Comparing the vegetation diversity in Sacred Groves and agroforestry plots around them, a case study in the Konkan Region of Maharashtra

Abstract

The role of sacred groves in conserving biodiversity and providing other ecological services like water conservation and carbon sequestration is well known. Areas in the Konkan regions have rich sacred groves with conventional agroforestry plots in their vicinity, which together act as a crucial support for smaller mammals and birds.  The conventional agroforestry plots with indigenous species can act as a buffer and connection of Sacred Groves. The current study compares tree diversity in two sacred groves from Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra and agroforestry plots around them.