A Spatial Distribution of Sacred Groves in New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station
Keywords:
Sacred Groves, New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, Biodiversity Conservation, Western GhatsAbstract
Sacred groves, locally known as devrais, are traditionally protected forest patches that represent an important linkage between indigenous belief systems and ecological conservation. This study examines the spatial distribution and environmental significance of sacred groves in the New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station of Satara District, Maharashtra—an ecologically sensitive region experiencing increasing tourism-driven development. Using primary field surveys, GPS-based mapping, community interactions, and secondary literature, a total of 34 sacred groves were identified across four tahsils: Mahabaleshwar, Jaoli, Satara, and Patan, covering approximately 53.39 hectares. Spatial analysis reveals an uneven distribution, with higher concentrations in Mahabaleshwar and Jaoli tahsils due to favorable topography, greater forest cover, and strong cultural traditions. Although most groves are small in size, they support significant plant biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services such as soil conservation, water regulation, and microclimate moderation. The study highlights the role of sacred groves as important biodiversity refuges and emphasizes the need to integrate them into regional environmental planning for sustainable conservation.
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References
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