Southern States - Kerala   

Efforts on to conserve sacred grove

By Our Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE FEB. 18. Efforts are on to conserve a `kavu' (sacred grove), in the precincts of the city, and the rich vegetation there under a `participatory conservation project'.

The Oisca International here in association with the Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department are trying to conserve the biodiversity concentration here, forest officials point out.

The sacred grove, is on a 50-cent plot on the Malaparamba-Medical College Road. According to Nalinakshan of the Oisca International, the biodiversity conservation project is being planned with a view to preserving the existing flora and fauna around the `nattu kota'. The vegetation is in danger of being destroyed by creepers and other wild bushes.

Besides rare tree and plant species, the area is inhabited by a unique variety of butterflies. Many bird species too are known to visit the area. Efforts are on to contact the Geological Survey of India for a check-list to be made on the fauna here. The assistance of the concerned departments of the Calicut University would also be sought, he said.

According to forest officials, the presence of rare butterflies here could be because the `kavu', is probably situated in the `butterfly corridor' or the route of migratory butterflies.

The vegetation surrounding the sacred grove is diverse too, and represent the age-old concept of a `star forest', associated with the zodiac of individuals.

Planting of traditional tree varieties will be taken up in the area by June, Mr.Nalin added.

Oisca is also considering adopting other sacred groves in the district to protect the flora and fauna there. Those under consideration are the Poyil kavu, enroute to Elathur, and another at Chelavur, popularly known as `monkey park', and probably the only spot in the region inhabited by a sizable number of monkeys.

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