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BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
Devarayanadurga
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Name of the hot spot Devarayanadurga Reserve Forest.

2. Focal Species: Yellow throated Bulbul, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Medicinal Plants.

3. Coordinating team : Tumkur Science Center Experience / Expertise :-20 years of experience in conducting Eco club activities among teachers, students, general public. Coordinating Green Teachers Training Program, National Green Corps Training Program, Local Coordination of School Biodiversity Register program, conducting many seminars, discussions on environmental topics. Nature trekking programs.
4. Investigating team:  C.Yathiraju,T.G.Shivalingaiah, Subrahmanya Adiga, Madhusudhanarao K. Mallikarjun and Nagaraju.

5. Dates of data collection:October 2003 to March 2004.

6. Process of data collection: Repeated several visits, previous years occasional visits. Discussion with Forest department officers, officials etc… interviews of nearby villagers inside the reserve forest and also in and around the forest. Study of forest department records, project reports and action plans, discussions with wild life enthusiasts, local environmental groups, talking to village elders and forest visitors and Beneficiaries.

7. Sources of Information:“ A Field guide for medicinal plants of Devarayanadurga Forests”  By Harish R Bhatt. “S.B.R. project report of Aregujjanahally Village Panchayath”, By Srinivas and  his team of J.N.V Tumkur District. “Medicinal plants conservation areas MPCA program work plan for Devarayanadurga MPCA in Tumkur forest division of Karnataka expert opinions of environment groups of Tumkur namely WANC Green Watchers etc…. Forest department action plans and other documents. Tumkur gazetteer.

Tumkur Darshana published by Tumkur Times.

8. Number of mandays consumed in data collection. About 6 months.

SETTING

 

1.       Location:                      Devarayanadurga Reserve Forest.

 

2.       Area in sq. Kms:          42.27 sq.kms.

 

3.       Latitude/Longitude             13 23’N 77 13’E 850-1290 Mts above MSL.

 

4.       Village/Town/Taluk/District:Tumkur Taluk/ Tumkur Disrict.

 

5        Maps Topsheets provided by F.D.

 

6.       Mode of Access (Distance from Rly. Stn. 14 Kms)  East of Tumkur

town can be approached by a good metalled Road from Tumkur Bus

Standand Railway station.

7.       Facilities to stay at to the Hot Spot. Forest Bungalow- I.B. at

Devarayanadurga, Choultry.

8.       Tariff to be paid to visit the Hot Spot. There is no Fee for

visiting Reserve Forest but the enclosed Deer Park and Namada Chilumae area have a tariff of Rs. 2/- per visit.

9.       Controlling authorities: Deputy conservator of Forests

                                                   Tumkur Division, Tumkur.

10.       Classes of Landscape:

Thorny Scrub, Dry decidious Forest. According to Champion and Seth’s classification it falls under group 6A/C1 of southern Thorn Forests. The prevailing rock of the area is light to dark grey granatic gneiss which Varies considerably from place to place in texture, structure and appearance.

 

 

11.     Water Bodies:

Devarayanadurga is the place of origin of many small streams and tributaries. The principal one is known as Jayamangali, which rises in a gorge called “Jaladhagundhi” and then flows in the northern direction. Another small brook “Garudachala” takes its origin in the south eastern portion of Devarayanadurga and flows north and joins Jayamangali near Holavanahalli, Shimsha, a tributary of  Cauvery is another major stream which originates in the southern part of Devarayanadurga and flows south west and joins Cauvery. Apart from these, there are many other small streams, which hold water during rainy season. There is a fountain at the Namadachilumae which is believed to have been created by lord. Sri Rama for performing Puja. Presently this fountain is completely dried up.

 

12.     Human population:

 There are 4 villages in the vicinity namely Durgadahally, Aladamaradapalya, Devarayanadurga and Janapanahally and approximate human population is about 3,700.

 

13.     Presence of scheduled or Normadic tribes population:

Lambani tribes are in considerable number in Aladamaradapalya and Janapanahally villages. Apart from Lambani tribe Nayaks and Adi Dravidu Adikarnataka people are also there.

