The keystone species: emphasizing the conservation of Ficus (Fig) species at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/IJPR.2026.6.1.5-9Keywords:
Fig, Ficus, Biodiversity, Ecological restoration, Keystone speciesAbstract
Ficus species are globally recognized as keystone elements of tropical ecosystems. At Kanha Shanti Vanam (KSV), a Biodiversity Sanctuary in Telangana, 26 Ficus species were planted and conserved to enhance biodiversity and ecological stability. Observations revealed active plant-animal interactions, particularly during fruiting seasons, where birds, bats, and squirrels contributed to pollination and seed dispersal. These interactions facilitated natural regeneration and supported faunal diversity within the campus. The study documents the Ficus species established at KSV and highlights their ecological and cultural significance, demonstrating their role in sustaining ecosystem resilience and promoting harmony between nature and humans.
Downloads
References
Bagla P, Menon S. Trees of India. New Delhi: Timeless Books, The Art Book Studio, 2000.
Barua M, Tamuly J. Conservation of figs and frugivores in Assam, India. Final project report to the Rufford Small Grants Program (UK), 2011, p1-33.
Reddy NPM, Anjaneyulu SM, Nagesh JV, Sudhakar B, Ravi Prasad Rao. Diversity and distribution of wild figs (Ficus L.) of Andhra Pradesh, India. Biosci Discov. 2020;11(4):223-235.
Chaudhary LB, Sudhakar JV, Kumar A, Bajapai O, Tiwari R, Murthy GVS. Synopsis of the genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) in India. Taiwania. 2012;57(2):193-216.
Murugan C, Murthy GVS, Sudhakar JV. Diversity, distribution and uses of Ficus L. (Moraceae) in Andhra Pradesh, India: a review. J Andaman Sci Assoc. 2013;18(2):192-196.
Shanahan M, So S, Compton SG, Corlett R. Fig-eating by vertebrate frugivores: a global review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2001;76:529-572.
van Noort S, Rasplus JY. Figweb: figs and fig wasps of the world [Internet], 2025. Available from: http://www.figweb.org
Vanitharani J, Bharathi BK, Margaret IV, Malleshappa H, Ojha RK, Naik KGA. Ficus diversity in Southern Western Ghats: a boon for biodiversity conservation. J Theor Exp Biol. 2009;6(1):69-79.
Wilson D, Wilson A. Figs as a global spiritual and material resource for humans. Hum Ecol. 2013;41(3):459-464.
