Abstract
This mixed methods study investigated cultural and ecological aspects of five sacred groves within the Kodagu district, South India. Sacred groves are community-managed forests that are protected due to spiritual reasons and can provide habitat for rare species in human-dominated landscapes; however, they are globally threatened due to land use pressures, cultural changes and resource extraction. Within the study region, sacred groves are not only being encroached but are also losing quality, leading to a reduction of rare and threatened species. Interviews with 43 residents documented perceptions of grove quality, grove histories and related beliefs. Ecological indicators of forest disturbance and detailed demographic data of the threatened valuable timber tree Dysoxylum malabaricum as a model species were recorded. Results found degrees of forest disturbance, congruent with residents' perception that grove protection is weakening, and an ongoing local cultural association with these sacred spaces. Management of the sacred groves could be improved through regular interaction between the Forest Department and local temple committees. Additionally, implementing silvicultural management of rare timber species could synergistically serve ecological and cultural conservation goals.
Published Version
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