Dynamics of Biodiversity Behavior in Forest Landscape of Belagavi Division Karnataka, India
U.V. Singh*
Member, Monitoring Committee of Hon’ble Supreme Court and former expert member of Committee of National Green Tribunal. Khanija Bhavan, Bengaluru, India
Submission: May 22, 2023;Published: July 24, 2023
*Corresponding author: U.V. Singh, Member, Monitoring Committee of Hon’ble Supreme Court and former expert member of Committee of National Green Tribunal. Khanija Bhavan, Bengaluru, India. Email id: uvsingh@yahoo.com
How to cite this article: U.V. Singh. Dynamics of Biodiversity Behavior in Forest Landscape of Belagavi Division Karnataka, India. Ecol Conserv Sci. 2023; 2(5): 555600 DOI:10.19080/ECOA.2023.02.555600
Abstract
Belagavi district has an area of 13,415 square kilometers of the State’s geographical area making it the largest district in Karnataka. In this project, the survey of forests conducted in 109 Beats of 9 Forest Ranges in Belagavi Forest Division (FD), resulted in identification of 578 species belonging to 100 families and 331 genera. The analysis revealed that Fabaceae is dominant family with 88 species followed by Rubiaceae (41). Among 331 genera, the dominant are identified as Ficus and Leucas with 11 species each and followed by Cassia with maximum of 10 species. Habit wise plants analysis of all 578 plant species comprises that tree dominant with 221 species (38.2 %), followed by Shrubs comprising of 198 species (34.2%) and herbs represented by 159 species forming 27.5 % of total plant population. Analysis revealed the presence of maximum 142 species like trees (72), shrubs (49) and 21 herbs from Chigule beat followed by Kakti beat by with 129 species includes 63 trees, 47 shrubs and 19 herbs, though there are many common species among them. These two beats may be declared as biodiversity conserve areas for protection of gene pool. Terminalia tomentosa of family Combretaceae is dominant species among trees, Catunaregam spinosa (Rubiaceae) is dominant species among shrubs and Elephantopus scaber (Astraceae) is dominant among herbs. Likewise, Spathodea campanulata of family Bignoniaceae is lowest with 154 plants among the trees and across all habits in the division [1]. It also shows that Rauvolfia serpentina of family Apocynaceae is lowest among the shrubs and Costus specious of family Costaceae is noted as fewer amongst the herbs. The survey has indicated 32 medicinal plants and identified as the RET species included in the IUCN Red list. Existing survey has also given note of some Medicinal plant species which are incorporated in the list of highly traded category of India as per National Medicinal Plant Board. Few selected plants are used as ingredients in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Siddha medicines. Among them, several species are facing a threat due to their over exploitation by the pharmaceutical and therapeutical industries. In this regard, Belagavi Forest Division must take the resourcefulness to safeguard and rejuvenate these useful medicinal plants by maintaining a Field Gene Bank for the universal welfares of mankind.
The survey has also resulted in finding of 32 medicinal plants identified as the RET species included in the IUCN Red list. Some of the32 species listed under Red list include, Aegle marmelos, Andrographis paniculata, Artocarpus hirsutus, Boswellia serrate Calophyllum apetalum, Centella asiatica, Cryptolepis buchananii, Dioscorea bulbifera, Diospyros candolleana, Gnetum ula, Myristica malabarica, Madhuca longifolia, Limonia acidissima, Naringi crenulata, Pseudarthria viscid, Saraca asoca and Tylophora indica are Vulnerable. Abrus precatorius, Aristolochia tagala, Asparagus racemosus, Buchanania lanzan, Costus specious and Gardenia gummifera are listed under Threatened species. A significant finding of survey revealed that Smilax zeylanica has very large population of plants though it is listed as endangered in BSI flora, whereas Limonia acidissima has minimum number of plants is going to be critically endangered. Survey has also indicated that plant like Myristica malabarica, Calophyllum apetalum has poor population and in the verge of extinction. The regeneration of about 21tree species are found satisfactory but for other species it is poor to nil and require immediate attention [2,3].
Keywords: Biodiversity; Biodiversity hotspots Forest Division; Regeneration; Population; Western Ghats; Transact survey; Transact line
Abbreviations: FD: Forest Division; IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; NMPB: National Medicinal Plant Board; KAMPA: Karnataka State Medicinal Plants Authority; KFD: Karnataka Forest Department; WHO: World Health Organization
Introduction
India, a mega biodiversity country of 2.4% of the world’s land area, harbor about 7-8% of the total species recorded so far. There are over 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species expectedly found in its territory. It is also amongst the few countries that have developed a biogeographic classification for conservation planning and has mapped biodiversity-rich areas in the country. Of the 34 globally acclaimed biodiversity hotspots, four are in India, represented by the Himalayas, the Western Ghats (part of Western Ghats and Srilanka), the North-eastern India (part of Indo-Burma), and the Nicobar Islands (part of Sundar land). Considering the outstanding universal values and high level of endemism in the Western Ghats, 39 heritage sites are recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) within the States of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. With explosion of the human/cattle population, the forests are in receiving ends and no way to meet the increasing traditional and commercial needs is one of the main concern. Studies in the domain of forest ecological dynamics, especially on biodiversity status, regeneration and prevailing threat to the species require a holistic approach for assessment [4]. Assessing the ecological dynamic trends of medicinal plants in the forests is also of special interest in recent past epidemic/pandemic spreads. Though there are medicinal plants used since ancient times, new explorations for immune systems are bringing out the new powers of several species, so far unnoticed to the modern world. The current article is also focused to identify such uses of plants from the forests of the district. The present article is the part of study carried out in the project on “Assessment of Population Status and Removal of Bioresources in Forests with Special Emphasis on Medicinal Plants in Karnataka” under the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) scheme and implemented by the Karnataka Biodiversity Board in collaboration with Karnataka State Medicinal Plants Authority (KAMPA) and Karnataka Forest Department (KFD).
A line transect method is adopted for study by surveying an average of 0.5% areas in each beat, the basic unit of forests.
The outcome of the study will help in conservation, planning, management, development of RET species, and sustainable use of medicinal plants across the forest division besides the specific objective in this article. Medicinal plants play an important role in supporting healthcare in India. Their importance is further increased in the past pandemic of Covid 19 in the country and world as a whole. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the rural population in developing countries utilizes locally available medicinal plants for their primary healthcare needs. About 7200 species of medicinal plants are in current use by local communities all over India. About 90% of the country’s medicinal plant species are found in forest habitats. Only 10% of them are distributed among other landscapes such as open grasslands, agricultural pastures, road sides, bunds of water bodies etc. So, there is an urgent need to conserve the wild populations of medicinal plant diversity in prioritized forest habitats of the country. India’s rich medicinal plant heritage of 7200 species along with around 40,000 formulations spread among various health systems, if conserved and sustainably utilized, certainly has global relevance. For India’s own health needs, conservation of her medicinal plants will contribute to self-reliance of millions on primary healthcare. The demand for medicinal plants is growing. In 2006, the annual turnover of the herbal industry was Rs. 2,000 million. According to some estimates, India supplies 12% of the world’s requirements of medicinal plants. Today, 90% of the medicinal plants consumed domestically and exported globally are collected from the wild habitats. Only 70 out of around 900 species in the trade are obtained purely from cultivated sources [5].
