bh greater than or equal to 10.1 cm). Values obtained for these parameters in the two sacred groves are within the range obtained for other forests. S takeholder importance value index (SIVI) was calculated based on the attrib utes like the proximity of the stakeholder to the sacred grove, contributio n of stakeholders in managing the sacred grove, benefits being enjoyed by t he stakeholder due to involvement with sacred grove and attitude of the sta keholder group towards the conservation and management of sacred grove. Thi s indicated that local people, temple trust and/ or sacred grove owners are the major stakeholders, while in general some other stakeholder groups suc h as youth clubs, schools, forest department, municipality and local Pancha yat with lower SM are comparatively neutral in conserving and managing the groves. Some of the major strategies to be adopted are self-imposed complet e ban on the removal of biomass for the revitalisation of ecosystem, creati on of awareness among local people and all stakeholder groups, identificati on of the type of contribution a stakeholder group can offer in managing th e sacred grove and encouragement of all stakeholders to participate without either directly or indirectly adversely affecting the ecosystem as well as the wisdom and interest of the major stakeholder groups. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.