Silvicultural Systems in the Tropical Rain Forests of Karnataka

The Tropical Evergreen Forests of Karnataka are ecologically very sensitive to disturbance. Heavy openings will create large gaps and will soon be invaded by species like Macaranga peltata and Leea sambucina. The forests are situated on steep slopes in heavy rainfall zone. Therefore, selection system has been adopted in about 38% of the area. The grasslands on the ridges and slopes of the Western Ghats and forests on steep and inaccessible areas are put under protection working circle which covers an area of about 51%. However, in grasslands, afforestation with species like - Acacia auriculiformis, Crevillea robusta, Bambusa vulgaris and Bixa orellana have been successful. About 2% of the area were tended by way of "canopy lifting" to induce regeneration of more valuable species, but is now given up due to the complexity of this forest ecosystem. The management of Tropical Rain Forests requires complete knowledge about the growth of species, their interaction between species and between soil and plants. Therefore, the establishment of a Tropical Rain Forest Research Institute has been suggested.