TIMES NEWS NETWORK
June 16, 2010

Can Predict Forest Cover Of The Future, Locate Aforestation, Deforestation Sites

The Geomatics Solutions Development Group (GSDG) of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) have encountered 15 rare, endangered and threatened species of plants across the state during the development of geomatics technologies in the forest cover of the state.

Satish Pardeshi, member of the GSDG, C-DAC, said, "We have been studying the forest cover of the state for biodiversity characterisation. Satellite images of the major forests in various parts of the state were taken during the study. These images covered an entire terrain which made it possible for us to study a region in detail. These 15 species were found during the study in various parts of the state."

The database collected from the study and the 15 species area and specific location has been provided to the particular forest department for conservation and to take further steps.

Some of these species have a high medicinal value. Most of these were found in Western Ghats.

SOME OF THE THREATENED SPECIES

• Amorphophallus commutatus: Commonly known as Shivala and used for tuber paste, applied externally to cure scabies
• Carvia callosa (Wall) Bremek: Commonly known as Karvi and used to increase lactation in cattle
• Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb: Commonly known as Kanwel, Khap Parkadu, used in ayurveda
• Ceropegia oculata Hook: Used to cure child fever
• Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant and Fern: Commonly known as Safed musli. The root of musali is used in the form of powder to treat freckles, deafness and as aphrodisiac
• Curcuma inodora Blatt: Commonly known as van haldi and the tuber paste is applied externally to relieve muscle pain
• Ensete superbum (Roxb) Cheesm: Commonly known as Chavan-kel, Rankel, Chowani, Kawder. The stem and unripe fruit is a form of vegetable. Mature stem is used to make fibre and leaves to serve food n Haplanthodes verticillatus (Roxb): Commonly known as Kateri, Jakara and the seed powder when mixed with cow milk increases stamina