Role of Traditional Knowledge in Conserving Biodiversity: A Case Study from Patal Bhuvneshwar Sacred Grove, Kumaon Himalaya, India

Role of Traditional Knowledge in Conserving Biodiversity: A Case Study from Patal Bhuvneshwar Sacred Grove, Kumaon Himalaya, India

The paper deals with the inventory of sacred groves and its phytodiversity from Kumaon Himalaya. These groves are well recognized in the world in terms of biodiversity conservation. Kumaon Himalayan region comprises many sacred groves, different ethnic cultures, traditional way of conserving biota. Realizing the importance, the study was conducted in Patal Bhuvneshwar sacred grove conserved by Rawal, Bhandari and Guro local communities. This grove provide excellent micro-climatic habitat for the luxuriant growth of flowering and non-flowering taxa and covered by dense forest of Cedrus deodara. Total 65 species under 61 genera and 47 families of both flowering and non-flowering plants were recorded. In which, lichens are represented by 13 species, bryophytes (8 species), pteridophyte (7 species) and gymnosperm (1 species). 43 species belonging to 38 genera and 28 families are ethnobotanically used by local communities for various purposes. Although the grove is conserved on religious beliefs, but facing several threats such as anthropogenic pressure and socio-economic pressure.