Ecological Restoration of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.) Forests – An Adaptive Collaborative Modelling Supported Approach

Ecological Restoration of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.) Forests – An Adaptive Collaborative Modelling Supported Approach

Background

Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.) is an endemic and endangered  tree species in souther India that is highly valued for its timber uses. Both anthropogenic and abiotic factors have led to the fragmentation and degradation of the Red sanders habitat. This project, which took place in Eastern Ghats: Kadapa, Southern Andhra Pradesh in July 2011, seeks to understand Red Sanders forest and explore the possibility for restoration.

Goals & Approach

Study focuses on documenting present status of Red Sanders (endemic and endangered) forests through Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) to identify most suitable techniques for RS seedlings survival for future restoration efforts - with community involvement. The project also identified best restoration techniques and evaluated stakeholder perceptions of the potential to reduce conflict and increase restoration.

Reported Takeaways

The project achieved a Red Sanders species distribution modeling in region that shows where future areas in northern Tamil Nadu and north-eastern Karnataka have the potential to be reforested with Red Sanders. It also found that Seedling survival was higher with fewer coppice shoots and combination disking (DPB) treatment. On the social side, the project found that incorporating stakeholder preferences in restoration planning can help in improving coordination among stakeholder groups and management.

Reference: 

Sidhanand Kukrety. 15 June 2010. "Ecological Restoration of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.) Forests – An Adaptive Collaborative Modelling Supported Approach" Accessed: June 2020

Affiliation: 

  • The Rufford Foundation