of planting) is never re-opened. This system increases proliferation of grass growth and
during summer the dried grasses facilitate spreading forest fire and destroy the forests.
Now closure of forests also resulted in spreading the growth of poisonous weed plant
locally called as “Unnichedi” (Lantana camara). This weed is also taking away the
grazing area of not only cattle but also of the wild ruminants.
Over the last 20 years almost all the forest area is covered with the ‘Lantana’ bushes.
Forest Department has not initiated steps to eradicate the alien species and is not even
ready to discuss with our Lingayat community on how to eradicate the species.
The local villagers have knowledge about the type of grass species and their importance
to cattle as well as wild elephants. The important grass species include Manjampul,
Nanalpul, Udugapul, Pattamanjilpul, Kurinji maram etc. Due to encroachment of
Lantana, the local species are almost suppressed or have vanished.
Simple concept of uprooting the Lantana bushes and planting bamboo / grass slips will
not rejuvenate Lantana bushes suggested by local communities is a good idea to be
tested. But Forest Department is not open to such low cost innovation but allowing the
weed still to spread in an uncontrolled manner and they also believe that such poisonous
weed growth will prevent the villagers from entering the forest and help wildlife to
multiply.
Nowadays the restriction of animal graziers into forests has considerably reduced the
population of ‘Bargur’ cattle. A recent survey conducted by a team of scientists from
Tamil Nadu Veterinary Animal Science University reads “distribution and population
status of Bargur cattle” in 21 hamlets of Bargur panchayat shows that a total of 2529
animals only are available. The population falls under endangered category. (Ganapathy
et al., 2009)
On the other hand the wild elephants increased many folds leading to human and animal
confrontation and conflicts. From co-living to conflict facing becomes the reality which
is posing threat to agriculture, soil fertility and erosion of traditional knowledge. This is
the scenario created by Government by alienating from participation in decisions making
process.
Prior informed consent and benefit sharing
Our animal genetic resources and our associated traditional knowledge about breeding
and ethno-veterinary practices are collectively owned by our Lingayat community. We
have customary laws that regulate decision making in our community. For issues that
relate to all community members we assemble at Donagiriswami mutt that is constituted
by our elders from 36 hamlets in Bargur Panchayat before resolving the matter. This is
the practice for any conflict resolution followed for generations.
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