The ENVIS Centre on Eastern Ghats is a decentralized Environmental Information Centre established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India on thematic issue of Ecology of Eastern Ghats

ISSN : 0974-2336Vol.18, No.1. 2012

EPTRI-ENVIS Newsletter

ENVIS CENTRE ON ECOLOGY OF EASTERN GHATSENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH

INSTITUTE

Vol.18, No.1, 2012

8

The Eastern GhatsE P T R I - E N V I S N e w s l e t t e rENVIS CENTRE ON ECOLOGY OF EASTERN GHATS

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not those of the editors' or of the EPTRI

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

From:ENVIS CoordinatorENVIS Centre on Ecology of Eastern Ghats,Environment Protection Training & Research Institute91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500032, A.P.,IndiaPh: +91-040-23180103, 23180114, 23180100Fax. No: +40-23180135Website:http://eptrienvis.nic.inEmail: eptri@envis.nic.in

To, Printed matter ..................................................................

Volume-18 Issue-1 January-March, 2012

ABSTRACTS

Ethnomedicinal Plant resources of Mayurbhanj district, Orissa, S D Rout * & S K Panda Department of Wildlife & Conservation Biology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada 757 003, Orissa; Department of Botany, Anchalika Mahavidyalaya, Gadia 757 023, Mayurbhanj, Orissa ,Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol.9(1), January 2010, pp. 68-72

Seventy seven plant species belonging to 73 genera and 41 families are employed ethnomedicinally by the rural people in 11 villages of district Mayurbhanj. Ethnomedicinal uses of 8 plant species have been recorded for the first time from the region. Documentation of traditional knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants is essential for conservation efforts for the plant resources and drug development.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Orissa, Traditional home remedies

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.18, No.1, 2012 The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.18, No.1, 2012

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Cover Page:

Photo Credit: M.Giridhar

EDITORIAL

In this issue of the Eastern Ghats newsletter an article deals with

the Bio-Diversity and Cultural Aspects of Mahendragiri, in Eastern Ghats of India,

where Culture and Nature Coexistsforth coming events and News & Events

are presented.

Drosera burmanii

ENVIS COORDINATOR

ENVIS Team

Dr. Razia Sultana, ENVIS Coordinator

Mr. B.L.N. Murthy, Program officer

Mr. M.Giridhar, Program Officer

Smt J.V.S. Prabhavathi, Data Entry Operator

THE EASTERN GHATS

ENVIS NEWSLETTER VOL.18, No 1,2012

Published by

EPTRI, Hyderabad

Supported by

Ministry of Environment and Forests

(MoEF)

Five angiosperms such as Polygala crotalarioides var glabrescens, Drosera burmanii, Drosera indica and Bupleurum falcatum, Crotalaria acicularis, Reinwardtia indica and one gymnosperm such as Gnetum montanum is reported for the first time from the hill. Similarly healthy population of 20 Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) plants were recorded during the survey under the criteria classified by FRLHT, Bangalore for Odisha. They are Atylosia cajanifolia, Habenaria panigrahiana, Saraca asoca, Drypetes assamica, Pomatocalpa decipiens, Rauvolfia serpentina, Gnetum ula, P i t t o s p e r m u m f l o r i b u n d u m , X a n t h o x y l u m a r m a t u m , Z a n t h o x y l u m r h e t s a , C e l a s t r u s p a n i c u l a t u s , G a r c i n i a x a n t h o c h y m u s , Neocinnamomum caudatum, Operculina turpethum, Stereospermum suaveolens, Stemona tuberosa, Pueraria tuberose, Gloriosa superba, Pterocarpus marsupium and Cycas sphaerica.

Threats to Mahendragiri hills:

Ecologically mahendragiri is in degraded stage except the moist vallys and grassland sholas. Only the sacred sites of the hill complex is having thick vegetation cover and rest of the hill ranges are rapidly degrading due to unsustainable practices and rampent shifting cultivation.

Conclusion:

Integrated development of the hill complex is intricately linked to the economic development and well being of the local population. Most of them are tribal poor, who have been historically protecting the resources since time immemorial. Hence to conserve the forest resources of the hill there is an urgent need of link ing forest resources to tribal livelihood in the region. In view of the fact, that the varied plant and animal species as yet are sustaining in the wild immediate steps need be taken for conservation measures and habitat management. The ancient archaeological monuments are sustaining decadence in absence of conservation measures. It is now imperat ive to declare Mahendragir i -Singaraj-Badadeva-Devagiri system covering more than 5,000 sq km as a Biosphere Reserve or Biodiversity Heritage Site.

References:

Brahmam, M. & H.O. Saxena 1981. Addition of the flora of Bihar and Orissa III. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 78(2): 415-417.Brahmam, M. & H.O. Saxena 1984. Addition of the flora of Bihar and Orissa IV. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 81(2): 509-510.Champion, H.G & S.K. Seth 1968. A revised survey of the fores t types of India . Manager of publ icat ions , Government of India, New Delhi.Gamble J.S. 1915 -1935. Flora of the Presidency of Madras, London, Reprinted by Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 1967.Kapoor, S.L. 1964. Contribution to our knowledge of the flora of Mahendragiri Hils of Orisa. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 61: 354-369.

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16 1.Viola betonicifolia, 2. Viola canescens, 3. Drosera

burmanii, 4. Bupleurum falcatum, 5. Drosera indica, 6.