14.     Livestock:

Cows, Buffeloes, bull, sheep and Goat’s are the major type of Livestock who come to the forest area in herds for grazing. Apart from these Livestock there are Hens, Cocks, Dogs, Cats etc in houses of these Villages.

15.     Irrigation status and major crops:

In a few patches of land on the peripheries of the reserve forest there are agricultural fields which are mainly rainfed. There are 3-4 small Kattea’s. Irrigation is provided to some fields through borewells. Major crops are Ragi, Paddy, Coconut, pulses Horticultural crops, vegetables, Floricultural Crops are also grown.

 

16.     Significant Forest produce:-

                Thunbra leaves.

                Tamarind-Myroabalans

                Soapnut

                Wild fruits

                Wild flowers

                Lantana and other dried twigs Medicinal plants.

 

17.     Quantities recorded at the Range or Divisional Forest offices.    NA

18.     Co-operative society and their transactions.

          Stree Shakti Mahila Sanghas, Self help groups, Youth clubs etc.

 

19.     Significant fresh water fish productions.                                             NA

20.     Disposal of fishing rights(Leasing/Auctioning/Licence                NA.

21.     Significant estuarine and marine fish shell fish productions.     NA

22.     Number and type of fishing crafts.                                                 NA

23.  Nearest Fishing landing centre.                                                            NA

24.     Availability of fish processing facilities.                                        NA

25.     Mining and quarrying activities:

No Mining But quarrying does takes place here and there.

26.     Sources and extent of air and water pollution:

 Air pollution due to plying of vehicles passing through the forest roads.

27.     Prevalence of Human diseases:                                                        NA

28.     Prevalence of Livestock diseases:                                                    NA

29.     Educational Institutions:

 Middle schools and primary schools in the villages. J N.V.  at Gollahally

30.     Co-operative Societies:                                                                       NA

31.     Youth clubs: Village level Youth Clubs.

32.     Ladies clubs:  Stree Shakti  Sanghas,self help groups and Mahila Sanghas etc.

33.     Active NGO’s:-WANC Tumkur Greenwatchers- Tumkur.

       Tumkur Science Centre M.G.Road, Tumkur.

THREATS AND SUPPORTIVE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES

 

NA

 

LIST OF KNOWLEDGE INDIVIDUALS

 

NA

 

HABITATS

 (For core area, Zone of influence)

a)         Preparation of sketch map of the Landscape attached.

b)        Description of the Habitat Type.

1.         Habitat Type: Thorny Scrub, Dry Decidious Forest.

2.         Local Name: Kuruchala Kadu, Hasiru Kadu.

3.         Approximate  Total Area 42.47 Sq. Kms.

4.         Special Significance of  habitat Type  Low, stunted branchy boles, diffuse Crowns, admixture of xerophytic or Thorny species in the growing stock, in Capacity on the part of trees such as Teak, Honne and Rosewood, when present to grow to timber sizes, are the characteristics of growing stock. The type of growth varies from small pole bushy scrub. The tree growth rarely attains big size on account of the many unfavorable factors such as inadequate rainfall, poor soil, Biotic factors etc…

5.         Management Regimes.

Managed by forest department

6.         Goods and services provided by the habitat.

Increased soil fertility: soil conservation, water retention, Streams and rivers Cool atmosphere, Green scenic spot for visitors, fruits and flowers.

7.         Bads and disservices provided by the habitat.                                    NA

8.         Significant ecological process influenced by the habitat.

It has provided a very cool Green patch which attracts       rain. Biodiversity of the area is on the increase.

9.         Significant man-induced process influenced by the habitat Type.

Increased  the tourist, Trekkers, environment and Boosers.

10.       Interacting individuals and institutions (local)                         

WANC

Green Watchers

Sasya Sanjeevini.

Tumkur Science Centre.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.

11.       Activities

Study visits, field visits , Bird Watching, Trekking, Search for Medicinal plants, environment camps, etc..

12.       Interacting individuals and Instructions(External)       FRLHT: C.E.S

13.       Activities.

Field visits, along with department officials and local environmental groups. Helps in identifying flora and fauna recording the same etc…

(C) History of important habitat patches over 10-15/40-50 years.

