Sacred groves are forest patches consisting of undisturbed vegetation with relic and rare species of the plants. The groves are worshipped and protected by native people through locally accepted practices and strictures. Cultural importance of sacred groves (SG) with the local taboos and restrictions ensured groves were protected from human interference, which helped in the perseverance of biodiverse rich patch of forest. Groves help to maintain ecological balance and provides habitat to numerous species of fauna. Natural springs originating from the grove has been the perennial source of water for the nearby villages.

Sahyadri E News, Issue LXXXVII presents sacred groves of Goa including spatial distribution and plant species. Majority of SGs are spread over the Western Ghats region of the state and highest numbers (52 groves) are in Sattari taluka. SGs are along the Goa-Maharashtra border and Goa-Karnataka border, which highlights the contiguity of native species in the WGs are crucial for maintaining the biodiversity. Plant species of SGs in Goa include Ficus Religiosa, Ficus Bengalensis, Garcinia Indica, SyzigiumCumini, Terminalia elliptica (state tree of Goa), Terminalia paniculata, Aegle marmelos, Anacardium occidentale, Butea monosperma,Careyaarborea ,Emblica officinalis, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica, Micheliachampaca, Smilax zeylanica, Terminalia Arjunaetc. However these ecologically sensitive ecosystems are under threat due to unplanned developmental activities with the increasing industrialisation, exotic plantations, mining, and rapid urbanisation. Mining activities are altering the structure of the ecosystem, affecting the ecological process involving the sustenance of natural resources.

Key words: Sacred groves; biodiversity; endemic flora; human-animal conflicts.