Minor Forest Produce collection under four protected areas and adjoining landscape of Kerala

Abstract

Minor forest Product are said to have a huge role In rural economy and livelihood of people. Dependence of people on Minor Forest Produces are said to be subjected to forest resource governing system and other socioeconomic as well as ecological factors The first objective of the study is to assess the household level dependence of people on Minor Forest Produce and socioeconomic factors influencing the dependence and second objective is to assess the minor forest produce tree species abundance in immediate environment of households. Study was carried out in four protected areas of Kerala namely Silent Valley National Park, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Attapady Reserve Forest and Agastyavanam Bio-Park. In Silent Valley and Attapady intensive study area was limited to single section under the protected area.