Due to the increasing global demand for herbal remedies, the medicinal plants in the forests are facing threat for their survival. If the uncontrolled harvesting of bio-resources from the wild habitats has not been checked urgently, many of the valuable medicinal plants will be vanished from the forest along with their therapeutic knowledge, handed down through generations in traditional families. However, the distribution pattern and quantity of the medicinal plants in the forests are not estimated in any State of the country in wholistic manner hence present study. This article is the part of overall study of all forest land of Karnataka which was aimed to conduct botanical surveys through line transect method in all forest beats of Karnataka. To identify of medicinal plant species in the forests with precise locations. To make an assessment of population of trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs. To identify and categories the locally threatened plant species in each Forest of state. To estimate the population status of highly traded medicinal plants. To develop capacity of front line forest staff in identifying the traded plants resources. To identify bio-resources with emphasis on sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. To develop guidelines for regulating the access and extraction of important bio-resources [6]. To generate bench mark data to the Government Departments on sustainable use of bio-resources etc (Figure 1).
Background
Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care. More than 30% of the entire plant species, at one time or another, were used for medicinal purposes. It is estimated that the world market for plant derived drugs may account for about Rs.2, 00,000 crores. Presently, Indian contribution is less than Rs.2000 cr. Indian export of raw drugs has steadily grown at 26 % to Rs.165 crores in 1994-95 from Rs.130 crores in 1991-92. The annual production of medicinal and aromatic plant raw material is worth about Rs.200 crores. This is likely to touch US $1150 by the year 2000 and US $5 trillion by 2050. Of the 2, 50, 000 higher plant species on earth, more than 80,000 are medicinal. India is one of the world’s 12 biodiversity centers with the presence of over 45000 different plant species. India’s diversity is unmatched due to the presence of 16 different agro-climatic zones, 10 vegetation zones, 25 biotic provinces and 426 biomes (habitats of specific species). Of these, about 15000-20000 plants have good medicinal value. However, only 7000-7500 species are used for their medicinal values by traditional communities. In India, drugs of herbal origin have been used in traditional systems of medicines such as Unani and Ayurveda from ancient times [7]. The Ayurveda system of medicine uses about 700 species, Unani 700, Siddha 600, Amchi 600 and modern medicine around 30 species. The drugs are derived either from the whole plant or from different organs, like leaves, stem, bark, root, flower, seed, etc. Some drugs are prepared from plant product such as gum, resins and latex. Some important chemical intermediates needed for manufacturing the modern drugs are also obtained from plants (Eg. diosgenin, solasodine). Not only, that plant-derived drug offers a stable market worldwide, but also plants continue to be an important source for new drugs. Medicinal plants play an important role in supporting healthcare in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 % of the rural population in developing countries utilizes locally available medicinal plants for their primary health care needs. About 7200 species of medicinal plants are in current use by local communities all over India. About 90 % of the country’s medicinal plant species are found in forest habitats. Only 10 % of them are distributed among other landscapes such as open grasslands, agricultural pastures, roadsides, pounds of water bodies, etc. So, there is an urgent need to conserve the wild populations of medicinal plant diversity in prioritized forest habitats of the country [8].
India’s rich medicinal plant heritage of 7200 species along with around 40,000 formulations spread among various health systems, if conserved and sustainably utilized, certainly has global relevance. For India’s own health needs, conservation of her medicinal plants will contribute to self-reliance of millions on primary health care. The demand for medicinal plants is growing. Due to the increasing global demand for herbal remedies, medicinal plants in forests are facing threats to their survival. If the uncontrolled harvesting of bio-resources from wild habitats has not checked urgently many of the valuable medicinal plants will be vanished from the world along with their therapeutic knowledge, handed down through generations. However, the distribution pattern and quantity of the medicinal plants in forests are not estimated in any state of the country. In this background, the current program has been developed to conserve the plant sources in the forest and sustainable use by estimating their population and linking with location, as field gene banks for the future generations of the State. Considering the significant role of the several agencies involved in the project, perhaps the most unique in Indian forestry sector, it has decided by the KBB and KAMPA, to implement the project in all beats of all the Forest Divisions [9,10].
Methodology
Considering the significant role of the several agencies involved in the project, perhaps the most unique in Indian forestry sector, it has been decided to implement the project in all beats of all the Forest Divisions (FD) of the Karnataka state. Karnataka Forest Department has 39 Forest Divisions spread across 13 Circles. Each FD comprised of Sub Divisions, Ranges, Sections and beats which is the basic unit of forest. So, for the smooth implementation of the project, survey has been planned at the beat level in all the Ranges, for complete covering of all forests in a season or two, in collaboration with the front line staff of the Karnataka Forest Department. Considering the practical difficulties due to vast size, it has been decided to cover 0.5 % of the total forest areas per beat by line transect method. Transect lines of 10-meter width had been drawn across the beats in such a manner that all types of vegetations viz. natural forests, plantations, hill slopes, riversides, marshy lands and ponds etc. are covered proportionately. The transect lines are covered with GPS readings and drawn on topo sheets and then translate onto the field. All individuals of each of the tree species in the whole transect line have been recorded in the Proforma designed along with their four girth class measurements. For herbs, shrubs, and climbers, rectangular sub plots of 5mt x 5mt size have been demarcated along the transect line at an interval of every 200 meters alternately. If the subplot at the beginning of the transect line is fixed on the right side, it has to be on the left side, after 200 meters. Marking of the subplots alternately to the sides has to be followed for the entire transect line. The samples of subplots thus cover would be 0. 00625% of the beat area. All the identified herbs, shrubs, and climbers with medicinal value growing in the subplots have been counted and recorded in the Proforma assigned. GPS reading at the beginning, middle and at the end of the transect line and the GPS reading at the center of each subplot (5mt x 5mt) have been noted and recorded. Each transect survey team should comprise of two students of Botany/Forestry/Ayurveda, a Forester, a Forest Guard, a Forest Watcher or such other staff, and a Botanist/Ayurvedi Doctor/Plant Scientist. If the students themselves are trained, then combination may be a student (trained) two staff (Forester and Forest Guard), a local man known to vernacular names and a watcher as a helper [11].
