BANGALORE: In a bid to conserve the state’s biodiversity, Karnataka Biodiversity Board (KBB), in collaboration with the state Forest Department, is now turning towards conservation of dry-zones. Plans for the project have been chalked out to establish 13 biodiversity dry-zone in-situ conservation sites in the state.“A study has just begun in the area. It will go on for another year. Once the study is completed, the Board will come out with plans as to how best the dry-zones can be protected,” said member secretary, Karnataka Biodiversity Board and chief Conservator of Forests K S Sugara. Dry-zone represents rich floral and fauna diversity, which is inadequately documented and understood, he said.“Besides the documentation of floral diversity, with this establishment of 13 in-situ conservation sites in the network, it will also help in identification of RET (Rare, Endangered and Threatened) species, high traded species to initiate research and conservation action and promoting ex-situ conservation measures,” he added.Speaking to Express, another official from KBB said, “Action has been initiated to identify and demarcate 100-200 hectares depending upon the availability in the core forest area of 13 dry districts.” The 13 sites includes- Karapakapalli in Bidar, Sheribikanahalli in Gubarga, Guntagola in Raichur, Dhonimalai Block in Bellary, Indargi in Koppal, Kolikal Reserve Forest in Tumkur, Maklidurga (Bangalore Rural), Sunakal Royalpod SF in Kolar, Chikkamakali in Mandya, Jogimatti in Chitradurga, Malebennur in Davanagere, Mamadapura in Bijapur and Makuta in Badami.He said that, there will be no harvest in these areas. “Activities such as fire protection, sowing of indigenous species, soil and water conservation will be taken up and documentation of biodiversity will be done. This will help in conservation of dry-zone forest species which are threatened due to their high medicinal value,” he said.“A budget of Rs 19 lakh has been set aside for the project. About 50 per cent of the sum is being given to the Forest Department which is taking care of the soil and moisture conservation part of the project in the identified area,” he added.Meanwhile, the first survey in the 13 identified dry-zones has already been done by a team comprising of KBB members, an NGO working for environmental cause of and a local botanical team constituted by the Forest Department. The survey has enumerated 782 plant species of which 14 RET (Rare, Endangered and Threatened) species for promotion of in-situ and ex-situ conservation to enhance biodiversity in the region have been identified.
Comments
0 comment