Theses

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Open Access
Dependence on non timber forest products (NTFP) for the sustainable livelihood enhancement of tribals of western Attappady
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ashish, Alex; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a crucial role in the daily life and welfare of people all over the world. The livelihoods of the people living close to the forest and within the forests are inextricably linked to the forest ecosystem. In Kerala, out of 4000 tribal settlements, 671 settlements are forest settlements, which depended on NTFPs for meeting their various requirements. The present study was conducted in the Western part of Attappady among the three tribal groups namely; Irula, Muduga and Kurumba. The main objective of the study was to document the NTFPs collected and utilized by the tribes for their sustainable livelihood and explore the various marketing mechanisms followed in Western Attappady. A pre-tested questionnaire survey and semi structured interviews were conducted in fifty houses from each community. Secondary data were collected from the cooperative societies, SC/ST Federation and Silent Valley National Park Wildlife Warden’s Office etc. The Irula community who are basically daily wage workers settled on the lower plains of the valley had the highest literacy rate and obtained one per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The Mudugas settled on the midlands had the least literacy rate and derived 9 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The particular vulnerable tribal group Kurumba settled in the interior areas of the forests obtained 44 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The tribes of Western Attappady depended on 17 plant species for food, 19 for medicine, 8 for construction and firewood and 6 for religious purpose. The Irulas collected 9 commercial NTFPs, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas collected 14 and 18 NTFPs respectively. The Irula and Muduga were mostly involved in the collection of honey, whereas Kurumbas involved in the collection of Acacia concinna. The NTFPs have contributed an annual income of Rs. 5755, Rs. 27220 and Rs. 46255 to the Irulas, Mudugas and Kurumbas households respectively.The Irulas got maximum income (Rs. 2880/annum) from honey, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas got the highest income from Canarium strictum (Rs. 4800/annum) and Solanum torvum (Rs 5880/annum) respectively. Honey was collected only by men and roots were collected by women. In Irula, both the genders made equal contribution to their income from NTFP, whereas in Mudugas the men and women contributed 65 and 35 per cent respectively. The Kurumba women contributed 56 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The most of the medicinal plants whose roots were the exploitable part were harvested during November to February. The Irulas made 30 trips/ year for NTFP collection, whereas Mudugas and Irulas undertook 78 and 123 trips/year respectively. The three institutions involved in the marketing of NTFPs were Kurumba Cooperative society, Eco shop of EDC and private traders. The Kurumba was marketing most of the NTFPs through the Kurumba society, whereas Irula and Muduga marketed NTFPs through the private shops. The private traders gave better price to the collectors than the society. For Irulas and Mudugas NTFP collection was a subsidiary source of income, whereas for Kurumbas, it was the major source of income. The private traders maintained a constant link with the tribes and ensured the private marketing channels are always active.
Open Access
Co-managed forestry as a function of stakeholders perceptions and demographic profile in eastern Attappady, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Remya, Raghavan; KAU; Gopakumar, S
A study titled “Co-managed forestry as a function of stakeholders’ perceptions and demographic profile in Eastern Attappady” was carried out during 2013-2014. The main objectives were to analyse the performance of the co- managed forestry activities from the perspectives of the various stakeholders, and to explore the link between socio-economic variables and variations in members’ perceptions about the success of these initiatives. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics of the stakeholders’, performance and impacts of co-managed activities on forest and livelihood status. A total of 183 respondents from three Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and four Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSS) drawn from seven locations, namely Sambarcode, Paloor, Kalkandy, Puthur, Bhomiampady, Sholayur, and Gonjiyur in Eastern Attappady, were surveyed. Additionally constraints of JFMC and VSS institutions were also studied using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as Venn-diagram, Problem-causes linkages and SWOC analysis. The study found that the JFMC and VSS activities positively influenced the ecology of the area. However, there was a significant contrast between the perceptions of the JFMC and the VSS members with regards to its influence on the livelihood of the local people. The JFMC members’ reported that the co-managed activities, increased the household income and encouraged women participation, which reduced many social evils. Whereas, the VSS members opined that the performance of VSS activities was not upto the JFMC activities in improving the socio-economic status of its members. The JFMC was observed to be a better performer than VSS from the perspectives of stakeholders on the ecological and social aspects. Further, the study observed that the success of co-managed programs depended on education, age, income, occupation and social participation. All these significantly contributed to higher levels of women participation and livelihood opportunities. Social participation also influenced the attitude of people towards the forest and co-managed activities. The major constraints of JFMC, were lack of integration with other departments, unnecessary political interference and lack of group feeling among members. The major constraints for VSS were lack of income generating opportunities, lower level of people participation and constant transfer of VSS secretary.