Profile of the Belgaum Forest Division
Belagavi (earlier known as “Venugrama” or the “Bamboo Village”) is one of the oldest, strong, prominent and well cultured historical place nestling high in the Western Ghats. The old town area with cotton and silk weavers stands gloriously besides the modern, bustling, tree-lined British Cantonment. Belagavi has an enviable heritage and offers much to be discovered. It lies in the zone of cultural transition between Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa with a known antiquity clearly traceable up to 2nd Century A.D. Due to its proximity with the states of Maharashtra and Goa, Belagavi has acquired the cultural flavor of these states and blended it with the local Kannada culture to create a rich heritage, which is unique in its manifestation. It is also known as Malenadu or Rain Country and the vegetation here is verdant green throughout the year. Belagavi has now become one of the important districts in Karnataka state, marching with a tag of fast growing, redeveloping district. Belagavi is exactly at the center between Mumbai and Bangalore. Belgaum was once the capital of a dynasty of nine Kadamba kings. It appears that from the middle of 6th century was held by the Chalukyas, who were succeeded by Rastrakutas. After the break-up of Rashtrakuta dynasty a portion of it survived in Rattas (875-1250), who from 1210 onward made Venugrama their capital. The Kadambas of Goa succeeded in 12th century in acquiring and holding part of the district. Kittur in Belgaum district is a place of historical importance. Rani Chennamma of Kittur (1778–1829) is known for her resistance to British rule. Belagavi district has an area of 13,415 square kilometers of the State’s geographical area making it the largest district in Karnataka. The district is bounded on west and north by Maharashtra state, on the northeast by Bijapur/Vijaypura district, on the east by Bagalkote district, on the southeast by Gadaga district, on the south by Dharawad and Uttara Kannada districts, and on the southwest by Goa state on the Western Ghats (50 km from the Goa state border). It is one of the oldest towns in the state, lying 502 km from Bangalore, 515 km from Hyderabad and 500 km from Mumbai. The district has been divided into 10 taluks. namely: Athani, Bailhongal, Belagavi, Chikkodi, Gokak, Hukkeri, Khanapur, Raibag, Ramdurg and Savadatti.
Forests in Belgaum district is divided into two forest divisions, namely Belgaum and Ghataprabha. Belgaum division covers the southwest of the district, and includes the forests of the Western Ghats. This division characterized by heavy rainfall, whereas Ghataprabha, to the northeast is much drier. Belagavi Forest Division comprises of nine ranges namely Belgaum, Golihalli, Gujanal, Kakti, Kanakumbi, Khanapur, Londa, Nagargali and Nesargi. In Belagavi district, forest area is more in Khanapur taluk, and very less in Chikkodi and Athani taluks and provides resources like gum, bees, beedi leaves, grass etc. Belgaum district is known as Sugar Bowl of Karnataka with 1.5 lakh hectares being used for commercial production and displaced Mandya district in sugar cane production over the last decade.The city of Belgaum is the district headquarters in North Karnataka. It houses the second legislative building, where the Karnataka Legislature will meet once a year. According to the 2011 Census of India, it has a population of 64.54 lakhs making it the second most populous district in Karnataka. Net sown area in the district is 839,242 hectares, which is 62% of the total geographical area of 1,344,382 hectares of the district. About 31.4% of the „Net sown‟ area i.e. 264,140 hectares is sown more than once. Major crops grown in the area are jowar, maize, paddy, wheat, bajra, grams, tur, groundnut, sunflower, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco etc.
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats, near Jamboti Village in Khanapur Taluk of Belgaum district, Karnataka state. This 19,042.58 ha (73.5238 sq mi) of tropical and subtropical moist broad leaf forest area was wild life sanctuary declared in December 2011. The sanctuary is also home to other rare species of flora and fauna. The area takes its name from the Bhimgad Fort (Figure 2) built and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century. It is located in the heart of the forest valley, built by Shivaji to defend from the Portuguese troops who controlled Goa that time, rises 1800 ft near vertically above the plains. The fort occupied the summit of an extraordinary rock, with sides about 300 ft in perpendicular height. The defenses were almost entirely natural, requiring little additional construction. The ruins of the 380 ft high and 825 ft broad Bhimgad fort are located right in the heart of Mahadayi forest, and are of great historical significance. Bhimgad reserve forest, a protected area and a treasure of Western Ghats (Figure 2,3). The sanctuary is about 35 km southwest from Belgaum city. It is contiguous to the east of Mahedi Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park and north of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The western border areas encompass several geomorphological limestone formations with several caves. Bhimgad is a major destination for eco-tourism that comes in Khanapur taluk. Bhimgad forest of tropical and subtropical trees is also home to tigers, black panthers, leopards, gaurs, sloth bears, sambars, king cobras, elephants and some rare species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary, with beautiful mosaic of woodlands and grass lands, is rich in Medicinal plants. The application states: “This section of Bhimgad that lies in Karnataka reflects the bewildering complexity in plant, animal and bird life. It represents an area having a unique ecosystem that has significant biological and ecological importance. The region has numerous endemic plants and animals and also provides a critically important tiger corridor between Karnataka and Goa.”
Khanapur forest range
Khanapur forest range (Figure 4) has some diverse flora and fauna; the forest department has not envisaged developing a Tree park at Koundal, Karambal villages, Khanapur range in the Western Ghats. The entire Khanapur forest range has rich presence of trees including animals and birds which might not be easy to spot while one is on a trek. Spread over 100 acres near Koundal, Karambal villages near to Goa-Karnataka state highway and Alanawar Road.
Topography and Altitude
Belagavi district has an area of 13,415 square kilometers of the State’s geographical area making it the largest district in Karnataka. The district is bounded on west and north by Maharashtra state, on the northeast by Bijapur district, on the east by Bagalkote district, on the southeast by Gadaga district, on the south by Dharawad and Uttara Kannada districts, and on the southwest by Goa state on the Western Ghats (50 km from the Goa state border). It is one of the oldest towns in the state, lying 502 km from Bangalore, 515 km from Hyderabad and 500 km from Mumbai. The district has been divided into 10 taluks namely: Athani, Bailhongal, Belagavi, Chikkodi, Gokak, Hukkeri, Khanapur, Raibag, Ramdurg and Savadatti. The topography of the district can be divided into four key zones:
a) On the western side, the district is covered with thick forests along the Western Ghat ranges. These western fringes are the most elevated area of the district, running along the Sahyadri Hills and stand at 450 to 900 metres above msl. The tops and upper slopes of these hills are almost bare and heavily degraded, but the lower slopes are fairly wooded with moist deciduous and evergreen species. This area receives high rainfall during the southwest monsoon.
b) The Northern belt of the district between the Ghataprabha and Krishna rivers makes a second zone. The west of this area is marked by plateaux of poor soil, further east there are rolling hills also of poor soil quality. In the northwest the land is also degraded and of low quality, but north of the Krishna River there is a belt of rich deep soil. Most of the forest areas of the district are concentrated in this zone.
c) The central zone of the district is defined by hills to the west and a succession of bare sandstone ranges to the east. The western end of the Ghataprabha valley is rugged with some forests on its slopes but these changes as the valley progresses eastwards near Daddi and passes through a black soil plain. The Gokak hills are flat-topped; their sides are terraced and covered in deciduous tree crops. Much of the rain comes from the northeast, leaving the south and west rather dry.
d) The lands are more open in the southern zone of the district; here arable crops occupy the majority of the land. To the far west and south of the district high rugged hills and forests break up the landscape, though in the extreme south the area becomes increasingly less wooded with larger outcrops of rock.