Clematis weightiana, 7. Reinwardtia indica, 8. Crotalaria

acicularis9. Gnetum ula (Female cone), 10. Gnetum ula

(Male cone), 11. Plectranthus nilghericus, 12. Cajanus

cajanifolia,13. Plectranthus japonicus ,14. Vanda testacea,

15. Polygala crotalarioides var glabrescens, 16. Campanula

benthamii

1. Editorial 2

2. Forth Coming events 2

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3 4. Abstracts 8

Bio-Diversity and Cultural Aspects of Mahendragiri, in Eastern Ghats of India

CONTENTS

Page no.

FORTH COMING EVENTS

Title: International Conference on Forest Mountain & People 2012Date: 5 to 6 July 2012Venue: Kandy, Sri LankaOrganizer: International Center for Reserach & Development (ICRD) Email/Contact person: Prabhath PatabendiWebsite: Last date for abstract: 31 March 2012

http://www.futureevents.org

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over 25 small and big hills among which Singaraj (1516 meters), Mahendragiri (1601 meters) and Devagiri (1392 meters) are the highest peaks in the region forming a golden triangle symbolizing the area's immense ecological asset.The lush green tropical forests (semi ever green to moist and dry deciduous type) of Mahendragiri acts as a transitional zone between flora of southern India and the Himalayas making the region an ecological estuary of genetic diversities which provides livelihood to the Saura's. The archeological importance of the hills includes Kunti temple, Parshuram temple, Bhima temple, Yudhisthir temple, Hanuman temple etc. which are of pre historic ages. Sivaratri is the main festival here which draws a large crowd. This testifies the fact that it was once a centre of Saivite culture. Ecologically, the Mahendragiri terrain is in a very bad shape today as the vegetation cover has become very thin except in the valleys due to anthropogenic activities, lack of alternative livelihoods and legal protection of traditional knowledge. Both the plant wealth and indigenous knowledge are in imminent danger.

Geology:

The rocks of Mahendragiri hills belong to granite and magnetite

Drainage:

Mahenragiri is the origin point of two important rivers of south Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The principal drainage systems are Bahuda River emanated from Singaraju peak, Ghodahada River an important tributary of Rushikulya starts from Ramgiri of Dhoba dhobani hill ranges and joins Rushikulya at Hinjilikatu, Sana nadi, a tributary of Vamsadhara starts around R. Udyagiri and joins Vamsadhara at Gunpur. Similarly, Mahendratanaya west, a principal tributary of Vamsadhara has cut across mahendraparvat and joins Vamsadhara at Paralakhyamundi, another Mahendratanaya starts from Mahendragiri peak and flows via Mandasa and Baruva and finally join sea on the east.

Study site:

Mahendragiri hilly terrain is located in Survey of India topographic maps 74 A/4, A/8, 74B/1 and 74B/5 in Paralakhemundi division of Gajpati districts of Odisha (Fig 1). Following peaks are the characterstic features of the hill which

Abstract:

The Mahendragiri hills on the Eastern Ghats of India are floristically, archeologically and ecologically important habitat as they harbour both the Northern and Southern Indian floral elements. A vegetation survey was conducted in Mahendragiri hills to document the floral diversity of the region on November, 2010 which yield 679 species of plants that includes 3 species of gymnosperms, 676 species of angiosperms under 453 genera and 115 families. Polygala crotalarioides var. glabrescens, Gnetum montanum, Drosera burmanii, Drosera indica and Bupleurum falcatum are reported for the first time from the hill. Similarly many Rare, Endangered and Threatened plants were recorded during the survey that includes species of both northern and southern Indian floral composition. Mahendragiri hill forest complex acts as the carbon sink and water tower, thus plays a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance and climate control of the entire south Odisha and Srikakulum district of Andhra Pradesh. Irrespective of the rich floral diversity, the hills are under severe threat of deforestation and degradation due to several anthropogenic activities. To protect and conserve the ancient sacred hill, it is now imperative to declare Mahendragiri-Singaraj-Badadeva-Devagiri system covering more than 5,000 sq km as a Biosphere Reserve or Biodiversity Heritage Site. A detailed and seasonal survey on all group of life forms of the hill need to be documented before preparing conservation and management plan

Introduction:

The 5,000 feet high Mahendragiri-Singharaju hills, situated in the middle of Eastern Ghats in the Paralakhemundi sub-division of Gajapati district is 175 km away from Berhampur. It is a treasure of plant genetic wealth and being treated as critical habitat of Saura, a primitive tribal Group (PTG) of India. As per Gamble (1892), Mahendragiri is the amalgamation of biodiversity with species from both north and south, the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.The annual rainfall is 1551.6 mm. Spread over an area of over 2,000 sq km bordering Andhra Pradesh, this majestic micro-environmental terrain is dotted with

Bio-diversity and Cultural Aspects of Mahendragiri in Eastern Ghats of India.

Prasad Kumar Dash* and P. W. Jaykumar Choudhary *Plant Ecologist,

Community conservation and Forest Governance ThemeVasundhara, Odisha.

Guest Faculty in Zoology, P.G. Department of Life Sciences, SKCG College, Paralkhemundi

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS NewsletterVol.18, No.1, 2012

belle/irica, Terminalia chebula, Anogeissus acuminata, Callicarpa arborea, Hymenodictyon orixense, Bridelia retusa etc. Mixed forests of lower elevation are composed of Gelonium lanceolatum, Gelonium multiflorum, Chloroxylon swietenia, Flacourtia sepiaria, Cleistanthus collinus, Glycosmis maurtiana etc.

