The main source of local information accrued from Field visits and discussions with the members of the 'Local Traditional Herbal Practitioners Association'. The profile of the study area is as follows:
Village |
Urudugere |
Location |
14 Km from Tumkur, Deccan plateau |
Geographical Area |
61.5 sq. km |
Population |
1200 |
Elevation |
1266 m MSL |
Rock type |
Metamorphic, Presence of granite |
Soil types |
Sandy and Red |
Rainfall |
80-85 cm |
Forest Area |
42.27 sq. km |
Forest type |
Dry deciduous & thorny |
These are:
Little is known about the village population in this area. Population density is relatively low and it is possible that literacy rates are lower too. Very little data is available in terms of socio-economic conditions.
Of the total of 307 species of plants reported from Devarayanadurga forest, 167 plants (54%) are found to have medicinal importance and are used locally by the people (Bhat 2000). Herbs, shrubs and climbers constitute the major category of medicinal plants, with more than 60% coming under this group. The rest are trees with varying growth habits. The majority of medicinal plants of this habitat are higher flowering plants with wide medicinal properties. Herbs are abundant in the foothills while climbers, shrubs and middle size trees are in the lower range valley.