Question

Sacred Groves are specially useful in
A. Preventing soil erosion
B. Year-round flow of water in rivers
C. Conserving rare and threatened species
D. Generating environmental awareness

Answer 1

Hint: Sacred groves are patches of forests protected by communities in India. They are an in-situ method for biodiversity conservation. In - situ mode of conservation means the conservation of ecosystems in their natural habitats.

Complete Answer:
Sacred groves can be of different sizes and maintained by communities in rural villages. These people also draw their source of income by protecting such forest fragments. There is a strict prohibition of hunting and logging in sacred groves and hence species are protected in their natural form. Sacred Groves are of spiritual importance and usually religious beliefs are attached to them by the people.

Let us analyse all the options to find the correct answer.
- Option A. Primary function of sacred groves is to protect threatened species. Hence, this is an incorrect option.
- Option B. Ensuring flow of water in rivers is not the primary role of sacred groves either. Hence, this is an incorrect option.
- Option C. Sacred groves are maintained for conserving rare and threatened species. They harbour plants and animals which fear a threat of extinction in neighbouring areas and thus they have a lot of genetic diversity. Hence, this is the correct answer.
- Option D. Generating environmental awareness is not the role of sacred groves. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Additional information:
- Deforestation is not allowed in sacred groves.
- The vegetation helps in preventing soil erosion, purifying air and enhancing precipitation.
- Sacred Groves also serve as a storehouse for Ayurvedic medicines.
- NGOs also help in their maintenance.

Note: Sacred groves are mentioned in the religious texts and hence are considered important by certain communities. They protect these forest patches thereby conserving the biodiversity of that area.