Flora and Fauna

More documents

Recommendations

Info

in the category are considered as a mixture of both evergreen and deciduous type of tree growth. This forms a closed forest. Such type is met with around Mambazhathara and Kottakkayam in Achenkovil Reserve and in folds of hills and higher portions in Yeroor Reserve. The natural regeneration is comparatively less, because of more biotic interference. This type of forest is approximately 400 ha the floristic composition is as below. Top Canopy: Artocarpus hirsutus, Hopea parviflora, Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia tomentosa, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Salmalia malabarica, Tetrameles nudiflora, Vitex altissima, Vateria indica, Terminalia bellerica etc. Lower canopy: Mallotus philippinensis, Albizia odoratissima, Macaranga petata, Cinnamomum zeylaniucm, Bridelia retusa etc., Under Growth: Glycosmis pentaphyla, Butea parviflira, Dioscorea Species, Strobilanthes etc., Climbers: Entada phaseoloides, Strychnos colubrine. The tropical evergreen forests that were subjected to heavy interference have changed to this type. It is now in a transitional stage from evergreen to deciduous owing to the change environment. (3). Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest (3B/C2): Major portions of the forest in this Division are of this type. Deciduous species are dominant. In the lower canopy, evergreen species are also met with. Wherever the canopy is opened up, weeds and grasses have colonized. Annual fire is a recurring phenomenon. Agood percentage of this type of forests exists in Achenkovil and Yeroor Reserves and in in the remaining uncleared areas of the Division. This type, extents over an area of approximately 6,758.17 ha. Regeneration is moderate. But the establishment of seedlings is affected badly by fire, grazing etc. The floristic composition is as below. Top Canopy: Terminalia paniculata, T. tomentosa, T. bellerica, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Salmalia malabarica, Adina cordifolia, Grewia tilifolia and Albizia species. Lower Canopy: Mitragyna parvifolia, Dillenia pentagyna, Mallotus phillippinensis, Emblica officinalis, Careya arborea, Cassia fistula etc. Climbers: Lantana, Acacia pinnata, Butea parviflora, Acacia intsia, Bauhinia vahli etc Grasses: Imperata cylindrical, Andropogan Species. Shrubs: Eupatorium odoratum, Helecteris isora, Randia dumetorum etc. (4). Grasslands: Grasslands occur bordering the semi evergreen and deciduous forests, wherever there are significant openings. As a matter of fact, these are created due to degradation of forests and are not true grasslands. The extent of grassland in the Division is included in the previous types stated above. These formations harbor tall coarse grass with sporadic tree growth. The trees present are Emblica officinalis, Careya arborea, Pterocarpus marsupium etc. Annual fire and grazing causes the extension of grassland. Common species of grasses are thatching grass and lemon grass. 2A.2.5. Plantations Kerala Forest Department started plantation activity, way back in 1850s with the
introduction of Teak in Nilambur. The aim was to meet the growing needs of the society for quality timber. Plantation forestry ensured availability of timber to the society at sustained level, shifting pressure from Natural Forests to some extent. Thus management of plantation forestry became an integral part of forest management. Formerly Teak was the main species adopted for artificial regeneration. Later demand for softwood increased. To meet the demand of wood based industries softwood and pulp wood plantations were raised. At present there is a total extent of 4601.54 ha of plantations of various species in the Division. FAUNA Wildlife is the genuine indicator of the biological wealth of a nation. Wildlife management is a fast expanding field, encompassing several disciplines and vital areas like habitat management, preservation of endangered species, protection of species diversity and appraisal of socio economic relations. The constant shrinkage of wilderness, ever-increasing community pressure on wildlife habitats, the problem of eliciting public support for conservation, forestry operations in wildlife areas etc. have redefined the parameters of wildlife management in our country. Description of Fauna Common animals found in this forest area are elephant, sambar, wild boar, common langur, panther, tiger, nilgiri tahr, slothbear, deer, malabar squirrel, bison, wild dog, etc. The population of elephants is moderate in this forest area. Tuskers are comparatively less and makhnas are more. Herbivores: Sambar Deer (Cervis unicolor):- These animals are found in plenty all over Thenmala area of this Division. Spotted Deer (Axis axis):- They are very rarely found in Thenmala area of this Division. Mouse deer (Tragulus meminna):- They are found in plains and lower reaches. Gaur (Bos gaurus):- Gaurs are found in certain valleys of the Division. Common Monkey (Macaca radiata):- They are found in the plains. The common variety seen in the plains and reserves are “Vella kurangu” and in the ghat forests where there are less inhabitation the Nilgiri Carnivores: Tiger (Panthera tigris) and Leopard (Panthera pardus) are seen rarely in Thenmala areas of this Division. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus):- They are seen in plenty in the lower areas mainly near human inhabitation. Wild dogs (Cuon alpinus):- They are plenty in this area and are seen in herds mainly feeding on the deers. Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus):- They are mostly found in the rocky areas on the hill sides in Thenmala area in groups and also in isolation. Pangolin (Mani’s crassicaudata):- The Indian pangolin also called the
Page 1: PUNALUR FOREST DIVISION FLORA Compo

Flora and Fauna

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?