Semi-evergreen forests: Very few patches of semi-evergreen forests were observed in moist valleys around the perennial stream channels. These are characterized by large number of dominant species mostly evergreens with some deciduous, heavy climbers and epiphytes. The important flora are Litsea monopetala, Grewia disperma, Diospyros peregrina, Garcinia xanthochymus, Prunus pygeoides, Prunus ceylanica, Mangifera indica, Turpinia nepalensis, Neolitsea foliosa, Neolitsea cassia, Leea macrophylla, Boehmeria platphyla, Xantolis tomentosa, Beilschmedia roxburghiana, Gnetum ula, Gnetum montanum, Entada scandens, Michelia champaca, Clematis roylei, Reinwardtia trigyna etc. The epiphytes of this zone include Dendrobium bicameratum, Aerides odorata, Bulbophyllum triste, Bulbophyllum umbellatum, Cymbidium aloifolium, Eria bambusifolia and Luisia trichorhiza etc.Apart from semi-evergreen forests, the hills harbor small patches of Shoals at grasslands above 1200 m to 1400 m with evergreen trees like Diospyros candolleana, Drypetes assamica, Linociera ramiflora, Nothopegia heyneana, Neocinamomum caudatum, Litsea alata, Litsea monopetala, Neolitsea foliosa, Neolitsea cassia, Dryopetes asamica etc.

Scrub forests: these forests are the out comes of biotic interferences which can also be refffered as induced scrubs. The important species of this type are Zigiphus oenoplea, Flacourtia sepiaria, Pavetta indica, Toddalia asiatica, Capparis zeylanica, Gymnosporea emarginata, Carissa spinarum, Ichnocarpus frutescens, Cryptolepis buchananii, Cassytha filiformis, Meyna spinosa, Glycosmis mauritiana, Cipadessa baccifermis and Mimosa rubicaulis.

Grasslands: The upper slopes of Mahendragiri and their adjacent flat summits are mostly grasslands. These are the biotic sub-climax or plagioclimax vegitation. These are also considered as climax zones as it is situated above 1200 m above msl and there is very less chance of change in vegetation pattern. The important grassses are Themada triandra, Themada quadrivalvis, Cymbopogon lexiossus, Cappilipedium asimile, Apluda mutica

Chrysopogon assimilis, Arundinella ssp, Arthoraxon lancifolius, Imperta cylindrica, Iseilema laxum, Bothriochloa glabra, Bothriochloa pertusa, Eragrostis atrovirens, Eragrostis pilosa, Sporobolus fertilis etc. Non-grass species includes Crotolaria spp., Viola betonicifolia, Tephrosia roxburghiana, Sophora interrupta, Senesio nudicaulis, Sonchus arvensis, Scleria spp. Swertia angustifolia, thungergia fragrans, etc.

Floral diversity of Mahendragiri hills: Mahendragiri hill complex is a biodiversity paradise and harbours species representing the entire Eastern Ghats. It's flora comes under the Deccan region of Hooker's nine botanical provinces of British India. Gamble & Fisher while recognizing five floristic divisions of Madras Presidency placed Mahendragiri in their 'Sal Region'. The floral diversity of the hill consists of 679 species of plants that includes 3 species of gymnosperms, 676 species of angiosperms, under 453 genera and 115 families. The plant diversity of the hills is found to be 35% of the flora of Odisha. The 10 most dominant families of Mahendragiri (Fig 2) are Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Cyperaceae and Apocynaceae. The characteristic Himalayan species occurring on Mahendragiri are Moutia puya, Viola canescens, Viola betonicifolia, Clematis roylei, Rhamnus nepalensis , Anotos ca lycina , Ajuga macrospe rma , Tha l i c t rum fo l io losum, Rubus ellipticus, Rubia cordifolia, Sarcococca trinervia, Zanthoxylum armatum, Ophiopogon intermedius etc. The important south Indian species represented in the hills are Taphrosia rosburghiana, Sida rumbifolia ssp. retusa, Todalia asiatica var. obtusifolia, Sophora interrupta, Wendelandia gamble, Pavetta brevifolia, Anaphalis lawii, Sanecia candicans, Diospyros candolleuna, Peperomia portulacoides, Neolitsea zylenica, Curculigo trichocarpa Clausena heptaphylla etc. It is interesting to note that some North Eastern spec i e s l i ke Syzyg ium cunea tum, L inoc i e r a macrophylla, Litsea laeta etc. and some species of Burma and Java such as Psychoteria fulva, Ophiorhiza trichocarpos etc. were also observed in Mahendragiri. Except Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Orchidaceae other monocots are poorly represented. Gymnosperm represented by 3 indigenous species such as Cycas sphaerica, Gnetum montanum and Gnetum ula. Varied plant and animal species still survive in the wilds of the region. Out of 32 plant species in the country identified for conservation, cultivation and sustainable commercial exploitation by the National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, botanists have identified at least 15 species available in the Mahendragiri eco-system.

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distinguishes the other floristic habitat of Odisha from Mahendragiri in terms of ecological factors (Table 1).

