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Rare Myristica Swamp Forest Discovered in Maharashtra

Researchers from Dodamarg, near the Goa-Maharashtra border, have discovered a sacred Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra. The forest, part of a sacred grove protected by the local community, spans 8,200 square meters and occupies 770 square meters.

Discovery and Location of the Sacred Grove

  • Researchers found a Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra
  • Located near the Goa-Maharashtra border in Dodamarg
  • Second such forest discovered in Maharashtra, after Hewale-Bambarde in Sindhudurg
  • Part of a sacred grove protected by local community
  • Grove spread across 8,200 square meters
  • Swamp forest occupies 770 square meters within the grove
  • Protected in the name of Lord Shiva, locally known as Bhalandeshwar

Significance of Myristica magnifica and the Swamp Forest

  • Myristica magnifica is an endangered plant species native to Karnataka and Kerala
  • 70 individual Myristica magnifica trees found in the swamp forest
  • Part of the nutmeg family, can grow up to 50 meters tall
  • Provides food for threatened hornbill birds
  • Ecosystem supports vulnerable Asian short-clawed otter
  • 39 different plant species documented in the sacred grove

Offers various ecological services:

    • Groundwater recharge
    • Carbon sequestration
    • Natural barrier against floods
    • Habitat and food for aquatic and aerial fauna

Research and Documentation

  • Discovery made by Pravin Desai during a birding trail
  • Research team: Pravin Desai, Vishal Sadekar, and Shital Desai
  • Findings published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on August 26, 2024
  • Gajanan Shetye, a wildlifer, emphasized the importance of the discovery for understanding the region's ecological history
  • Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
  • Connected to the Tillari river basin

Conservation Importance and Community Role

  • Local community has protected the grove for generations
  • Sacred groves play crucial role in preserving rare ecosystems
  • Cultural beliefs tied to Lord Shiva (Bhalandeshwar) contribute to conservation
  • Demonstrates importance of community-led conservation efforts
  • Preserving the forest is vital for maintaining ecological balance in Western Ghats
  • Conservationists advocate for stronger protection measures
  • Highlights the need for recognizing and supporting traditional conservation practices

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