Cultural and ecological insights into sacred groves: managing timber resources for improved grove conservation

摘要: This mixed methods study investigated cultural and ecological aspects of five sacred groves within the Kodagu district, South India. Sacred are community-managed forests that protected due to spiritual reasons can provide habitat for rare species in human-dominated landscapes; however, they globally threatened land use pressures, changes resource extraction. Within region, not only being encroached but also losing quality, leading a reduction species. Interviews with 43 residents documented perceptions grove histories related beliefs. Ecological indicators forest disturbance detailed demographic data valuable timber tree Dysoxylum malabaricum as model were recorded. Results found degrees disturbance, congruent residents' perception protection is weakening, an ongoing local association these spaces. Manag...