Depletion and economic extinction of NTFP resources in Peechi-Vazhani and Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuaries, Kerala: A Socio-economic study

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) once neglected as minor forest produce, now have gained significant importance due to its income and employment potential. The social and economic dependence on NTFPs by the local communities (including tribes) living in and around the Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLSs) has led to depletion of the resources mainly because of the difference in the harvesting and regeneration rates. Approximately 62 per cent of the NTFPs are collected (from the study area) mainly for their roots, stem, bark and the whole plant, which could lead to destruction of the species itself if sustainability is not borne in mind. This could lead to the depletion of these resources. 60 per cent of the variation in the income from NTFPs was found to be directly related to the distance travelled for collection. The depletion of certain NTFPs increased the cost of their collection and thereby led to the economic extinction of those NTFPs even before their actual botanical extinction. There are several intra and inter sectoral factors contributing to the economic extinction. Although 83 commercially important NTFP items are available in the study area only 28 items are collected on a regular basis indicating the economic extinction of remaining products. This had significant impacts on the dependency and income levels of forager households.