What are sacred groves? What is their role in conservation?
Sacred groves are tracts of forest that were set aside in many cultures, where all the trees and wildlife within were venerated and given total protection. This tradition emerged from India's history of religious and cultural traditions that emphasised protection of nature.
These sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.
Their role in conservation is significant. In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants. They form an important part of India's in situ conservation efforts, helping protect biodiversity in its natural habitat.
Explanation
This 3-mark answer defines sacred groves based on the textbook definition, lists their locations in India as mentioned in the context, and explains their conservation role - specifically highlighting how they protect rare and threatened plant species and contribute to in situ conservation efforts.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Define sacred groves using the textbook description - tracts of forest set aside where trees and wildlife are venerated and protected
Step 2: List the locations mentioned - Khasi and Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya), Aravalli Hills (Rajasthan), Western Ghats (Karnataka and Maharashtra), Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar (Madhya Pradesh)
Step 3: Explain conservation role - last refuges for rare and threatened plants, part of in situ conservation