It was declared as reserved forest vide notification date 19th February 1901/1907 published in Mysore gazette under section of the Mysore Forest Regulation XI of 1900 subject to certain specified public rights and Concessions admitted at the time of settlement. More recently, the principal Chief Conservation of Forests of Karnataka has ordered vide his notification No. C. G.L 86/93-94 DATE 22-9-93. The public have no right over the forest produce. Villagers have the right of way to pass through the forests. Villagers allowed to take their cattle to the water resources inside the Reserve forests. They have the right of collection of grass for thatching purpose on head load basis and to cattle thorns for fencing. The area has not been worked for the last 30yrs. only people are being allowed to remove lantana on head loads for bonafied fuel wood purposes.

The area was incorporated into protection working circle and regeneration working circle in the revised working plan of Sri M.W. Palekonda which was in force from 1952-1962. A revised draft working plan has been prepared for the year 1990-2000.

Within Devarayanadurga forest an area of 178 hectares has been taken for insitu Conservation of medicinal plants under MPCA project. This area is constantly exposed to indiscriminate collection of plants, fire and grazing which have resulted in the depletion of this valuable resource base.

Thorn Scrub, forests exist over large tracts. Although many of the Scrub forests are degraded there still is found in them an enormous diversity of life flora. At present there are over 137 species of flowering plants. Of these many are medicinal and many ethno-medicinal. Phyto-chemical content of aromatic or medical interest is reported from 90 out of these 137 species .

3.         Aquatic habitat change in

(1). Catchment area  (2). Aquatic fauna (3). Aquatic flora.

Jayamangali river originates in Devarayandurga hills which is a tributary of Uttar Pinakini river falling in the Krishna basin. The streams are seasonal flowing only during rainy season. In summer they present the usual picture of a sandy bed with no or little water flowing mostly underground. There are no artificial water resources within the area. The general water table in the area is about 35mts. But even this is depleting.

Aquatic flora and fauna are not separately documented but they are documented as a part of general documentation.

4.         Significant ecological process influencing the habitat patch.

Increase in greenery, Biodiversity, Improvement in microclimate very cool.

5.         Significant man induced processes influencing the habitat patch.

Fuel wood Collection, Fire, Timber Smuggling, Tourism.

6.         Productive goods and services.

Increased Collection of minor forest produce, like tamarind, thumbra leaves lantana, etc… Increase in tourism people visiting the area has increased considerably.

7.         Extents of Bads and disservice

Trouble to neighboring farmers and villagers from Wild animals like Bears, Percupine, Jackal etc…

8.         Reasons  for ongoing changes  

Increase in Greenery Better protection, Better management- of Forest fires during summer months.

9.         Gainers:

 Neary Villagers, Tourists.

10.       Loosers:

 Habitat Wild life.

11.       Desired changes/desired future

Better protection from illegal felling and cutting much better management of forest fires. Removal of eucalyptus and eupotarium. Avoiding grazing totally. Creating more water holes and better rain water conserving measures. Regulated Tourism.

12.       Desired management system.

Forest department along with active and responsible participation of villagers through VFC’s. Involving local NGO’s to educate people, tourists about the importance of the habitat and need for its protection. Getting them involved in inventorying, documenting and recording the changes in the ecology and Biodiversity of the area.

13.       Suggested component for a feasible management plan for that habitat patch.

Forest department actively supported by local people and environmental groups.

 

LIFE SCAPE

 

                                                                                                   

a:    Naturally occurring species of significance

1.      Algae.

2.      Moses.

3.      Ferns.

4.      Gymnosperms.

5.      Flowering plants.

6.      Fungi.

7.      Lichens.

8.      Bacteria Viruses.

9.      Nematodes.

10.    Annelids.

11.    Insects.

12. Crestatia.

13. Orthropodes.

14. Molluscs.

15.    Other invertebrates.

16.    Fishes.

17.    Amphebeans.

18.    Reptiles – 8 have been listed.

19.    Birds – 152 species 68 have been listed.

20.    Mammals – 29 species 3 have been listed.

21.    Butterflies – 22 Butterflies listed.

22.    Medicinal plants – Hrish R Bhatt in his book   “Medicinal Plants of Devarayandurga” has listed about 167 species of medicinal plants belonging to 60 families.

