Why in the News?

Researchers near the Goa-Maharashtra border have recently uncovered a sacred Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra. This discovery underscores the vital role that local communities play in protecting rare ecosystems. With this finding, Kumbral became the second village in Maharashtra, following Hewale-Bambarde in Sindhudurg, to be home to a Myristica swamp forest.

Myristica Magnifica

• It is part of the Myristicaceae family.
• It is an endangered plant species mainly found in Karnataka and Kerala.
• It plays a key role in the ecosystem, providing food for wildlife, including the threatened hornbill birds.
• It is typically found in swampy or wet forest areas, often in tropical regions.
• These forests are characterized by high humidity and waterlogged soils.
• The local community has protected and conserved the Myristica swamp forest due to its sacred association with Lord Shiva, revered locally as Bhalandeshwar.

Location of Maharashtra