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Abstract

Sacred groves are socio-culturally protected patches of plants mainly maintained by tribal communities. These groves are generally considered as abodes of gods, goddesses, spirits or supernatural objects. They are worshipped, managed and protected by mainly tribal communities with religious zeal. Such groves serve as less disturbed benchmarks for vegetation. Taboos and societal prohibitions defend the sacred groves from destruction as a result of human activity. From sacred groves, several relics, endemic and endangered species ha ve been reported. Based on this premise, this paper highlights the conservation and cultural values of a sacred grove of Jhargram District in West Bengal. The study reveals that in addition to conserving 150 species of angiosperms, the grove provides some direct and indirect socioeconomic benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need not only to protect the sacred forest but also to revive and reinvent such a traditional way of plant conservation.