         The main species of the area are

         Terminalia tonentora

         Terminalia arjuna

         Terminalia poniculata

         Sontalum album

         Tectona grandis

         Dandrocalamus strictus

         Tamerindus indica

         Terminalia bellarica

         Anageissus latifolia

         Dalbergia palmiculata

         Shorea talura

         Albizzia annara

         Albizzia odoratissima

         Acacia suma

         Accacia leucopholea

Undergrowth consists of Randia lantona Camara, Dodorea viscose, cassia auriculata cymbopagam species grass covers the higher hill slopes panther and Jackals are the main predators found in the area. Spotted deers, Wild boars, Indian porcupine, Hare, Langurn etc., are the prey animals found in the area. Bears also found in the area. The common reptiles found in the area . The common reptiles found in the area are Cobra, Rat, Snake,  Common krait, Russels Viper etc.,

b) Additional Information on species of Significance

1.Most Common local name of the species

          Yellow throated Bul Bul

           Leopard

            Sloth Bear.

2. Scientific name of the species.

     Pycoronotus Xantholamns

      Panther Parades.

       Melursus Ursinus

3. Habitat favored: Rocky Scrub.

4. Value to local Community.                                                                               NA

5. Major uses/ill effects: Grazing Fuel wood.

6. Value of global relevance: Rare

(c) Inventory of significant species/varieties.                                            NA

      1 to 8 as mentioned earlier above.

(d) History of significance species/varieties.                                             NA

MANAGEMENT

 

a) Perspective of others.

1. Desired response options of different members of local or outside communities/Institutions, Government agencies, Industrial or mining undertaking etc. to be recorded.

      According to local people and some interested environment groups. Negative developmental works needs to be stopped.

Tourism not to be encouraged.

In the name of tourism some drunkards are using this place for merry making and boosing. It generates lot of plastic garbage which is detrimental to the ecosystem.

2. Significance of management issues and response options.

             Forest Dept. to regulate tourism and also vehicular traffic fuel wood harvesting needs to be carefully regulated.

3. Management issues pertaining to

      a) Habitat and or

      b) Species variety.

   Quarrying of stones to be stopped. Sand mining to be avoided. Better management of Forest fires.

4. Customary administrative                                                                                             NA.

5. Since how long the arrangements have been in practice.                   NA

6. Changes of any in management pattern over last 10-15/40-50 years.     

                                                                                                                                                             NA

7. Desired changes/ Desired Future

     Stop Negative Developmental works control tourism.

8. Desired Management system.

         Forest Dept. Active village, Forest committees. Supportive Environmental groups to work unitedly.

b) Perspectives of Investigators.

             In the name of harvesting, Lantana some tender trees are also logged. Fuel wood and fodder collection  is Rampant. One can see head loads of fuel wood being carried off  to Tumkur city.  

             Over grazing and uncontrolled influx of cattle is also a major problem. This along with deforestation has led to soil erosion on a large scale, particularly on the slopes. Encroachment on the periphery of the state forest is taking place. There is no clear demarcation between the state and the revenue land. Cultivation along the borders can be found within the forest and this is increasing at an alarming rate. In the absence of clear cut boundaries of the state forest encroachment is bound to occur.

Planting of exotic species of trees like eucalyptus species are depriving the growth of native flora.

Quarrying on the hillocks are a potential threat to the ecology of the forest. It s directly affecting the habitat of the endangered species  like the Shahin Falcon and the endemic species the yellow throated Bul Bul. 

c) Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted

    in the opinion of the investigators.

      Reserve Forest of Devarayanadurga needs to be better  managed by the Forest Department with the cooperation of the existing village forest committees in and around the forest. They have to be made beneficiaries of the conservation efforts. Local Envt. Groups and clubs can be better used to create awareness about the importance of conservation. The existing information center at Namadachilume and Medicinal Plants garden that is coming up must be better made use of. Systematic documentation to be initiated and continued.

d) Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose.

            The information center existing in Devarayanadurga to be equipped and furnished further to take up awareness activities on a regular suitable periodic basis.