Belgaum is located at 15° 85’ North latitude and 74°50’ East longitude. The geographical location of the district is situated at an average elevation of 779 metres above mean sea level. Belgaum district is situated near the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats) 100 km from the Arabian Sea with the Markandeya river flowing nearby. Belgaum exhibits swift and kaleidoscopic changes in topography, vegetation and climate.
Forest Types
Forest has been of abundant reputation to mankind since prehistoric days. 60 % of the earth once covered with forest. With the expansion of civilization, large areas have been cleared to make way for farms, mines, towns and roads. Today about 30% of earth is still forested. The slopes of the Western Ghats and their foothills constitute majority of the reserved forests. There are few scattered and less dense reserved forests nearer to the sea coast. The reserves near the coast are scattered, smaller in extent and are thinly wooded and mostly contain fuel wood species. The ghat and the foothill forests are situated about 16 to 30 kilometers away from the coast, about 19 to 24 kilometers breadth. The ghat forests, on their northern limits, sweep towards the coast. The ghat reserves and foothill portions are generally wooded and form extensive and continuous block, which form the catchment area for the principal rivers taking birth in the division. The diversity of species, their growth condition and other factors of the forests are governed by climatic, geographic and edaphic factors. Physiognomy, biomass, species composition, floristic stratification and phenology are the various significant aspects determining the structure of vegetation. The variation in altitudes, ruggedness of the terrain and the resultant differences in temperature and rainfall coupled with biotic and edaphic condition are responsible for the existence of many types of forests in this Division. Forests in Belgaum district is divided into two forest divisions, namely Belgaum and Ghataprabha. Belgaum division covers the southwest of the district, and includes the forests of the Western Ghats. This division characterized by heavy rainfall, whereas Ghataprabha, to the northeast is much drier. The northern forests have been severely degraded due to human activity, including over-grazing and agriculture, as well as due to fire and invasion by foreign species such as Opuntia and Lantana. The distribution of forests is generally scattered being found in smaller or bigger patches in most taluks.
The rainfall varies considerably from the western boundary of the district towards the east and there is a gradual change in the forest’s composition. Better stocking in forests of the district can be seen in western part of the division adjoining to Western Ghats. The division has a fair representation of wildlife shelters including elephants, leopard, bear, wild dog, wild boar, spotted deer, wild boars, fox, jackal, porcupines, hares, mongoose, pangolin, etc. Belagavi division forests are classified under two sub groups namely 5A-Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and 6A-Southern Tropical Thorn Forests as per Sir Harry G.Champion and S.K.Seth classification (1968) in their “A revised survey of the forest types of India. Accordingly, the forest types are identified in Belagavi Forest Division. The forests can be presumed to have reached the climatic climax of the region; dry deciduous forests that are being declined to various stages of degradation. Belagavi Forest Division comprises of nine ranges namely Belgaum, Golihalli, Gujanal, Kakti, Kanakumbi, Khanapur, Londa, Nagargali and Nesargi. In Belagavi district, forest area is more in Khanapur taluk, and very less in Chikkodi and Athani taluks (Table 1, Graph 1) and provides resources like gum, bees, beedi leaves, grass etc.
Soil
Soil is one of the significant natural factors of environment and biodiversity. There is an association amongst soil and vegetation, soil and climate, soil and slope and climate and slope, but all these features co-operate in the fabrication of authentic soil. Soil is the resultant product of rock materials and climatic condition. It consists of mineral matter, decaying organic matters and micro-organisms. Millions of people and plant life depends on soil. It is one of the significant issues for the study of its varieties, properties and characteristics to planners to know the spatial variation in its distribution and contribution to the spatial development of the region. The soils of Belgaum district can broadly be classified into red soils and black soils. These soils vary in depth and texture, depending on the parent rock type, physiographic settings and climatic conditions. By and large, black soils predominates the Deccan Trap terrain and the red soils are found in the southwestern and southeastern part of the district in gneissic terrain. These soils in turn can be grouped into seven categories as given below, out of which the first five cover large tracks of land while the last two are local in nature.
i. Shallow black soils: These soils occur in the Deccan trap region and to some extent are also developed in schist, shale and limestone terrains. They are greyish to dark greyish-brown in colour, with clayey texture. These soils have poor to moderate infiltration characteristics.
ii. Medium black soils: These soils are predominantly derived from Deccan traps and occupy large parts of the district. They are dark greyish- brown to very dark greyish-brown with clayey texture. These are derived from the weathered products of basalts and limestone and are darker in valleys than in high lands. Their texture varies from loam to clay, with low to moderate infiltration characteristics.
iii. Deep to Very deep black soils: These soils occupy large tracts in Deccan trap terrain along the Krishna River and in gneissic terrain. Soils are dark greyish-brown to very dark greyish-brown in colour and have clayey texture. Soils occur on plains or lands having gentle slopes and exhibit wide cracks in summers, derived from a wide variety of parent rock types like traps, schists, gneisses and sedimentary rocks. Soils generally transported and occur in valleys and depressions. Accumulation of lime, gypsum and soluble salts at varying depths in the profile often pose problems and has poor infiltration characteristics.
iv. Mixed red and black soils: These soils occur in northern parts of the district. Soils are dark reddish-brown to dark greyishbrown in colour with silty-clay to clayey-loam textures. Soils are derived from gneisses, schists and sedimentary rocks. Red soils having high infiltration characteristics are confined to uplands and black soils of poor to medium infiltration characteristics occur in valleys and low lands.
v. Red loamy soils: These soils occur as small strips in the valleys adjacent to Western Ghats. They are generally transported and are loamy to silty-loam in texture. They have moderate to good infiltration characteristics.
vi. Lateritic soils: Lateritic soils are red in colour and occur as pockets. They occur at high-levels as insitu in Deccan Trap terrain and at low- levels as transported in Malnad region. They are derived from Deccan traps as well as sedimentary rocks, Dharwarian Schists and peninsular gneisses. These soils have well to moderate infiltration characteristics.
vii. Alluvial soils: These soils are developed over the alluvium deposited by the Krishna River and its tributaries. They are very limited in extent and thickness and are local in nature. Soils have good infiltration characteristics, are composed of coarse sand, sandy-loam and loams.