Table 1: Mountain peaks of Mahendragiri

Figure-1: Location of Mahendragiri in Eastern Ghats of India

Landscape of Mahendragiri hills

Previous floristic accounts of Mahendragiri hill complex:

The first floristic account of Mahendragiri was dealt by Gamble (1915-35) in 1892 who is known as the pioneer researcher to document the flora. Subsequently Mukharjee (1935); Kapoor (1964); Bramham and Saxena, 1981, 1984; Paul et al., 1980; Panda and Tripathy (1993) had botanised the hill. Similarly Saxena and Brahmam (1994) enumerated the floristic account of mahendrgiri hills in the book Flora of Orissa. However Kapoor described only 2 species of orchids from this region. Later Mishra (1983, 1993) and Panda et al. (2010) represented 36 species of Orchids from Mahendragiri.

Results and discussion:

Sacred Sites of Mahendragiri:

Mahendragiri is the foremost of the seven “Kulagiris” or principal mountains of India. It has been referred to in ancient literature, accounts and epigraphy. It finds mention in the works of poets Kalidas and Oriya poets Sarala Das and Radhanath Ray. The archaeological structures here, including the Bhima, Yudistir and Kunti temples, which enjoy the status of protected monuments under the Antiquate Monument Archaeological Remains and Sites Act 1958, are also under threat. These temples are believed to have been established between the fourth and the 10th century AD. All the temples are named after the Pandavas and their mother Kunti. Oriya Mahabharata author Sarala Das attributes the establishment of the Gokarnesvara Sivalinga to P a n d a v a s , w h o a r e s a i d t o h a v e v i s i t e d Mahendragiri during their exile. The Kunti temple is 30-ft high and is at one end of the flat top of the hill. The temple has been plastered with lime after thorough repairs. The “parsvadevatas” include Ganesha, Kartikeya and Pravati. The “nabagrahas” are placed on the lintel over the door jambs. Two inscriptions that may be paleographically placed in the 12th century are found here.

The Yudhisthira temple that rises abruptly from the ground level is in the “Triratha” style and is on the other side of the hill's flat top. The outer walls are devoid of any sculptural decoration excepting four Chaitya arches. There is no “parsvadevata” here. The lintel of the door contains an inscription of the Chola dynasty.The Bhima temple is assumed by scholars to have been built just after the Gupta period and appears to be the oldest of these temples.

It is made of five huge square blocks of stones and has a low and squat tower, square sanctum, squat “sikhara” and flat roof. The doorway is narrow and the walls do not have any niche. This temple is often regarded as the Gokarnesvara temple of the place. Apart from these big temples, there are few small statues of Lord Hanuman and lord Parsuram in the hill top where the shola forest exists. Saoras are the main tribe in these hill forests, but they come under vulnerable tribal group (prmitive tribal group) which are protecting the forest since many decades and deriving the eosystem services provided by the hills. More than 2,000 people visit Mahendragiri every year. But since most of them come for a short visit, elaborate accommodation facilities are not available.

Vegetation: Mahendragiri comes under the Deccan region of Hooker's (1904) nine botanical provinces of British India. Gamble and Fisher (1915-35), while recognizing five floristic divisions of Madras Presidency, placed mahendragiri in their Sal region.

According to Champion and Seth (1968), the forests of Mahendragiri fall under tropical moist deciduous type. The foot hills of the hill range covered with dry deciduous forests. On gaining height, this gradually changes to tropical moist deciduous forests, which is predominant in larger areas of the hills. The upper valleys come under tropical semi-evergreen forests mixed with tropical evergreen forests in small pockets. Hence Mahendragiri fall mainly under (a) Sal forests (b) tropical moist deciduous, (c) tropical dry deciduous, (d) semi-evergreen (e) Grasslands, and (f) scrub forests. The forests are also subdivided in to Sal forests, semi-evergreen forests, Grasslands and scrubs.

Sal forests: Sal occurs in different plant communities in different frequency. Sal forests which occur in continuation with the semi-evergreen type or close to the moist valleys are classified as tropical moist deciduous forests. The top storey in these forests consists of predominantly deciduous species where as the socond storey has some evergreens. Common associates are Pteocarpus marsupium, Terminalia spp., Haldinia cordifolia, Madhuca indica etc. The shrub layer consists of etc. The dominant climbers are Bauhinia vahli i , Ardisia solanacea, Barleria strigosa, Eranthemum pulchellum Cayratia carnosa, Cissus adnata, Cissus repens, Diascorea spp. and Smilax macrophylla etc. The ground flora consists of Andrographis paniculata, Dicliptera bupleuroides, Justisia simplex and many species of commelinaceae, Zingiberaceae and poaceae.When the conditions are hot and dry, sal is of poor quality and the forests may be called as tropical dry deciduous type. The important associates of Sal are Anogeissus lat i fol ia, Diospyros melanoxylon, Dendrocalamus strictus, Mallotus philippensis etc. The shrub layers consist of Cleistanthus collinus, Zigiphus spp., and Carissa spp. The climbers include Acacia spp., Cayratia auriculata, Ampelocissus tomentosa, Ventilago madraspatana and Combretum roxburghianum.

Moist deciduous forests: Bellow the ridge on steep slopes the mixed forests are found which are divided in to dry and moist deciduous forests as per the species composition and period of leaf falls. The important constituent species are Terminalia

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

Name Relative Location Altitude(mts)

Singaraz North of Mahendragiri 1,516

Mahendra- North-East of Kainpur 1,501giriDevagiri South of Gumma 1,382 Badadeba East of Ramagiri-Udaygiri 1,364Idongiri/ West of Mahendragiri 1,323 IndragiriLuaba South-East of R. Udayagiri 1,260Seranga North of Seranga 1,150Gumma South-East of Gumma 1,094

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distinguishes the other floristic habitat of Odisha from Mahendragiri in terms of ecological factors (Table 1).

