Urban-tribal vegetation: A concept based on regional development

Abstract

After reviewing general definitions of flora, vegetation, forest and systems of classification, the author suggests viewing vegetation according to the degree of development of a region and consequent density of human population. Four classes may be recognised-viz. urban, suburban, rural and tribal. Urban categories would be limited to gardens, parks and avenue trees. Suburban would include ruderal communities. Rural group would relate to croplands, weeds and wastelands. The tribal territory would comprise the habitats of Wildlife viz. Forests and Savannas. With vanishing Wildlife, the latter category is experiencing man-animal conflicts. The crux of the problem is to keep the poachers at bay, providing welfare schemes for the tribals. Problems raised by urban expansion into forest and mangroves have been pointed out.