Ecological Dynamics of Biodiversity in Landscape of Manglore Division, India

Abstract

The study of flora though survey in Mangaluru Division has resulted in the identification and assessment of population of about 904 plant taxa (899 species, 457 genera and 124 families). Rubiaceae is the dominant family (59 species) followed by Euphorbiaceae (51 taxa). Ficus is the dominant genus with 25 species followed by Syzygium (18 species). Of 123 Beats, Madpady has the maximum of 322 taxa while Shirady-I has 313 taxa. 10 Beats have more than 220 taxa each while 16 Beats have less than 50 taxa each. Uppinangadi is the first among 7 Ranges with 21.68% plant taxa. Sulliya (16.9%), Subramanya (16.29%), Puttur (15.64%), Panja (13.54%), Belthangadi (11%), and Bantwala (4.9%) are the other Ranges contribute in the biodiversity.211 taxa (132 trees, 72 shrubs, and 7 herbs) are identified as commonly available in the western ghats. They are not facing any threat for survival due to adequate number of plants. 336 taxa (124 trees, 51 shrubs, and 161 herbs) are the rare species of the forest observed in the division. Measures such as reintroduction and habitat management should be taken by the department for conserving them.  Analysis on mature trees belonged to 244 species revealed that Terminalia paniculata is the dominant species followed by Xylia xylocarpa . Data collected on regeneration of 315 tree species would help to predict their population trends in this forest. The Participatory Rural Appraisal conducted in villages adjacent to forests, prove the contemporary relevance and traditional use of 83 plant species. 25 IUCN Red listed medicinal plants are also found in the division. Due to projection of Shorea tumbuggaia, Diospyros paniculata, Terminalia pallida, Cinnamomum sulphuratum, Pterocarpus indicus, Dysoxylum malabaricum, Santalum album, Shorea roxburghii, Ochreinauclea missionis,Cinnamomum wightii, Myristica dactyloides, and Saraca asoca with less plants, the department should reintroduce them. 247 medicinal plants of the trade list of National Medicinal Plants Board are also found including 68 highly traded species. 19 Beats in Subramanya, Uppinangadi, Sulliya, Belthangadi, Panja, Puttur Ranges with rich species diversity may be conserved as ‘Field Gene Banks’. The division has adequate potential for Herbal Ecotourism.