Climate
Climate is one of the important factors through which the activities of mankind find their place on the earth surface. The climate of any region is not determined by a single factors/ element, but rather by the combinations of climatic elements and of weather types prevailing. The condition of a region also depends on the manmade features like industrial enterprises and the intensity of transportation system. Belgaum district has a tropical savannah climate (Koppen Climate Classification). It is known for its pleasant year-round climate. Belgaum is at its coldest in winter (lowest temperature in Karnataka is usually recorded in Belgaum) and it experiences almost continuous monsoon rains from June to September. Belgaum sometimes receives hail storms during April. The climate of the district as a whole can be termed as semi-arid. The variation in the maximum temperature during the year ranges from 27° C to 35.7° C and minimum from 14 °C to 20.6 °C. The district experiences pleasant winters and hot dry summers. The hot season extends from March to May, during which the daily maximum temperature often shoots up to 35.7 °C. Agro-climatologically the district can be divided into three zones i.e. high rainfall “Hilly zone”, “Northern transitional zone” and “Northern dry zone” from southwest to northeast respectively.
Rainfall
Continuous movement of water between the earth and the atmosphere is the hydrological cycle. Water vapor from water and land surfaces and from living cells circulates through the atmosphere and falls as rain or snow. When it reaches the earth, water either flows into streams and then into the oceans or lakes, or it enters, or infiltrates the soil. Some water becomes soil moisture, which may evaporate directly or move up through the roots of plants and be released by the leaves. Some water percolates downward, accumulating in the so-called zone of saturation to form the groundwater reservoir, the upper surface of which is the water table. Under natural conditions, the water table rises in response to inflowing water and then declines as the water drains into natural outlets such as wells and springs. The hilly forested region of Belagavi district includes Kankumbi, Jamboti and Bhimgad receives torrential rains every year. Kankumbi hill range in fact, rivals Agumbe in Shivamogga district for the tag of being the Cherrapunji of the South. Several rivers including Mhadei, Malaprabha and Tillari and hundreds of perennial streams are running in the district. Mhadei originates in the Bhimgad forests with a cluster of 30 springs forming the river Mahadayi, which is joined by two other streams Marcidha nala and Pannera nala. Water flow down in the valley and over the 150 ft Vajrapoha falls. The evening sun falling on the veil gives a glittering touch thus the name vajra. The Mhadei river goes on to be the important Mandovi river in Goa. Forest department remarks that Kankumbi receives more rainfall than other places. However, in the last 3-5 years, it has come down a bit due to developmental activities. Zilla Panchayat reported that for four months life is very difficult in Kankumbi especially Amagaon which receives the highest rainfall. The average rainfall is around 4000 mm and during the monsoon months, they are cutoff from rest of the world. Amagaon has set the record of having received the highest rainfall of 10,068 mm in 2010.
The normal rainfall in the district decreases from more than 1859 mm in Khanapur taluk in southwest to less than 491 mm in Raibag taluk towards northeasterly direction. Those areas, that receive less than 750 mm annual rainfall are classified as semi-arid and drought prone. Hence, the entire district except, southwestern part is categorized as semi-arid and drought prone. Total normal rainy days vary from 90 in Khanapur to 37 in Athani. Eastern and northeastern parts of the district are prone to drought of mild nature. The average annual rainfall during the period 1971 to 2000 recorded in the district is 769.1 mm. The standard deviation and Coefficient variation of rainfall for the Belgaum district is 196.2 mm and 25.5% respectively. The highest mean annual rainfall recorded in the district was 1,064 mm in the year 1975 and the lowest rainfall 455 mm in the year 2003. An analysis of the seasonal variation of rainfall indicates that bulk of the rainfall is received during southwest monsoon period (June to Sept) that is nearly 71.6% of the annual. The contribution by the northeast monsoon or post monsoon (Oct to Dec) is nearly 17.3% and the rest 11.1% is the contribution of the dry weather and pre-monsoon period (Jan to May). The statistical analysis of the rainfall for the period 1971- 2000 indicate that the coefficient of variation for the district as a whole is around 25.5 %, for the south-western monsoon it is 32.5% and for the north-eastern monsoon it is 56.5%. Thus the southwest monsoon is more reliable as compared to the northeast monsoon. Although the district as a whole received normal rainfall during the year 2006 on an annual basis; it experienced 24% excess rainfall during monsoon and 53% deficient rainfall during post-monsoon period. The deficiency of rainfall during post-monsoon period was more than 60% in Bailhongal, Belgaum, Chikkodi, Gokak, Hukkeri and Khanapur taluks.
Implementation of the project
Survey in the Belagavi Forest Division was taken by the KBB along with KAMPA during the year 2017. Initial training (Figure 5 & 6) with orientation inputs of project to frontline staff like DCF, ACF, RFO‟s, DyRFO‟s, FG‟s, FW‟s, of department was organized at Belagavi headquarter to assess the population of medicinal plants, inventory with a sampling intensity of 0.5 % has been given. The distribution of plants across the forest corresponding to per hectare in various parameters, like number of trees, herbs and shrubs as well as species composition in have been recorded during the transect surveys. The present study shows how the issue of medicinal plant conservation fits into the Indian framework in which the NMPB operates. The field survey conducted in the FD primarily focused on the wild medicinal plants (Figures 7-22).
Study Area
The survey was conducted in 109 beats and 9 ranges of Belagavi division. Details of transect lines drawn for the project is provided in Table 2. It shows range name, beat name, area in hectares and length of the transect lines in kilometre.
Results and Discussion
Development of species-based data system
Current survey had steamed up in the establishment of a database for the medicinal plants/others of Karnataka linking all species with precise locations in the forests. The system will help to enter and process the data generated through transects surveys for assessing the population of medicinal plants/others at various levels. The system integrates data on the species such as botanical name, local name, family, number of individuals, girth, class of trees, regeneration, and location details of Beat, Range and FD obtained through the field survey as per the designed Formats. Advantages/characters of the user-friendly data managing system are as follows (Graph 2).
a) Rapid and easy input or output of desired/required data and work as a multi-user system.
b) Collected information on the plants has entered into various levels, such as Division, Range, Section, and Beat along with scientific name, vernacular name, family, uses, and a number of individuals.
c) Scientific name, local name, and family of the plants are preloaded as a drop box for user friendly manner for adding the appropriate choice.
d) The database provides a recording of the GPS readings for each of subplots in the transect lines and the transit line itself.
e) The data can be merged and processed from Beat level up to the State level (Beats to Section to Range, Division to Circle, and to the State).