Table 1: Mountain peaks of Mahendragiri

Figure-1: Location of Mahendragiri in Eastern Ghats of India

Landscape of Mahendragiri hills

Previous floristic accounts of Mahendragiri hill complex:

The first floristic account of Mahendragiri was dealt by Gamble (1915-35) in 1892 who is known as the pioneer researcher to document the flora. Subsequently Mukharjee (1935); Kapoor (1964); Bramham and Saxena, 1981, 1984; Paul et al., 1980; Panda and Tripathy (1993) had botanised the hill. Similarly Saxena and Brahmam (1994) enumerated the floristic account of mahendrgiri hills in the book Flora of Orissa. However Kapoor described only 2 species of orchids from this region. Later Mishra (1983, 1993) and Panda et al. (2010) represented 36 species of Orchids from Mahendragiri.

Results and discussion:

Sacred Sites of Mahendragiri:

Mahendragiri is the foremost of the seven “Kulagiris” or principal mountains of India. It has been referred to in ancient literature, accounts and epigraphy. It finds mention in the works of poets Kalidas and Oriya poets Sarala Das and Radhanath Ray. The archaeological structures here, including the Bhima, Yudistir and Kunti temples, which enjoy the status of protected monuments under the Antiquate Monument Archaeological Remains and Sites Act 1958, are also under threat. These temples are believed to have been established between the fourth and the 10th century AD. All the temples are named after the Pandavas and their mother Kunti. Oriya Mahabharata author Sarala Das attributes the establishment of the Gokarnesvara Sivalinga to P a n d a v a s , w h o a r e s a i d t o h a v e v i s i t e d Mahendragiri during their exile. The Kunti temple is 30-ft high and is at one end of the flat top of the hill. The temple has been plastered with lime after thorough repairs. The “parsvadevatas” include Ganesha, Kartikeya and Pravati. The “nabagrahas” are placed on the lintel over the door jambs. Two inscriptions that may be paleographically placed in the 12th century are found here.

The Yudhisthira temple that rises abruptly from the ground level is in the “Triratha” style and is on the other side of the hill's flat top. The outer walls are devoid of any sculptural decoration excepting four Chaitya arches. There is no “parsvadevata” here. The lintel of the door contains an inscription of the Chola dynasty.The Bhima temple is assumed by scholars to have been built just after the Gupta period and appears to be the oldest of these temples.

It is made of five huge square blocks of stones and has a low and squat tower, square sanctum, squat “sikhara” and flat roof. The doorway is narrow and the walls do not have any niche. This temple is often regarded as the Gokarnesvara temple of the place. Apart from these big temples, there are few small statues of Lord Hanuman and lord Parsuram in the hill top where the shola forest exists. Saoras are the main tribe in these hill forests, but they come under vulnerable tribal group (prmitive tribal group) which are protecting the forest since many decades and deriving the eosystem services provided by the hills. More than 2,000 people visit Mahendragiri every year. But since most of them come for a short visit, elaborate accommodation facilities are not available.

Vegetation: Mahendragiri comes under the Deccan region of Hooker's (1904) nine botanical provinces of British India. Gamble and Fisher (1915-35), while recognizing five floristic divisions of Madras Presidency, placed mahendragiri in their Sal region.

According to Champion and Seth (1968), the forests of Mahendragiri fall under tropical moist deciduous type. The foot hills of the hill range covered with dry deciduous forests. On gaining height, this gradually changes to tropical moist deciduous forests, which is predominant in larger areas of the hills. The upper valleys come under tropical semi-evergreen forests mixed with tropical evergreen forests in small pockets. Hence Mahendragiri fall mainly under (a) Sal forests (b) tropical moist deciduous, (c) tropical dry deciduous, (d) semi-evergreen (e) Grasslands, and (f) scrub forests. The forests are also subdivided in to Sal forests, semi-evergreen forests, Grasslands and scrubs.

Sal forests: Sal occurs in different plant communities in different frequency. Sal forests which occur in continuation with the semi-evergreen type or close to the moist valleys are classified as tropical moist deciduous forests. The top storey in these forests consists of predominantly deciduous species where as the socond storey has some evergreens. Common associates are Pteocarpus marsupium, Terminalia spp., Haldinia cordifolia, Madhuca indica etc. The shrub layer consists of etc. The dominant climbers are Bauhinia vahli i , Ardisia solanacea, Barleria strigosa, Eranthemum pulchellum Cayratia carnosa, Cissus adnata, Cissus repens, Diascorea spp. and Smilax macrophylla etc. The ground flora consists of Andrographis paniculata, Dicliptera bupleuroides, Justisia simplex and many species of commelinaceae, Zingiberaceae and poaceae.When the conditions are hot and dry, sal is of poor quality and the forests may be called as tropical dry deciduous type. The important associates of Sal are Anogeissus lat i fol ia, Diospyros melanoxylon, Dendrocalamus strictus, Mallotus philippensis etc. The shrub layers consist of Cleistanthus collinus, Zigiphus spp., and Carissa spp. The climbers include Acacia spp., Cayratia auriculata, Ampelocissus tomentosa, Ventilago madraspatana and Combretum roxburghianum.