Open Access
Food and feeding habit of insectivorous bats (Chiroptera) of Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, western ghats, Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sachin, K Aravind; KAU; Nameer, P O
A field study was conducted to understand the food, feeding habit and food preferences of insectivorous bats (Microchiroptera) of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala. The study was conducted from May 2013 to February 201~ in the selected roosts. Insectivorous bat species studied were Rhinolophus rouxii, Hipposideros speoris and Hipposideros ater. The method adopted were faecal matter analysis. Faecal matter were collected for each species of insectivorous bats once in a month throughout the study period. These pellets were analyzed in laboratory to identify food components and percent volume. From the faecal matter analysis Rhinolophus rouxii were found to be feeding on eleven insect orders (Lepidoptera,Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Mantodea, Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera) and spiders (Araneae), Hipposideros speoris were found to be feeding on ten insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera) and spiders (Araneae). And the Hipposideros ater was found to be feeding on eight insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera and Odonata) and spiders (Araneae). Lepidoptera was the most fed insect orders by all the three insectivorous bats under study. Coleoptera was the second most fed insect order and Diptera was the third most fed insect order by these bats. They also fed on the insects belonging to the orders Hemiptera, Orthoptera and Isoptera. This points into the immense capability of these insectivorous bats in insect pest suppression as these insect orders include majority of the insect pests in forest, agricultural land and urban areas. There was a significant bat species wise difference in the consumption of Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Neuroptera, while there was a seasonal difference in the consumption of Coleoptera and Isoptera. The study also revealed that the Rhinolophus rouxii was a generalist predator and its niche overlaps with both Hipposideros speoris and Hipposideros ater. There is some niche overlap between Hipposideros ater and Hipposideros speoris but less than that of with Rhinolophus rouxii. Insects of Hemiptera and Diptera were more preferred by Hipposideros ater and Insects of Odonata, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were more preferred by Hipposideros speoris.
Open Access
Impact of ecorestoration on soil seed bank in eastern Attappady, Kerala
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Fredy, C Timy; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V (Guide)
A study was conducted to find impact of eco restoration on soil seed bank in Eastern Attappady and relate it to the structural attributes of vegetation in the area. Fifteen sites were randomly selected, which includes three biomass conservation areas (BCA), seven plantation and five non ecorestored sites (NER). From each site, 10 quadrates of size 20 X 20 m2 were selected and vegetation attributes of trees and regeneration enumerated. Soil seed bank sampling was done at an interval of four months in a year. Five soil samples of 30 X 30 cm2 surface area to a depth of 5 cm were collected. To assess the seed density and species composition in the seed banks, seedling emergence technique was used. Sorensen similarity index were calculated to find similarities in species composition between soil seed banks, aboveground vegetation and regeneration. Rainfall regimes of the region were observed as one of the main driving forces for the vegetation structure. Cluster analysis of above ground vegetation revealed that Palliyara and Sambarcode BCA’s and Agali plantation, which fall in the wetter region of the study area were clustered together. Pattimalam, Kottathara and Vellamari plantations which were in drier tract, were proximal to NER clusters. Floristic diversity studies revealed that species richness was higher in biomass area compared to plantation area. Species richness between plantations varied significantly. Simpson index obtained varied from 0.73 to 0.86 in plantations. Floristic diversity of the area was maximum in BCA's of wetter areas, followed by BCA of drier tracts, plantations and non-ecorestored areas. Regeneration study revealed that average regeneration in plantation was 2.42 individuals/m2, while in biomass areas it was 2.11 individuals/m2. In non-eco-restored (NER) areas, the regeneration was found to be low (0.47 individuals/m2). Cluster analysis revealed that Agali, Palliyara and Sambarcode plantations along with Sambarcode BCA had higher overall regeneration. Plantations like Pattimalam, Vellamari and Melechavadiyoor had low regeneration. The reason for lower regeneration can be attributed to edaphic and biotic constraints probably due to their location closer to human settlements. Soil seed bank study revealed that mean seed density in the study area was 153.3 seeds/m2. Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia odoratissima, Senna siamea, Santalum album, Samanea saman and Erythroxylum monogynum were the tree species represented in the soil seed bank. Seed bank was predominated by herbs and shrubs. Seed bank density was observed to be lower in the NER regions, where the degradation is maximum and highest in the BCA regions where the degradation is less. Study revealed that mean seed density of plantations area was 176.8 seeds/m2. Seed density for BCA was estimated to be 247.4 seeds/m2 while that for NER was 35.6 seeds/m2. In soil seed bank, Leucaena leucocephala was dominating and with potential to destroy species diversity of the area. Study revealed that seed bank differs with season. In the present study, most of the seeds germinated in pre monsoon followed by monsoon periods. Soil seed bank diversity (Shannon Weiner index) of study area was found to be ranging from 0 to 0.98. Sorensen similarity index between aboveground vegetation and soil seed bank were low ranging from 0 to 0.14 for study area. Seedling bank resulting from seed rain seems to be a major role player in vegetation establishment than seed bank. The study concluded that evidences of a viable seed bank were not visible as a result of ecorestoration efforts.
