Natural Regeneration Status of Santalum album in Western Ghats of Karnataka State, India

Abstract

Dr. Uday Vir Singh I.F.S (R)

Regeneration assessment of Santalum album commonly known as sandalwood had been carried out during 2016 to 2018 in the entire forest lands (except wildlife areas) in the State of Karnataka along with the all-other plant species. About 2410090.53 ha. forestland in 1396 forest beats drawing the 10.0-meter-wide transit line of 11605.35 Kms, covering about 0.5% of the total forest area. It was the massive exercise done so far in the history of Forest Department in the country. Very good rate of regeneration in Hunsur and Bhadrawati divisions have been recorded which covers about one lakh ha. forest land, while moderately low regeneration is noted in Hassan, Chickmanglore and Yellapur Divisions.

Sporadic few mature trees have been recorded from Shivmoga and Haliyal divisions. It is a matter of serious concern that Sandalwood regeneration stands extremely low in about twenty-three lakhs ha. of forest land of western ghats. The mature trees are almost vanished from the forest areas. It is also a matter of great concern that the regeneration of Sandalwood from the traditional forest area of Divisions like Shimoga, Sagar, Chickmanglore, Koppa, Dharwad, Halliyal, Yellapur, Sirsi and Madikeri have disappeared. The Forest Department may take note of it and to promote the natural regeneration together with cultivation of sandalwood in private lands. The State Govt has relaxed the laws to sale, transport and cutting of mature trees of Sandalwood in the State.

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