Multidimensional time-lapse of a relict species Canarium strictum Roxb. from a sacred landscape in Pune District, India

Abstract

The traditional practice of conservation on religious basis along with commercial linkages at a local level is an interesting system from the point of view of its ecological, economical as well as institutional sustainability. Dhoop-rahat, in the Western Ghats region of Bhor Taluka in Pune District, is possibly the only sacred grove dedicated to a religiously important species Canarium strictum Roxb. Dhoop (black dammar resin) is traditionally extracted from C. strictum. The present study attempts to assess Dhoop-rahat and its surrounding historic sacred landscape with focus on the rare C. strictum individuals in the backdrop of changes in the ecological, geographical, socio-cultural, and economical dimensions associated with it, over time. Field and market surveys were conducted and RS-GIS techniques were used in the study. Community conserved Dhoop-rahat sacred grove has two individuals of C. strictum along with seven endemic and one IUCN Red Listed species. Successful regeneration of C. strictum is not observed. Once commercially harvested from this location, this species is now used only for ritualistic purposes. The two individuals of C. strictum have endured the drastic changes in the surrounding vegetation. In the business-as-usual scenario, there is a high risk of losing the last two individuals of C. strictum in the region and eventually the grove itself. Newer approaches of conservation by combining community-based traditional ecological knowledge with modern day scientific methods should be applied for protection of this sacred landscape. Long-term periodic monitoring of sacred groves and their surrounding landscape is essential for ensuring their sustainable existence.