Sacred Groves and Degraded Forests under Climate Stress: Comparative Biodiversity and Non-Timber Forest Product Dynamics in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Sacred groves (SGs) in Bundelkhand represent community-based conservation systems where biodiversity is sustained through cultural taboos and restricted exploitation, while degraded forests in the same region reveal ecological vulnerability under climate stress and livelihood pressures. This study compared plant diversity and resilience between SGs (Jatashakar, Bhimkund) and degraded forest (Bijawar, Bajna) in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. Vegetation sampling using quadrats and transects documented species composition, and diversity indices were applied to assess richness, evenness, and dominance. SGs retained 70-72 species per site, including medicinal herbs (Curcuma caesia, Chlorophytum borivilianum), native trees (Shorea robusta, Madhuca longifolia), and climbers (Abrus precatorius, Tinospora cordifolia). Degraded forest supported only 40-51 species per site, with sensitive herbs absent and hardy or invasive taxa (Lantana camara, Saccharum munja) dominating. Shannon-Wiener Values were higher in sacred groves (H′ = 3.0–3.2) than degraded forests (H′ = 1.8–2.0), while Simpson’s Index confirmed stronger ecological stability in sacred groves (D = 0.88–0.92) compared to degraded forests (D = 0.65–0.72). The findings highlight sacred groves as biodiversity reservoirs, conserving medicinal plants and maintaining ecological balance through cultural practices. In contrast, degraded forests, lacking socio-cultural protection, are more vulnerable to erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, grazing, and unsustainable extraction of non-timber forest product (NTFPs). Overharvesting of medicinal roots, fruits, and fodder grasses weakens regeneration cycles and accelerates ecological decline. This comparative analysis underscore the ecological and cultural significance of sacred groves and calls for restoration measures in degraded forests, including sustainable NTFP management, to counteract species loss and enhance resilience under semi-arid climate stress.