Results of the survey in the present project, around 578 plant species have been found. The resource assessment delivers quantification of these plants encompassing 578 species from 109 forests beats belonging to 9 ranges of Belagavi division as documented in (Table 3).
Development of species-based data system
Current survey had steamed up in the establishment of a database for the medicinal plants/others of Karnataka linking all species with precise locations in the forests. The system will help to enter and process the data generated through transects surveys for assessing the population of medicinal plants/others at various levels. The system integrates data on the species such as botanical name, local name, family, number of individuals, girth, class of trees, regeneration, and location details of Beat, Range and FD obtained through the field survey as per the designed Formats. Advantages/characters of the user-friendly data managing system are as follows.
a) Rapid and easy input or output of desired/required data and work as a multi-user system.
b) Collected information on the plants has entered into various levels, such as Division, Range, Section, and Beat along with scientific name, vernacular name, family, uses, and a number of individuals.
c) Scientific name, local name, and family of the plants are preloaded as a drop box for user friendly manner for adding the appropriate choice.
d) The database provides a recording of the GPS readings for each of subplots in the transect lines and the transit line itself.
e) The data can be merged and processed from Beat level up to the State level (Beats to Section to Range, Division to Circle, and to the State).
Estimation of Population of Tree Species
Analysis has resulted in the assessment of a number of specific species belong to 578 plants. Plants are accessible according to their habit. An estimation of 221 tree species is provided in (Table 4-6).
Enumeration of species across Beats.
The location wise distribution of species is also projected through survey of 109 beats of Belagavi FD. Number of plants documented from each beat is presented according to their habit as shown in (Table 7). This will help in beatwise management of biodiversity. There are common species found in the beats.
Assessment of species in Beats.
According to survey of plants in 109 beats belongs to 9 ranges of Belagavi Forest Division, a total of 7691 plants were recorded and the data comprised of 3688 trees, 2741 shrubs and 1262 herbs. Analysis revealed the presence of maximum 142 plants like trees (72), shrubs (49) and 21 herbs from Chigule beat followed Kakti beat by with 129 species includes 63 trees, 47 shrubs and 19 herbs. Veernabhavi beat reported the presence of 117 plants which includes 62 trees, 37 shrubs and 18 herbs followed by Talawadi (60 trees, 43 shrubs and 12 herbs) and Nagargali beat (50 trees, 42 shrubs and 23 herbs) with 115 plants includes. Bharamanahatti beat was recorded with 114 plants including 53 trees, 44 shrubs and 17 herbs, followed by beat with 113 plants (50 trees, 40 shrubs and 14 herbs) and Chorala beat with 112 plants (61 trees, 40 shrubs and 11 herbs). Bijagarni and Nandagad beat revealed the presence of 111 species including 44 trees, 49 shrubs and 18 herbs and 47 trees, 44 shrubs and 20 herbs respectively, whereas Kakkeri beat consists of 110 species having 39 trees, 43 shrubs and 28 herbs closely followed by Merada beat consists of 108 species having 43 trees, 46 shrubs and 19 herbs and also Nandi beat reported 107 plants among which 53 trees, 33 shrubs and 21 herbs (Graphs 3-5). Kanakumbi beat consists of 106 plants includes 53 trees, 44 shrubs and 9 herbs immediately followed by Daddi beat (49 trees, 32 shrubs and 42 herbs) recorded 105 plants. Deshnur (W) beat (104) consists 54 trees, shrubs and 22 herbs and Guthgundi beat (103) reported with 50 trees, shrubs and 24 herbs. Nersa beat comprises of 101 plants, including 52 trees, 41 shrubs and 8 herbs, Chinchewadi beat (49 trees, 41 shrubs and 10 herbs) with 100 plants. Jamboti-W beat (51 trees, 35 shrubs and 12 herbs) comprises of 98 plants, whereas Godihal beat comprised of 96 plants (46 trees, 32 shrubs and 18 herbs). Mohishat and Halaga beat consists of 93 plants each and Dhamane_(East), Ukkad and Devarai recorded with 92 plants each. The beats Golihalli and Sonarwadi compresed of 90 plants each followed by Kirpoli beat found with 89 plants (38 trees, 36 shrubs and 15 herbs).
The 3 beats such as Devgaon, Basavakolla-N and Rajwal were comprised of 86 plants each. Nearly 85 plants have recorded in Basapur beat followed by Hoskoti beat with 84 plants. Bastawad and Manjarpai beat consists of 83 plants each followed by Abg-Jamboti E and Mundawad beat with 82 plants each. Benchinmardi_North beat having 81 species and Madwal beat consists of 80 plants. Karguppi, Suldhal, Jummnal, Warkawad Pata and Ne-Nagargali beats displayed 79, 77, 76, 75 and 74 plants respectively, which is closely followed by Mavanour, Abg-Jamboti and W Karagagi beats with 73 species each. Diggeli beat with 72 plants and Shahbandar, Ambewadi and Warkwad beats consists of 70 plants each. Kanbargi and Kumbharda beats recorded with 69 plants each, followed by Gadholi beat with 68 plants. The 3 beats like Boramakki, Akrali and Avratvail beat comprised of 67 species each, whereas Shirur and Chikale beats were found with 66 species each. Gotagali and Tumarguddi beats recorded with 65 species each and Dongaragaon, Balagund and Ningenahatti-N beats were identified with 63,62, and 61 plants respectively. Siroli and Se-Nagargali beats comprised of 60 plants. Matturga and Shivoli beats consists of 59 plants and Navga, Diggegali, Patali and Deshnur (E) comprised of 58 species each followed by Gujanal beat with 57 plants. The beats including Chunchwad, Jamboti-E and Watra beats were found with 56 plants each, likewise Sutgatti and Grohageri beats were found with 55 and 54 plants. Ningenahatti–S and Kamtga beats with 52 species, Pangutti and Kataballi beats recorded with 51 and 50 plants each. Nittur, Tivoli and Garli beats were found with 49, 48 and 47 plants respectively, followed by Muchandi, Managaon and Amagoan beats with 45 plants each. Dhamane, Nayikola and Kaundal beats comprised of 44, 43 and 42 species each, whereas Sindoli, Astoli and Kapoli beats has 41 plants each. The beats like Balke- W and Marihal have 40 species followed by Katgali beat with 37 plants. The 4 beats such as Basavakolla-S, Abg-Katgali, Kanasoli and Savargali have 36 plants each. Kinaye beat consists of 35 plants followed by Ramagurvadi beat with 29 plants, Madakoppa and Chandur beats with 28 plants each. The minimum number of plants like 24, 22 and 21plants were found in beats like Sulebhavi, Sedgali and Garlgungi.
