CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Removal of dead and fallen trees

	Dead tress are very crucial for several animals including this hole nesting Black Woodpecker

With prohibition of green tree felling in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, another emerging threat that constantly surfaces is the attempts to harvest dead and fallen trees by Forest departments. This, despite the fact that the removal of dead and fallen trees is prohibited by law. Such prescriptions usually result in order to generate revenue for the government which in any case, is under constant pressure from the timber lobby.

Dead and fallen trees have great ecological value. Numerous species of invertebrates depend upon the dead and fallen for both food and shelter. These dead trees are the major source of food for all the insectivorous birds and mammals. They shelter hole-nesting birds like woodpeckers, hornbills, owls, barbets, parakeets, mynas, and so on. In Nagarahole National Park alone 34 species that amounts to 15% of the bird species in the whole of the national park are hole nesting. If dead and fallen trees are removed, these species that are admirable pest controllers will greatly suffer and there will be a disastrous affect on the ecological equilibrium. Extinction of bird species will also have a catastrophic effect on the plant community as they will loose their seed dispersers. The removal of dead trees affects integrity of old growth forests.

Further, many species of mammals like pangolins, bears, and mongoose also depend upon these dead and fallen for their supply of food and nutrients. Scores of both small and large mammals use the cavities of dead trees to safeguard their young ones.

There often is a misconception that dead and fallen trees are a threat to the forests during the fire season. This perception is completely incorrect and what is vital is good fire protection. In fact the decomposers in the forests like mushrooms depend upon the dead plant produce to enrich the forest soil with nutrients.

Other challenges:
>> Progressive loss of habitat
>> Illegal hunting and wildlife trade
>> Commercial exploitation of forests
>> Collection of minor forest produce
>> Livestock grazing
>> Fire
>> Unscientific management practices