Open Access
Bird community structure in the sacred groves of northern kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Mandan Jyothi, Krishnan; KAU; Nameer, P O
A study on the ‘Bird community structure in the sacred groves of northern Kerala’ was carried out during 2011-2014. Fifteen sacred groves, eight from Kannur and seven from Kasargod districts were selected for the study. The bird community was studied at each of these sacred groves. The bird study was done for three hours from 7h to 11h and 15h to 18h in each of the fifteen sacred groves. The study was repeated once in every two months in each of the sacred groves between March 2012 to December 2013. Thus a total of 168 visits and 1008 h of field work is done during the study period. The bird diversity was then correlated with various variables such as the size of the sacred grove, distance of the sacred grove to the nearest forest, altitude of the area and tree density. Tree diversity in the sacred groves was also studied and was correlated to bird diversity. Ten quadrats of 10x10m were taken in each of the sacred groves and trees having more than 10 cm girth was selected and GBH and height was measured. Socio-economic study was undertaken to know the awareness about the birds of the sacred grove and the perception about the significance of sacred grove among villagers. Ten respondents from each of the sacred groves were interviewed. A total of 111 bird species, belonging to 15 orders, 47 families and 90 genera were recorded from the sacred groves of northern Kerala. The species richness per sacred grove ranged from maximum of 55 to minimum 23. And the number of individuals of birds per sacred grove ranged from 576 to 203 birds. The bird diversity was highest in the Cheemeni Kavu, while the bird species richness was highest in the Verikkara Kavu. Sacred groves of northern Kerala supported 86.48 per cent of resident birds and 14.52 per cent of migratory birds. Twenty five percent of the birds found in the sacred groves were found to be forest-dependent birds. Two species of birds that are endemic to Western Ghats viz., Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) and Rufous Babbler (Turdoides subrufa) were recorded from sacred groves of northern Kerala. The bird community of the Kammadam Kavu and Thazhe Kavu was found to be distinct among the 15 sacred groves studied using the Correspondence analysis. Dendrogram based on Bray-Curtis similarity matrix identified broadly three clusters viz. Karaka Kavu to Cheemeni Kavu, Edapara Kavu to Kuduvakolangara Kavu and Thazhe Kavu to Kammadam Kavu. The numbers of endemic birds were found to be greatly influenced by the extent of the sacred grove. However number of forest birds was influenced by the altitude and tree density. A total of 130 tree species were reported from the sacred groves of northern Kerala. 14 species of trees were endemic to Western Ghats and seven were threatened, this includes one Critically Endangered (Vateria indica) and four Endangered (Hopea ponga, Hopea parviflora and Chionanthus mala-elengi, Evodia lunu-anekanda) and two Vulnerable tree (Cinnamomum perrottetii, Santalum album) species. Respondents in the sacred groves of northern Kerala had medium awareness about the birds and perception about the significance of the sacred groves of northern Kerala. Awareness was found to be influenced by caste, gender, education, knowledge about bird diversity in sacred grove and understanding the beneficial effect by birds among the respondents. The perception was influenced by occupation of the respondent, knowledge about bird diversity in sacred grove and understanding of beneficial effect by birds among the respondents. Important threats faced by sacred groves in northern Kerala were encroachment, degradation of vegetation in the sacred grove, dumping of waste into the sacred groves, deposition of solid waste through contaminated water, passages within the sacred grove, use of sacred grove for anti-social activities like for consumption of liquor, playing cards etc, and various construction activities taking places in some of the sacred groves. The Government should step in and take some bold initiatives for the conservation of the sacred groves. Incentives should be provided for the owners of the sacred groves for preserving these important biodiversity repositories outside the reserved forests and protected areas. Restoration planting should be taken up in the degraded sacred groves with community participation.
