Transfer the ecosystem of Parambikulam forests through tribal vision

The Gotrab Project was launched by the Ministry of Forests to explore tribal knowledge to mitigate conflicts in human wildlife in the state. |Photo source: Jomon Pampavalley

In a groundbreaking discovery, the Forest Department’s “Gotrab” initiative, an initiative aimed at leveraging indigenous knowledge, reveals a fascinating narrative from the heart of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. In a recent workshop, a tribal participant revealed a shift in the ecosystem: While peacocks have flourished over the past decade, witnesses were once a steady decline in the once hump-nosed venomous snake (known locally as churutta). This revelation can be seen from the eyes of the primitive inhabitants of the forest, which gives a glimpse of the subtle balance of predators and prey.

The Gotrab Project was launched by the Ministry of Forests, along with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the planned Tribal Development Ministry, aims to explore tribal knowledge to mitigate human wildlife conflicts in the state.

From TN

“According to tribal observations, peacocks prey on the venomous snakes on the hump’s nose, which helps regulate the venomous snake population that feeds on peacock eggs,” said Raju K. Francis, the state lymph node officer of the project. “But over the past two years, giant peacocks that slipped on the top of Tamil Nadu have reached the forests of Parambikulam and fed them on the venomous snakes. The decline in venomous snakes has resulted in a disproportionate proportion of the peacock population. The Forest Department will check if Mr Francis has the same situation in any other forest.”

“The tribe also mentioned that, usually, animals and birds eat various types of fruits and seeds, which helps the growth of new plants when they excrete inside the forest. Although in the case of peacocks, they grind the seeds and eat the seeds. Therefore, there will be traces of seeds and traces of new plants that cause traces of new plants in the state, including in Idukki,” the official said.

Dry land

The presence of peacocks indicates dry land. “The Ministry of Forest will conduct a scientific study with the support of various authorities and agencies. The tribal class concerns about the venomous snake-peacock issue. This is an amazing message for the tribal community. Hilly areas including Idukki, including Idukki, have observed the presence of peacocks. We need to find out what causes them to be on the scene,” Mr. Frasis. ”

According to officials, the Gotrab project involves a series of 15 workshops in various regions of the state. Through this plan, the Ministry of Forest will discuss with representatives from small villages of different tribes. “After completing the workshop, a workshop will be held in Thiruvananthapuram and will be conducted in front of startups and experts,” said Mr Francis.