Enumeration of species across Ranges.
(Table 8 & Graph-6) describes the number of species identified in 9 Ranges of Belagavi division during the survey. It is noted that there are several common species that are also recorded across the Ranges. This will help in range wise management of biodiversity. The data mentioned in (Table 8-10) reveals that, Nagargali range consists of maximum number of trees species 103, shrubs 96 and herbs 56 followed by Gujanal range in the division. Nesargi range (155) has recorded very poor taxa of all the three types like trees (71), shrubs (43) and herbs (41) and Belgum with 148 plants compare to other ranges. The distribution pattern of plant habit, obtained after a survey of 9 ranges in Belagavi Forest division is represented graphically (Graph 6-6d). Among the 9 ranges, Nagargali range has been recorded with maximum species of 255, including 103 trees, 96 shrubs and 56 herbs followed by Gujanal range having a total of 245 species, among them 104 trees, 74 shrubs and 67 herbs. The moderate number of plants has been recorded with 237 and 218 species in Khanapur and Kakti range respectively, whereas Londa, Golihalli and Kanakumbi range comprised of 201, 200 and 193 species respectively. The minimum plants were recorded in Nesargi (155) and Belgaum (148) range.
Dominant Plant Species of the Division.
The survey assessed across 109 beats of 9 ranges in the division has helped to identify dominant plant species among the different habits like Trees, Shrubs and Herbs and are listed in (Table 11). Based on the survey study, Terminalia tomentosa of the family Combretaceae is the dominant tree species with the projected percentage of 9.476 % in the ecosystem. Shrub Catunaregam spinosa of family Rubiaceae and herb Elephantopus scaber of family Asteraceae were found in 9.218% and 11.728% respectively considered as dominant species in their respective habits. (Graph 7,7a).
Lowest Plant plants in the division.
The assessment of plant population in 109 beats from 9 ranges in division has also helped to find out the lowest projected number of species. Among them, tree species, Spathodea campanulate(tree); Rauvolfia serpentina(shrub) and Costus speciosus (herb) are found in lesser numbers. The results are represented in (Table 12 & Graph 8).
Distribution of species according to Habit in the Division
Habit wise plants analysis of all 578 species comprises that treess are dominant with 221 species (38 %) followed by Shrubs comprising of 198 species (34 %) and herbs with 159 species (28 %). Trees have been represented by 221 species forming 38 % of total plants as depicted in Pie Graph 8.
Distribution of Plants according to Genera
Genus wise arrangement of 578 plants revealed that the plants belong to 331 genera. The dominant genera among them are identified as Cassia with maximum of 10 species followed by Ficus and Leucas with 11 species each. Acacia, Grewia, Indigofera and Sida comprised of 8 species followed by Desmodium, Diospyros, Ipomoea, Ixora, Terminalia and Zanthoxylum with 7 species each. The genera like Alysicarpus, Clerodendrum and Dalbergia comprised of 6 species each whereas, Argyreia, Canthium, Crotalaria, Dioscorea, Jasminum, Madhuca and Phyllanthus were found with 5 species each. Albizia, Buchaniaia, Flemingia, Garcinia, Lepidagathis, Spermacoce and Wrightia were documented with 4 species each. The 22 genera such as Allophylus, Andrographis, Artocarpus, Asparagus, Bauhinia, Blepharis, Breynia, Bridelia, Cissus, Euphorbia, Flacoutrtia, Nothopegia, Pavonia, Piper, Pterospermum, Rhynchosia, Solanum, Stercularia, Stylosanthes, Syzygium, Tylophora and Urena were comprised of 3 species each. The analysis indicated that 55 genera are represented with 2 species each and majority of 224 (38.7 %) genera among the total 578 plants have been represented by 1 species each.
Distribution of Plants Across the Families.
According to the family wise distribution, among all 578 plants assessed during the survey shows that, plants belong to 100 families, where Fabaceae was identified as a major family with 88 species. The second dominated family was Rubiaceae (41), followed by Malvaceae (38), Lamiaceae (28), Apocynaceae (24), Asteraceae (23) and Acanthaceae (21). The family Laurace comprised of 17 species, closely followed by Convolvulaceae (16), Phyllanthaceae (15), Anacardiaceae (14), Rutaceae (14), Euphorbiaceae (11), Moraceae (13) and Meliaceae (10). Combretaceae and Rhamnaceae were recorded with 9 species each, whereas Olaceae was found with 8 species. Ebenaceae and Sapotaceae were recorded with 7 species each. The families such as Amaranthaceae and Sapandaceae comprised of 6 species each and 6 families like Asparagaceae, Bignoniaceae, Celastraceae, Dioscoraceae, Minispermaceae and Vitaceae were recorded with 5 species each. Families like Clusiaceae, Myrtaceae, Ranunculaceae and Salicaceae were found with 4 species each, likewise 13 families including Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Boraginaceae, Callophyllaceae, Gentiaceae, Lamiaceae, Lythraceae, Piperaceae, Plantaginaceae, Primulaceae, Simarubaceae, and Solanaceae were found with 3 species each. Two species were recorded in 15 families nearly 7.4 % of the total plants comprised of 42 families with a single species.
Estimation of Mature Trees.
The main objective of the project is to assess the plant species population, trees species being dominanted in forest etc. But an effort was made to evaluate the number of mature trees having girth of more than 100 cm in the ecosystem. Analysis has led to the projection of 119 mature tree species in the Belagavi Forest Division as shown in (Table 12). The table also indicate of percentage of that species out of the total mature trees available in the division. Terminalia tomentosa and Terminalia paniculata are having larger mature trees in the division. According to the survey, 119 species were reported in Belagavi division ,revealed the dominance ofTerminalia tomentosafollowed byTerminaliapaniculataXylia xylocarpa Lagerstroemia lanceolata Syzygium cumini Olea dioica Memecylon umbellatum Careya arborea,Dillenia pentagyna,Holigarna grahamii, Terminalia bellirica, Aporosa lindleyana, Symplocos racemosa and Dalbergia latifolia. The trees such as Ziziphus horrida, Ceiba pentandra, Ficus tinctoria, Xantolis tomentosa, Pterospermum xylocaprum, Radermachera xylocarpa, Tabernaemontana alternifolia, Ixora arborea, Artocarpus integer, Anacardium occidentale, Ficus hispida, Cassine paniculata, Ficus religiosa, Mallotus philippensis, Holoptelea integrifolia and Sterculia urens were found in minimum numbers. Matured trees with more than 100 cm GBH are reported in (Table 9) and represented in (Graphs 7a, 7b, 7c & 7d).
