Socio-ecological importance of midland laterite hillocks of Kasaragod District of Kerala, South India

摘要

Midland laterite hill ecosystem is the unique feature of kasaragod Distt. of kerala. It has 3 ecosystems hillocks,valleys and wetlands with are rich biodiversity. These laterite hills have more ecological, geographical, hydrological, medicinal and ethnobotanical significance. Fifty six species of plants were identified from the study site in which 14 species were medicinaly important. Suranga a special water harvesting structure and is reported from the laterite hills. The uncontrolled deteriorationof the hills may cause ecological and geological impacts. It damages ecosystem, biodiversity and natural water conservation strategies. It causes dust pollution and change in wind patterns. Laterite hills have many endangered, threatened and endemic plants. The disappearance of plants and animals endemic to peculiar habitat ultimately leads to severe damages in genetic diversity and gene pool.