The Forest of Reverence (Sacred Groves) in the Arid Biogeographic Province of India: a Literature-based Comparison with the Sacred Groves of the Arid Deserts of The World

Abstract

Forests preserved on religious grounds are generally called "sacred groves". In other words, sacred groves are the patches of forests or natural vegetation protected by the indigenous people through religious and cultural practices from time immemorial. These are patches of natural vegetation dedicated to certain local deities, which helps to preserve rich varieties of plants and animal population. Sacred groves are one of the heritage sites for biodiversity and alsoan aesthetic site for local communities. All forms of vegetation viz. trees, shrubs and climbers found in such grove are believed to be under the protection of the reigning deity of that grove and removal of even the dead wood is a taboo. These practices played a key role in the maintenance of ecological services, protection of biodiversity and conservation of soil and water. Despite their size limitations, these fragments conserve local biodiversity and offer important ecological services. Therefore, the present study aims to give the comparative analysis of the sacred groves existing on the hot desert of India and the world.