Role of sacred groves in conservation of biodiversity: special study in reference to Dhar district of M.P.

Abstract

Groves have been an integral part oflndian traditions and life style. In Indian culture the forest is an important component among others. This is reason the forest is not only vegetation but acknowledged as God. The sacred groves are symbole ofbelief. Sacred groves are known with different name in various state oflndia. All these places have a collective objective of nature's conservation. Present paper deals with study of 34 sacred groves which are situated in Dhar district ofM.P. Comprising 110 plants from 54 families belong to 102 genera, including 56 trees, 09 shrubs, 14 climbers, 30 herbs and 01 fungus. Besides 48 animals were also seen which included 23 birds, 12 reptiles, 07 mammals and 06 insects.