Title: SACRED GROVES AS REPOSITORIES OF GENETIC DIVERSITY – A CASE STUDY FROM KABI-LONGCHUK, NORTH SIKKIM
KeyWords: sacred groves, genetic diversity, kabi lunchok, north sikkim, himalaya
Year of Publication: 2004
ISSN No: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267946027
Author Name: R.K. Avasthe, P.C. Rai and L.K. Rai
Details:
INTRODUCTION
Assessment of biodiversity as well as its subsequent conservation remains a key issue in the environmental conservation programme in the present times. The total botanical appreciation of biota for a region is a basic requirement to inventorize, classify and evaluate the germplasm of any area (Rai, 1996). Gene pools have co-existed with humankind for centuries in different dimensions and entities. In situ conservation of biodiversity has been possible in many ways and has withstood the test of time. “Sacred groves” can be placed in this category. The “sacred groves” are in fact the “reserve forests” of the local tribes/communities who maintain/ conserve these patches of woodlands in a religious faith. These act as natural gene pool preserve and serve as an example of habitat preservation through community participation (Gadgil and Vartak, 1975).
Sikkim, the smallest state of the country with a total geographical area of 7096 km2 also harbours some such sacred/ reverent areas with religious (mostly monasteries or Gombas, vernacular) and/or historical background. However, these religiously protected repositories of biodiversity have thus far received scant attention of explorers, botanists and foresters. Kabi-Longchuk sacred grove in North Sikkim is one of the many. The people residing in the immediate proximity indeed have strong conviction on its sanctity and relevance. Situated at an altitude of 1680 m amsl, Kabi grove encompasses an approximate area of 140 ha and lies between 880 36’ N latitude and 270 24’E longitude. It is located at about 16 km north of Gangtok.