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

Answer: (C)

Conserving rare and threatened species

Sacred Groves are the ideal centre for biodiversity conservation. Various plants and animals that are threatened in the forest are well conserved within these patches. These areas also provide habitat, water and nest-sites for many species of wildlife and birds. Ayurvedic and general medicinal plants that are not to be found in the forest are often concentrated in sacred groves. Religious belief and taboos are the constructive tools for conserving the sacred groves. Rare, endangered, threatened and endemic species are abundant in sacred groves. Sacred groves also provide vital ecosystem services to local people. Sacred grooves are full with rich biodiversity and harbor many rare species of plants and animals. Sacred groves are important elements in the Biodiversity Conservation. There is vast diversity among India’s sacred grooves, sometime groves overlap with larger forest areas. In these patches, people do not cut wood for domestic use. Sacred groves play a significant role in biodiversity conservation.

So, the correct answer is 'Conserving rare and threatened species'