Moist deciduous forests: Bellow the ridge on steep slopes the mixed forests are found which are divided in to dry and moist deciduous forests as per the species composition and period of leaf falls. The important constituent species are Terminalia

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

Name Relative Location Altitude(mts)

Singaraz North of Mahendragiri 1,516

Mahendra- North-East of Kainpur 1,501giriDevagiri South of Gumma 1,382 Badadeba East of Ramagiri-Udaygiri 1,364Idongiri/ West of Mahendragiri 1,323 IndragiriLuaba South-East of R. Udayagiri 1,260Seranga North of Seranga 1,150Gumma South-East of Gumma 1,094

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over 25 small and big hills among which Singaraj (1516 meters), Mahendragiri (1601 meters) and Devagiri (1392 meters) are the highest peaks in the region forming a golden triangle symbolizing the area's immense ecological asset.The lush green tropical forests (semi ever green to moist and dry deciduous type) of Mahendragiri acts as a transitional zone between flora of southern India and the Himalayas making the region an ecological estuary of genetic diversities which provides livelihood to the Saura's. The archeological importance of the hills includes Kunti temple, Parshuram temple, Bhima temple, Yudhisthir temple, Hanuman temple etc. which are of pre historic ages. Sivaratri is the main festival here which draws a large crowd. This testifies the fact that it was once a centre of Saivite culture. Ecologically, the Mahendragiri terrain is in a very bad shape today as the vegetation cover has become very thin except in the valleys due to anthropogenic activities, lack of alternative livelihoods and legal protection of traditional knowledge. Both the plant wealth and indigenous knowledge are in imminent danger.

Geology:

The rocks of Mahendragiri hills belong to granite and magnetite

Drainage:

Mahenragiri is the origin point of two important rivers of south Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The principal drainage systems are Bahuda River emanated from Singaraju peak, Ghodahada River an important tributary of Rushikulya starts from Ramgiri of Dhoba dhobani hill ranges and joins Rushikulya at Hinjilikatu, Sana nadi, a tributary of Vamsadhara starts around R. Udyagiri and joins Vamsadhara at Gunpur. Similarly, Mahendratanaya west, a principal tributary of Vamsadhara has cut across mahendraparvat and joins Vamsadhara at Paralakhyamundi, another Mahendratanaya starts from Mahendragiri peak and flows via Mandasa and Baruva and finally join sea on the east.

Study site:

Mahendragiri hilly terrain is located in Survey of India topographic maps 74 A/4, A/8, 74B/1 and 74B/5 in Paralakhemundi division of Gajpati districts of Odisha (Fig 1). Following peaks are the characterstic features of the hill which

Abstract:

The Mahendragiri hills on the Eastern Ghats of India are floristically, archeologically and ecologically important habitat as they harbour both the Northern and Southern Indian floral elements. A vegetation survey was conducted in Mahendragiri hills to document the floral diversity of the region on November, 2010 which yield 679 species of plants that includes 3 species of gymnosperms, 676 species of angiosperms under 453 genera and 115 families. Polygala crotalarioides var. glabrescens, Gnetum montanum, Drosera burmanii, Drosera indica and Bupleurum falcatum are reported for the first time from the hill. Similarly many Rare, Endangered and Threatened plants were recorded during the survey that includes species of both northern and southern Indian floral composition. Mahendragiri hill forest complex acts as the carbon sink and water tower, thus plays a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance and climate control of the entire south Odisha and Srikakulum district of Andhra Pradesh. Irrespective of the rich floral diversity, the hills are under severe threat of deforestation and degradation due to several anthropogenic activities. To protect and conserve the ancient sacred hill, it is now imperative to declare Mahendragiri-Singaraj-Badadeva-Devagiri system covering more than 5,000 sq km as a Biosphere Reserve or Biodiversity Heritage Site. A detailed and seasonal survey on all group of life forms of the hill need to be documented before preparing conservation and management plan

Introduction:

The 5,000 feet high Mahendragiri-Singharaju hills, situated in the middle of Eastern Ghats in the Paralakhemundi sub-division of Gajapati district is 175 km away from Berhampur. It is a treasure of plant genetic wealth and being treated as critical habitat of Saura, a primitive tribal Group (PTG) of India. As per Gamble (1892), Mahendragiri is the amalgamation of biodiversity with species from both north and south, the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.The annual rainfall is 1551.6 mm. Spread over an area of over 2,000 sq km bordering Andhra Pradesh, this majestic micro-environmental terrain is dotted with

Bio-diversity and Cultural Aspects of Mahendragiri in Eastern Ghats of India.

Prasad Kumar Dash* and P. W. Jaykumar Choudhary *Plant Ecologist,

Community conservation and Forest Governance ThemeVasundhara, Odisha.

Guest Faculty in Zoology, P.G. Department of Life Sciences, SKCG College, Paralkhemundi

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS NewsletterVol.18, No.1, 2012

belle/irica, Terminalia chebula, Anogeissus acuminata, Callicarpa arborea, Hymenodictyon orixense, Bridelia retusa etc. Mixed forests of lower elevation are composed of Gelonium lanceolatum, Gelonium multiflorum, Chloroxylon swietenia, Flacourtia sepiaria, Cleistanthus collinus, Glycosmis maurtiana etc.

