Bhaktivedanta Eco Village Location
Bhaktivedanta Eco-Village is situated in the western ghats of
South India admist the natural forests of the Mookambika
wildlife sanctuary, 240 sq. miles of lush forests,
cascading
waterfalls, secluded caves, and evergreen hills. There is an
ever presence of a colorful contrast of flora and fauna. The
site is the habitat of many rare and endangered species, such as
deer, leopards, bison, monkeys, wild boar, sloth bears, flying
squirrels, large land tortoise, and hundreds of varieties of
multi colored tropical birds are represented.
Bhaktivedanta Eco Village's Wealth of Flora
Over 100 ayurvedic herbs have been identified and many wild
fruit, spice, and medicinal plants including kutaja, asparagus,
raceemosus, brahmi, sandalwood, arjuna, rosewood, jackfruit,
frankincense, dasamoola, black pepper, gingers, nutmeg, clove,
cardamom, mango, and banyan grow profusely amidst the tropical
forests which are almost unmatched for bio-diversity.
The sanctuary has evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous
forest and small patches of teak plantations.
Some
of the dominant evergreen tree species Dipterocarpus indicus,
Poeciloneuron indicum, Calophyllum tomentosum, Hopea parviflora
and Machilus macrantha. Myristica sp. and Elaeocarpus sp. are
found in the middle storey.
Canes (Calamus sp.) are
abundant in the under-storey. Calamus thwaitsii is a cane found
at the lower altitudes and can grow to heights of 100 m. Another
species, Pseudontenuis grows at higher altitudes. An interesting
local observation used as a way to distinguish the two species
is that Thwaitsii and the range of the lion-tailed macaque
(which inhabits the higher altitudes of the sanctuary) do not
overlap!
Terminalia paniculata, Artocarpus hirsuta, Hopea parviflora,
Vitex altissima, Eugenia sp. and Cinnamomum sp. dominate the top
storey of the semi-evergreen forests. Bombax celiba, Mangifera
indica, Dalbergia latifolia, Dillenia pentagyna and Adina
cordifolia are conspicuous among the moist deciduous tree
species.
Helping
Preserve our Planet's Natural Resources
One of the major
accomplishments of the BHAKTIVEDANTA ECO VILLAGE was the
establishment of the Nature Protection program. The main purpose
of the Program is to identify the forest reserves' natural
features and establish priorities for their protection. Since
inception rare varieties of flora have been planted to preserve
their importance as well as for propagation.
Trekking
Trails meander through the natural surroundings. Camps, seminars
and treks are organized on a regular basis for awareness and
preservation of the environment.
The program also works with other agencies to increase
protection for high priority natural areas that are not
dedicated nature preserves, but contain important features.
Over the past 10 years, the program has collaborated with
numerous federal and state agencies, as well as private
conservation groups, and private landowners to identify and
conserve our resources.
