The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are globally known for their scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. Although the bird richness of these islands is very high, so far about 250 species have been reported.
The mountain ranges of the Nilgiris, are an important part of the Western Ghats of Southern peninsular India. The Nilgiri ranges are determined to be older than the Himalayan ranges. The Mukurthi peak, along with the Nilgiri, Kolleribetta, and Kudiakadubetta, are situated in the south-western corner of the Nilgiris, in the Kundah range.
Kolleru is one of Asia's largest fresh water lakes, spread over an area of 90,100 ha and located between the Godavari and Krishna river basins of Andhra Pradesh. This fragile wetland ecosystem is under severe threat due to human interventions in the lake and in the upstream catchment area as well as in the downstream.
The Nilgiris have wealth of diversity, which includes the varied floral and faunal diversity. Besides, tribal diversity is also high in this region. The Nilgiris are of the major hill stations that are home to around ten different primitive tribal communities with distinctive cultures.
This study envisages the estimation of floral wealth of the sacred groves and its role in conservation. The study was conducted in sacred groves of coastal and lowland regions of Thrissur District of Kerala.
On April 11, the union cabinet gave the go-ahead to conservation authorities to sign an mou with international counterparts to protect the dugong and its habitat. Indian efforts to conserve this virtually unknown sea creature will get international recognition as a result. But this initiative has probably come too late. (Reference: Down to Earth)