Regeneration Status of Tree Species.
This is an important parameter to know the health of ecosystem. Regeneration of individual plants belonged to 206 species has been estimated during the survey in division. The assessment of tree regeneration was recorded by counting the individuals of less than 10 cm girth. Data indicate the changing dominance of various species across the population of forest beats and provided in Table 13. Percentage indicates the frequency of regeneration of that species in the ecosystem. Anogeissus latifolia, Careya arborea, Chloroxylon swietenia, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Mallotus philippensis var. philippensis, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia paniculate, Terminalia tomentosa are some species repeted to have good regeneration.
The Proportionate regeneration data of 206 tree species in the ecosystem of division has been projected in Table 13. It has been estimated by taking sample count of saplings with less than 10 cm girth of that species and then projected for the total area. (Graph 6a, 6b, 6c & 6d). Survey revealed that, among them Anogeissus latifolia has been noted as highest regeneration capacity followed by Chloroxylon swietenia, Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia tomentosa, Xylia xylocarpa , Holarrhena antidysenterica, Careya arborea, Maytenus emarginata, Syzygium cumini, Mallotus philippensis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Gardenia gummifera , Lagerstroemia parviflora, Macaranga peltata, Olea dioica, Aporosa lindleyana, Symplocos racemosa, Buchanania lanzan, Memecylon umbellatum and Lagerstroemia lanceolata. Lower regeneration capacity of trees was observed as indicated in (Table 10) of some of the species like Artocarpus integer, Ficus tinctoria, Ficus microcarpa , Alstonia scholaris, Acacia ferruginea, Dalbergia sissoo, Limonia crenulata, Ixora pavetta and Acacia intsia have been reported with the lowest number of trees. It may be due to the adverse effect of existing conditions for their growth. Augmentation of these plants mentioned above should be the priority of Belagavi Forest Division. For the quick ocular assessment the figures obtained through is presented through Graphs 6d.
Assessment of Threatened Medicinal Plants
From the survey, 32 medicinal plants have been identified as the RET species included in the IUCN Red list as shown in (Table 14). About 32 species have listed under Red list, among them Aegle marmelos, Andrographis paniculata, Artocarpus hirsutus, Boswellia serrata, Calophyllum apetalum, Centella asiatica, Cryptolepis buchananii, Dioscorea bulbifera, Diospyros candolleana, Gnetum ula, Myristica malabarica, Madhuca longifolia, Limonia acidissima, Naringi crenulata, Pseudarthria viscid, Saraca asoca and Tylophora indica are Vulnerable. Abrus precatorius, Aristolochia tagala, Asparagus racemosus, Buchanania lanzan, Costus speciosus and Gardenia gummifera are listed under Threatened species. Remaining 9 species such as Butea monosperma, Clerodendrum serratum, Dillenia pentagyna, Embelia tsjeriam-cottam, Hardwickia binata, Persea macrantha, Smilax zeylanica, Terminalia pallid and Toona ciliate are listed under endangered species. Belagavi Forest Division would predict and take measures to increase their population. The survey of plant population in Belagavi Forest Division revealed that Smilax zeylanica has maximum plants (53725561) though it is endangered, whereas Limonia acidissima has minimum number of plants (1944) is going to be critically endangered. The survey reported that plant like Myristica malabarica (7826) Calophyllum apetalum and (9168) has been projected with poor population and in the verge of extinction.
Therapeutic Significance and Medicinally Potential Plants of Belagavi Forest Division
Plants as an ingredient in many popular drugs belonged to the Ayurveda system of medicine got identified and assessed during the survey. Among the ingredients of the drug „Chavanaprasha‟ some of the plants like Asparagus racemosus (Satavari), Phyllanthus emblica (Amla), Santalum album (Sandal wood), Terminalia chebula (Chebilic myrobalan) and Sida cordifolia (Country mallow) have been incorporated in the database with location details and estimated population. Asparagus racemosus used in the preparation of some tailas like Shatavari taila, Naraine taila and Shatmulyadi taila. Andrographis alata is one ingradient in the preparation of Ayurvdic and Homeopathy medicines. Santalum album is used in the preparations of Siddha medicines - Arakkut tailam, Cintil Ney, Cukut tailam, Naciroka Nacat tailam, Nilavembu Kutineer, Vallarai Ney. Other plants recognized as authentic ingredients in different Ayurvedic preparations according to Ayurvedic Pharmacopoea of India (API) are Albizia lebbeck used in Dasangaleppa, Ocimum sanctum used in the preparation of manaasamitra Vataka. Pterocarpus marsupium bark is used in the preparation of Nyagrodhdi churna and Asanavilvdi taila and Terminalia bellirica bark is an important ingredient of Triphala churna and Triphaladi taila.The details of species found in division and their uses are given in (Table 15).
Medicinal Plants with High Trade Potential.
Survey of plants in Belagavi Forest Division resulted in the identification of 57 species with high trade value as per the study of NMPB are provided in (Table 15). The above 41 species are listed as highly traded plants, according to the study carried out by National Medicinal Plant Board Delhi. The forest beats should conserve these highly traded plants as Field Gene bank considering the demand in Medicine. The above listed plants include family name, trade name and parts used to trade in Indian market, belonged to 37 genera and 25 families. As per the analysis, Fabaceae is a dominant family with 12 species followed by Lamiaceae with 3 species. Apocynaceae, Meliaceae and Phyllanthaceae with 2 species each and 20 families comprised of single species each. Existing survey has brought about the documentation of some Medicinal plant species which are incorporated in the list of highly traded category of India according to National Medicinal Plant Board. Few selected plants from the list (Table 14 ,15) are used as ingredients in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Siddha medicines. Among them, several plants are facing a threat due to their over exploitation by the pharmaceutical and therapeutical prospective. In this regard, Belagavi Forest Division must take the resourcefulness to safeguard and rejuvenate these useful medicinal plants by maintaining a Field Gene Bank for the universal welfares of mankind.
Acknowledgements
I extend my sincere thanks to the Karnataka Biodiversity Board for sharing the information and data analysis etc. My special thanks are due to National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi; Shri R.M.N.Sahai the then Chairman Karnataka Biodiversity Board, Dr. Virendra Singh Member Secretary Karnataka Biodiversity Board, Shri CR Jawahar and Ms. Shruthi. S ,Karnataka Biodiversity Board, students and staff of the Ayurvedic colleges and all others who were engaged directly/indirectly in this exercise. Thanks, are also due to the then Deputy Conservators of Forests of Belgaum and all their front-line staffs who have contributed a lot in this assessment exercise.
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