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BIODIVERSITY
HOTSPOT
Devarayanadurga |
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BIODIVERSITY
HOTSPOT
Devarayanadurga |
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BACKGROUND
INFORMATION |
1. Name of the hot spot Devarayanadurga
Reserve Forest.
3.
Coordinating team : Tumkur Science Center
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.
Tumkur
Darshana published by Tumkur Times.
8. Number of mandays consumed
in data collection. About 6 months.
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.
NA
NA
(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.
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
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.