2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute

Annual Report 2008-09
Linking conservation and forest management with sustainable livelihoods and
resource use conflict in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Land use pattern in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR) was similar to that of
the State. Major portion of the geographical area is allotted to agricultural cultivation
which highlights the importance of agriculture sector in ABR. Primary information
collected from the study area highlighted that poverty and market incentives for
expanding area of cultivation in the fringe area of forest acted as the natural incentives
for the deforestation in the study area. The main tribal communities in ABR were the
Kani and Malapantarams. Almost all had become agriculture-dependent, although
scientific method of production was not followed technically. Non-timber forest produce
collection continued to be the main source of income for most of the Kani tribals
living within the Sanctuary area, whereas those residing in the peripheral areas had
almost completely shifted to rubber cultivation. Kanis' perception of forests and ABR
was based on the principle of sacredness. Conflicts in the region highlighted wildlife
problem as a major threat to their agriculture.
An undisturbed landscape of ABR A tribal hut
Neyyar, Thenmala and Shendurney were the fast emerging ecotourism sites in ABR
which could be a viable alternative to the conservation of forest and enhancing the standard
of living of the depending communities. Similarly, Agasthyarkoodam peak (abode the
shrine of Agasthyamuni) in the ABR attracted tourists as well as pilgrims. The average
revenue generated per day during the 2009 season is approximately Rs. 24027.
Genetic diversity and conservation of teak
The objectives of the study were a) to identify population/ individual variations b) to
study the genetic diversity with respect to morphological and wood characteristics and c)
to establish a germplasm bank and to compare different ecotypes under uniform conditions
Explorations were carried out in natural teak populations in different states of
India and 25 populations were selected for in depth studies. Thirty-one morphological
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Kerala Forest Research Institute