Semi-evergreen forests: Very few patches of semi-evergreen forests were observed in moist valleys around the perennial stream channels. These are characterized by large number of dominant species mostly evergreens with some deciduous, heavy climbers and epiphytes. The important flora are Litsea monopetala, Grewia disperma, Diospyros peregrina, Garcinia xanthochymus, Prunus pygeoides, Prunus ceylanica, Mangifera indica, Turpinia nepalensis, Neolitsea foliosa, Neolitsea cassia, Leea macrophylla, Boehmeria platphyla, Xantolis tomentosa, Beilschmedia roxburghiana, Gnetum ula, Gnetum montanum, Entada scandens, Michelia champaca, Clematis roylei, Reinwardtia trigyna etc. The epiphytes of this zone include Dendrobium bicameratum, Aerides odorata, Bulbophyllum triste, Bulbophyllum umbellatum, Cymbidium aloifolium, Eria bambusifolia and Luisia trichorhiza etc.Apart from semi-evergreen forests, the hills harbor small patches of Shoals at grasslands above 1200 m to 1400 m with evergreen trees like Diospyros candolleana, Drypetes assamica, Linociera ramiflora, Nothopegia heyneana, Neocinamomum caudatum, Litsea alata, Litsea monopetala, Neolitsea foliosa, Neolitsea cassia, Dryopetes asamica etc.

Scrub forests: these forests are the out comes of biotic interferences which can also be refffered as induced scrubs. The important species of this type are Zigiphus oenoplea, Flacourtia sepiaria, Pavetta indica, Toddalia asiatica, Capparis zeylanica, Gymnosporea emarginata, Carissa spinarum, Ichnocarpus frutescens, Cryptolepis buchananii, Cassytha filiformis, Meyna spinosa, Glycosmis mauritiana, Cipadessa baccifermis and Mimosa rubicaulis.

Grasslands: The upper slopes of Mahendragiri and their adjacent flat summits are mostly grasslands. These are the biotic sub-climax or plagioclimax vegitation. These are also considered as climax zones as it is situated above 1200 m above msl and there is very less chance of change in vegetation pattern. The important grassses are Themada triandra, Themada quadrivalvis, Cymbopogon lexiossus, Cappilipedium asimile, Apluda mutica

Chrysopogon assimilis, Arundinella ssp, Arthoraxon lancifolius, Imperta cylindrica, Iseilema laxum, Bothriochloa glabra, Bothriochloa pertusa, Eragrostis atrovirens, Eragrostis pilosa, Sporobolus fertilis etc. Non-grass species includes Crotolaria spp., Viola betonicifolia, Tephrosia roxburghiana, Sophora interrupta, Senesio nudicaulis, Sonchus arvensis, Scleria spp. Swertia angustifolia, thungergia fragrans, etc.

Floral diversity of Mahendragiri hills: Mahendragiri hill complex is a biodiversity paradise and harbours species representing the entire Eastern Ghats. It's flora comes under the Deccan region of Hooker's nine botanical provinces of British India. Gamble & Fisher while recognizing five floristic divisions of Madras Presidency placed Mahendragiri in their 'Sal Region'. The floral diversity of the hill consists of 679 species of plants that includes 3 species of gymnosperms, 676 species of angiosperms, under 453 genera and 115 families. The plant diversity of the hills is found to be 35% of the flora of Odisha. The 10 most dominant families of Mahendragiri (Fig 2) are Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Cyperaceae and Apocynaceae. The characteristic Himalayan species occurring on Mahendragiri are Moutia puya, Viola canescens, Viola betonicifolia, Clematis roylei, Rhamnus nepalensis , Anotos ca lycina , Ajuga macrospe rma , Tha l i c t rum fo l io losum, Rubus ellipticus, Rubia cordifolia, Sarcococca trinervia, Zanthoxylum armatum, Ophiopogon intermedius etc. The important south Indian species represented in the hills are Taphrosia rosburghiana, Sida rumbifolia ssp. retusa, Todalia asiatica var. obtusifolia, Sophora interrupta, Wendelandia gamble, Pavetta brevifolia, Anaphalis lawii, Sanecia candicans, Diospyros candolleuna, Peperomia portulacoides, Neolitsea zylenica, Curculigo trichocarpa Clausena heptaphylla etc. It is interesting to note that some North Eastern spec i e s l i ke Syzyg ium cunea tum, L inoc i e r a macrophylla, Litsea laeta etc. and some species of Burma and Java such as Psychoteria fulva, Ophiorhiza trichocarpos etc. were also observed in Mahendragiri. Except Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Orchidaceae other monocots are poorly represented. Gymnosperm represented by 3 indigenous species such as Cycas sphaerica, Gnetum montanum and Gnetum ula. Varied plant and animal species still survive in the wilds of the region. Out of 32 plant species in the country identified for conservation, cultivation and sustainable commercial exploitation by the National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, botanists have identified at least 15 species available in the Mahendragiri eco-system.

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.18, No.1, 2012 The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.18, No.1, 2012

72

Cover Page:

Photo Credit: M.Giridhar

EDITORIAL

In this issue of the Eastern Ghats newsletter an article deals with

the Bio-Diversity and Cultural Aspects of Mahendragiri, in Eastern Ghats of India,

where Culture and Nature Coexistsforth coming events and News & Events

are presented.

