Meera Bhardwaj @ Melagiri
Research studies are on to propagate endemic, locally endangered tree species found in the cusp of Eastern Ghats in three states. These tree species include – Shorea roxburghii, Terminalia pallida, and others found in the rocky hills of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Compared to Western Ghats, scientific research on floral and faunal species in the Eastern Ghats have not been significant which points to a gap in understanding and tackling the conservation challenges.
The Eastern Ghats stretches from Odisha to Tamil Nadu and meets the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is home to many native, rare and endangered bird and reptile species.
Further, the Eastern Ghats are home to several endemic, vulnerable and endangered tree species which are threatened due to agricultural expansion, roads, highways, habitat loss, deforestation and mining.
RESEARCH ON ENDEMIC TREE SPECIES
In fact, research studies have been going on two species – Shorea roxburghii & Terminalia pallida at the Bamboo Pit Viper Research Foundation for the last four years. The focus of the foundation is on studying various species and conducting research projects on the dry deciduous forest’s biodiversity.
Researchers Yashok Sivasubramaniam, Rewilding Project Manager and Vibhish have been working to germinate Shorea roxburghii and Terminalia pallida at the nursery of Bamboo Pit Viper Research Foundation, Melagiri, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu.
They have found remarkable success when using the coco pith medium to grow saplings of Shorea roxburghii. The researchers will be publishing their research work in a Scientific Journal next year.
GERMINATION EFFORTS
Speaking to Green Minute News, Yashok said, “We now have our own native tree nursery where we germinate native trees from seeds, many of them collected from surrounding habitat.”
He further added, “We are trying to germinate roxburghii through different medium – its natural habitat being rocks and mud but germination percentage is less than one. So, we tried with coco pith because of its water retention capacity. We have got around 70 percent success and the species is thriving in the nursery.”
MALLAPPA KONDA HILLS
Shorea roxburghii & Terminalia pallida are found in the rocky areas of Mallappa Konda hills, near Kuppam town, and also hills of Tirumala, Chittoor and Cuddapah districts. Terminalia pallida is considered a locally endangered species. Here, they occur in dry deciduous forests at an elevation of 700-800 meters.
Also known as White Gallnut, it is found in the cusp of three states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka – the Mallappa Konda hills. “We have been visiting the hills regularly for our research studies, documentation of its habitat and finding the right medium for its large-scale cultivation of both the tree species,” says Vibish, researcher.
SHOREA ROXBURGHII
Shorea roxburghii, commonly known as the Taloora Lac tree, was earlier listed as endangered but is now listed as vulnerable species. Native to peninsular India, found in the Eastern Ghats and the southern Western Ghats of Karnataka.
This large, resin-producing tree is characterized by its fragrant, star-shaped flowers and distinctive winged fruits, and is important for its timber and resin.
The germination rate is low as a lot of bugs feed on its seeds. During summer, it explodes into seeds and the dispersion takes by wind.
Shorea roxburghii is found in Eastern Ghats across Kalvarayan hills, Javadu and Horsley hills in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
EFFECT OF URBANIZATION
Further, low lying patches in the Eastern Ghats are home to more than 20 Shorea roxburghii trees. Unfortunately, construction of roads and expansion of existing roads has uprooted most trees. When these trees flower, it gives a good aroma and attracts pollinators.
Further, five Terminalia pallida trees have been found at an elevation of 600 metres in the Mallappa Konda hills. The seeds of pallida have been collected and put it for germination, however, it will take some time for it to germinate, says Vibish.
FLOWERING & FRUITING
Terminalia pallida do not flower annually but huge blossoms can be seen in March-April and they flower white in colour. The trees exhibit a massive, brief floral display for over three weeks. In pallida, the inflorescence type is a panicle which means a branched cluster of flowers on the stem of the tree.
The fruits of Terminalia pallida are glossy but becomes faintly ridged when dry. However, their gemination percentage is extremely low. Since they are found close to the canopy and found in rocky terrains, the fruits are affected by Bruchid beetles.
PALLIDA POLLINATION & USES
The Bruchid beetles feed on the flowers of pallida, therefore, the fruits get affected by this activity. In fact, they are pollinated by Indian Rock bees, Stingless bees, Potter wasp, butterflies, common crows, etc. After maturing and drying, the fruits fall to the ground, and are dispersed by the heavy winds and sometimes, rain aiding their dispersal.
If Terminalia pallida species has been found in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, a different species has been observed in Chhattisgarh.
POPULAR DESTINATION
Mallappa Konda is not only a popular pilgrimage destination for the Lord Malleswara Swami Temple but also attracts naturalists and researchers as it is known for its floral and faunal diversity.
The drive from Melagiri to Mallappa Konda hills further displays the rich biodiversity of bird species of Eastern Ghats.
And, once we go atop the hill, it offers panoramic views of three states, a huge Shiva Linga and is known for its scenic beauty, mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.
However, now researchers come here to study the various endemic and endangered tree species found here and are striving to document and carry out studies for their conservation.
(PHOTO CREDIT: ALL PHOTOS BY MEERA BHARDWAJ AT MALLAPPA KONDA HILLS, ANDHRA PRADESH AND MELAGIRI, TAMIL NADU)