Open lands as vital as forests in sustaining biodiversity: study
The Hindu
Team from Central University of Kerala uses dung beetles as models for research
In the context of climate change and global warming, all are concerned about conserving forests, planting and raising green islets at the cost of “degraded lands” with the deep-rooted assumption that forests sustain life the most. However, a study carried out by a team of researchers from the Central University of Kerala by taking dung beetles as models, suggests that it does not always hold true.
Dung beetles are pivotal to any terrestrial ecosystem for three major reasons - dung and carrion removal, nutrient recycling and mineralisation of soil, and secondary dispersal of seeds from the dung. They have rollers, dwellers, and tunnellers to disperse the ephemeral dung. Both the adults and grubs feed and develop on dung.
The team took the two habitats of sacred groves and adjoining home yards to investigate the habitat preference of beetles. Sacred groves are relics of secondary forests and yards are open orchards.
Pawan unveils plans to tap tourist potential of Konaseema, promises steps to protect Antarvedi temple lands if voted to power. The JSP chief accuses Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy of not being keen on bringing to book those involved in the torching of Antarvedi temple chariot. TDP-JSP manifesto to be released on April 30. He promises to sanction a fishing harbour on Antarvedi coast.