Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.33765/thate.10.1.2
SACRED GROVES IN CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY IN ODISHA
Taranisen Panda
; Chandbali College, Department of Botany, Chandbali, Bhadrak, Odisha, India
Nirlipta Mishra
; Chandbali College, Department of Zoology, Chandbali, Bhadrak, Odisha, India
Bikram K. Pradhan
; Chandbali College, Department of Botany, Chandbali, Bhadrak, Odisha, India
Shaik Rahimuddin
; Chandbali College, Department of Zoology, Chandbali, Bhadrak, Odisha, India
Rajballav Mohanty
; Ex-Reader in Botany, Plot No. 1311/7628, Satya Vihar, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Abstract
Phytodiversity survey of sacred groves was carried out for a period of two years (2016-2018) in Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. A total of 42 plant species belonging to 39 genera under 26 families are recorded from 20 selected sacred groves of the district. Moraceae represents the dominant family. The respondents affirmed that the plants inside these sites are never cut or harmed and some plant like neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), banyan (Ficus benghalensis L.) and peepal (Ficus religiosa L.) present in the sacred groves are more than a century old. The present study indicates the role of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation through faith, belief, religious activity and community participation.
Keywords
biodiversity; deity; cultural and religious belief; traditional knowledge
Hrčak ID:
234777
URI
Publication date:
27.2.2020.
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