Open Access
Food and feeding habits of grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) at Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Western ghats, Kerala
(College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Kiran, Thomas; KAU; Nameer, P O
The research work entitled “Food and feeding habits of Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala” was carried out in five locations namely Chinnar, Kootar, Chambakkadu, Athiyoda and Alampetty in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The main objective of the study was to find out the food and feeding habits including the food preferences and time activity budgeting of Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Apart from that an attempt has been made on the population estimation of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and also the habitat quality analysis. Focal animal sampling method across different season was deployed to gather information on food species and article preference, feeding habits, seasonal variation in feeding and the time activity budgeting. Besides these, the population density of the squirrel was estimated by direct observation through line transect method. The indirect population estimation and quality of available habitat was estimated through drey (nest of the squirrels) analysis. The vegetation within the Grizzled Giant Squirrel habitat was studied using quadrate method and Important Value Index. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary found to be feeding on 30 plant species. The squirrel's preference for diet was found primarily affected by availability of food tree species and food article rather than the season. The climbers, lianas, shrubs and cactus also formed the part of squirrel’s diet. It is for the first time that non-tree elements have been reported from the diet of Grizzled Giant Squirrel. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel has been primarily a frugivorous animal, but at the time of the non-availability of fruits and seeds they fed on leaves, flowers and bark. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary was found to be spending most of its time on feeding followed by resting, moving and calling. The animal was found to be using 48 tree species at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, of which 22 tree species were used for feeding, 36 tree species were used for drey construction, while ten tree species were used for both feeding as well as drey construction. The population size of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel was estimated to be 30-35 individuals. This is considerably fewer than the earlier population estimates of Grizzled Giant Squirrel at Chinnar and is a matter of concern. The major threats of Grizzled Giant Squirrel at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary were anthropogenic disturbance, habitat loss, predation and hybridization. The Grizzled Giant Squirrels’ preference for bigger and taller trees for drey construction indicates the significance of presence of mature forest trees with canopy continuum for long-term survival of squirrel at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Open Access
Biomass production, carbon sequestration and nutrient flux in Ailanthus Triphysa (DENNST.) Alston
(College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Suganya, S; KAU; Kunhamu, T K
A field study was carried out to evaluate the biomass production, carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics in a 22-year-old Ailanthus triphysa stand managed at variable densities viz., 2360 trees ha-1, 1560 trees ha-1, 900 trees ha-1 and 560 trees ha-1. Total number of 80 trees (20 from each density regime) was destructively sampled for the biomass and carbon stock assessment. Also nutrient stocks (N, P and K) in various tissue types were assessed following standard procedures. The soil carbon and nutrient contents were assessed for one meter soil depth at regular depth intervals. The average stand height and bole height were 12.84 m and 8.19 m respectively which varied significantly with stand density with maximum value recorded for 1560 trees ha-1. The average dbh, mean tree volume and bole volume put in by the 22- yearold A. triphysa stand was 18.78 cm, 0.15 m3 and 0.16 m3 respectively which however could not yield a predictable trend with stand density. Despite this, the stand volume exhibited a proportional increase with stand density. The mean tree biomass production by the stand was 129.81 kg tree-1 that varied with stand density. Biomass production at stand level showed a consistent increase with increasing stand density with highest produced corresponding to 2360 trees ha-1 stand (384.67 Mg ha-1) and lowest for 560 trees ha-1 stand (93.86 Mg ha-1). Component wise biomass allocation was highest for stemwood (63 %) followed by roots (20 %) for all the density regimes while twig portion registered the least (0.97 %). The mean tree C stocks and corresponding MAI for A. triphysa at 22 years of stand age were 74.54 kg tree-1 and 3.38 kg tree-1 yr-1 respectively which was comparable with many fast growing MPT’s similar growth habit in humid tropics. Elemental carbon storage at stand level showed proportionate increase with density (177.00 Mg ha-1, 2360 tree ha-1; 140.47 Mg ha-1, 1560 tree ha-1; 49.06 Mg ha-1, 900 trees ha-1 and 43.33 Mg ha-1, 560 trees ha-1). Allometric models were developed for total aboveground biomass, bole biomass, aboveground carbon sequestration, total volume and bole volume using dbh and height as predictor variables. Among various models tried single variable (dbh) quadratic equations were best fitting with high R2 value. The nutrient concentration varied substantially among various biomass components with foliage registering highest N, P and K concentration (%). Tissue nutrient concentration followed the general order: leaves> twig> branch> root> stemwood. Biomass nutrient stocks at stand level varied considerably with stand density which was closely following biomass production trends. Nutrient storage followed the order N > P > K with highest stocks corresponding to stemwood followed by roots, branchwood, leaves and twigs. High nutrient accumulation in the stemwood suggests possible higher levels of nutrient export from the site through harvest. Transfer of nutrient rich leaf biomass into the soil at harvest would be a viable strategy in this context that replenish the nutrient loss through harvest. Carbon and nutrient contents in the soil were substantially higher in all sampled depths implying the dominant role of trees in improving the soil productivity in wooded systems. Study converges to the generalization that A. triphysa trees have a good potential for volume and biomass production under proper silvicultural management regimes.

Theses

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results