            Labels of common name, scientific name, family, origin and uses of trees to be labeled to educate tourists and visitors. This will enable them to appreciate their importance.

            Setting up of display boards in prominent areas, highlighting  occurrence of important fauna long with their local names. A board with paintings of common birds. Facts about Wild life of the area can be put up to educate public. Similar boards can also be put up giving information about various species of deer in the deer park. Feeding animals by public to be discouraged.

A list of Do’s and Don’ts for the visitors to be put up prominently at strategic locations.

            Planting of native species of flora should be undertaken, especially those species which can withstand  arid conditions are recommended for afforestation  in deforested hills. A Clear demarcation of state forest boundary and strict vigilence should be taken up. This will check the entry of people and prevent encroachment.

             Water holes should be maintained so that enough water is available  in dry season for wild animals. Setting up check posts and regulation of traffic should be under taken. Nature orientation camps to be conducted especially for the people from neighboring villages to highlight the importance of forests, flora and fauna, conservation, forests fires, alternative resources etc., 

            Regulation of fuel wood and fodder collection to be taken  up in right earnestness. Villagers to be involved in a massive way in afforestation work.

            Quarrying must be immediately banned and the concerned Depts. Like Mines and Geology and Revenue Dept. officials be requested not to issue fresh leases are renew them.

            There is a lot of scope for further study and research on various aspects of flora  and fauna, forest ecology etc., and it should be whole heartedly supported by the forest Dept.

            Museum with educative models and children’s interactive library to be set up.

            Cattle grazing should be regulated.

 

7. Cultural, religious, recreational scenic, tourist significance of the Hot

            Spot.

            Devarayanadurga is the tallest hill range, with a fortified hillock 14 kms east of Tumkur. It is a serene place of great historical importance. It was previously known as “ Ane Biddha Sari”. The present name  Devarayanadurga was given in honour  of Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar who captured this territory in the late 17th century.(1696).

        Namadachilume is a perennial spring situated 7 kms. To the west of Devarayanadurga, almost at the base of the hillock. It is a sacred place with many legends attached linking the name of Lord Rama. There are two temples on the hill top of Devarayanadurga, one is called Bhoga Narasimha Swamy temple and another is called Yoga Narasimhaswamy temple. Historical evidence says that these 2 temples were developed by Mysore dynasty.

       According to mythological stories, the forest was the hermitage of Rishi Doorvasa whose presence at the Narasimha Swamy shrine on the Devarayanadurga gave the place its sacred character. Long after the period of this holy man, a robber chief by name Andhaka built his strong hold here and held the forest land under his control. Eventually, the hill fell into the possession of a chief named Jadaka and was after his name called Jadakanadurga.

            Every year Annual Jatras is held during the second week of February which attracts huge gatherings not only from different parts of the state but also from outside. Apart from this major festival the Lambanies in the area celebrate “Sevelingana Swamy Jatre” offering sheep and goat sacrifice. Golla community of the area celebrate “Byredevara Jatre” by offering sheep and goat sacrifice for the prosperity of the community. They also celebrate “Mari Jatre”.

            A deer park has been developed near Namadachilume housing spotted Dears and Sambhars. Very recently a beautiful Herbal garden of Medicinal plants is getting established and equipped. Traditional concepts of Pavithra Vana is getting rejuvenated according to ancient texts. They also highlight Rashi and Nakshatra Vana concept. Many traditional rare and endanged  species of trees, Shrubs, Creepers of rare medicinal value are conserved and Demonstrated in this garden. It is also being developed as a medicinal plants nursery with a sale outlet. It is also becoming another tourist attraction. The name boards put up in the garden help people to identify and appreciate the Medicinal plants.  The climate is pleasant for most part of the year. The Temperature ranges from 18 c to 37 c. It is also a Unique Green Patch  especially during rainy season especially when viewed from the hill tops.

 

 

 

8. Ecological Evaluation of the Hot Spot.

             It is a unique forest of the arid Zone. Last ramnants of protected dry area Jungles.

 

 9. Suggested follow up investigations.

        Already suggested in perspectives.

 

10. Any other suggested follow up.

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