Drosera burmanii

ENVIS COORDINATOR

ENVIS Team

Dr. Razia Sultana, ENVIS Coordinator

Mr. B.L.N. Murthy, Program officer

Mr. M.Giridhar, Program Officer

Smt J.V.S. Prabhavathi, Data Entry Operator

THE EASTERN GHATS

ENVIS NEWSLETTER VOL.18, No 1,2012

Published by

EPTRI, Hyderabad

Supported by

Ministry of Environment and Forests

(MoEF)

Five angiosperms such as Polygala crotalarioides var glabrescens, Drosera burmanii, Drosera indica and Bupleurum falcatum, Crotalaria acicularis, Reinwardtia indica and one gymnosperm such as Gnetum montanum is reported for the first time from the hill. Similarly healthy population of 20 Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) plants were recorded during the survey under the criteria classified by FRLHT, Bangalore for Odisha. They are Atylosia cajanifolia, Habenaria panigrahiana, Saraca asoca, Drypetes assamica, Pomatocalpa decipiens, Rauvolfia serpentina, Gnetum ula, P i t t o s p e r m u m f l o r i b u n d u m , X a n t h o x y l u m a r m a t u m , Z a n t h o x y l u m r h e t s a , C e l a s t r u s p a n i c u l a t u s , G a r c i n i a x a n t h o c h y m u s , Neocinnamomum caudatum, Operculina turpethum, Stereospermum suaveolens, Stemona tuberosa, Pueraria tuberose, Gloriosa superba, Pterocarpus marsupium and Cycas sphaerica.

Threats to Mahendragiri hills:

Ecologically mahendragiri is in degraded stage except the moist vallys and grassland sholas. Only the sacred sites of the hill complex is having thick vegetation cover and rest of the hill ranges are rapidly degrading due to unsustainable practices and rampent shifting cultivation.

Conclusion:

Integrated development of the hill complex is intricately linked to the economic development and well being of the local population. Most of them are tribal poor, who have been historically protecting the resources since time immemorial. Hence to conserve the forest resources of the hill there is an urgent need of link ing forest resources to tribal livelihood in the region. In view of the fact, that the varied plant and animal species as yet are sustaining in the wild immediate steps need be taken for conservation measures and habitat management. The ancient archaeological monuments are sustaining decadence in absence of conservation measures. It is now imperat ive to declare Mahendragir i -Singaraj-Badadeva-Devagiri system covering more than 5,000 sq km as a Biosphere Reserve or Biodiversity Heritage Site.

References:

Brahmam, M. & H.O. Saxena 1981. Addition of the flora of Bihar and Orissa III. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 78(2): 415-417.Brahmam, M. & H.O. Saxena 1984. Addition of the flora of Bihar and Orissa IV. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 81(2): 509-510.Champion, H.G & S.K. Seth 1968. A revised survey of the fores t types of India . Manager of publ icat ions , Government of India, New Delhi.Gamble J.S. 1915 -1935. Flora of the Presidency of Madras, London, Reprinted by Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 1967.Kapoor, S.L. 1964. Contribution to our knowledge of the flora of Mahendragiri Hils of Orisa. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 61: 354-369.

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16 1.Viola betonicifolia, 2. Viola canescens, 3. Drosera

burmanii, 4. Bupleurum falcatum, 5. Drosera indica, 6.

Clematis weightiana, 7. Reinwardtia indica, 8. Crotalaria

acicularis9. Gnetum ula (Female cone), 10. Gnetum ula

(Male cone), 11. Plectranthus nilghericus, 12. Cajanus

cajanifolia,13. Plectranthus japonicus ,14. Vanda testacea,

15. Polygala crotalarioides var glabrescens, 16. Campanula

benthamii

1. Editorial 2

2. Forth Coming events 2

3.

3 4. Abstracts 8

Bio-Diversity and Cultural Aspects of Mahendragiri, in Eastern Ghats of India

CONTENTS

Page no.

FORTH COMING EVENTS

Title: International Conference on Forest Mountain & People 2012Date: 5 to 6 July 2012Venue: Kandy, Sri LankaOrganizer: International Center for Reserach & Development (ICRD) Email/Contact person: Prabhath PatabendiWebsite: Last date for abstract: 31 March 2012

http://www.futureevents.org

The ENVIS Centre on Eastern Ghats is a decentralized Environmental Information Centre established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India on thematic issue of Ecology of Eastern Ghats

ISSN : 0974-2336Vol.18, No.1. 2012

EPTRI-ENVIS Newsletter

ENVIS CENTRE ON ECOLOGY OF EASTERN GHATSENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH

INSTITUTE

Vol.18, No.1, 2012

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The Eastern GhatsE P T R I - E N V I S N e w s l e t t e rENVIS CENTRE ON ECOLOGY OF EASTERN GHATS

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not those of the editors' or of the EPTRI

The Eastern Ghats, EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

From:ENVIS CoordinatorENVIS Centre on Ecology of Eastern Ghats,Environment Protection Training & Research Institute91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500032, A.P.,IndiaPh: +91-040-23180103, 23180114, 23180100Fax. No: +40-23180135Website:http://eptrienvis.nic.inEmail: eptri@envis.nic.in

To, Printed matter ..................................................................

Volume-18 Issue-1 January-March, 2012

ABSTRACTS

Ethnomedicinal Plant resources of Mayurbhanj district, Orissa, S D Rout * & S K Panda Department of Wildlife & Conservation Biology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada 757 003, Orissa; Department of Botany, Anchalika Mahavidyalaya, Gadia 757 023, Mayurbhanj, Orissa ,Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol.9(1), January 2010, pp. 68-72

Seventy seven plant species belonging to 73 genera and 41 families are employed ethnomedicinally by the rural people in 11 villages of district Mayurbhanj. Ethnomedicinal uses of 8 plant species have been recorded for the first time from the region. Documentation of traditional knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants is essential for conservation efforts for the plant resources and drug development.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Orissa, Traditional home remedies