Dr. Uday Kumar Sen | Vidyasagar University, WB, India (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. Uday Kumar Sen

Indian journal of forestry, Jun 1, 2013

This paper attempts to highlight the conservation value of a sacred grove of West Midnapore distr... more This paper attempts to highlight the conservation value of a sacred grove of West Midnapore district in West Bengal. It also discusses some prevailing threats to the grove and recommends certain remedial measures.

Research Floras[2]. Biological spectrum of vegetation is the index of the phytoclimate, deduction... more Research Floras[2]. Biological spectrum of vegetation is the index of the phytoclimate, deduction of which is based on diverse lifeforms[3]. The life-form spectra reflects the physiognomy of the flora and vegetation, which is the result of entire life processes in combination with environmental variables. Life-form tells us about the climate of area and can be predicted for particular climate, properties of any continent, biogeographic region and altitude[4-6]. It helps in the recognition of ecological elucidation of vegetation and differs in every zone on the basis of altitude. Life-form classification is more reliable after other phytosociological attributes, which is based upon the principal position of the parenting bud on the plant, as well as its degree of protection during the unfavorable or adverse condition[7]. Similarly, the knowledge of leaf size may help to understand the physiological processes of plants and plant communities[8].

Acta Botanica Hungarica, Oct 21, 2021

Sacred groves are the fairly well-protected system of community-based conservation of tree patche... more Sacred groves are the fairly well-protected system of community-based conservation of tree patches on account of their association with village gods, and repository of many rare and threatened elements of biodiversity. There are, however, few publications on lichens of sacred groves. The lichens have long been regarded as sensitive indicators for monitoring environmental state. The present study reports one hundred and sixteen species of lichens from forty-four genera of nineteen families in four selected sacred groves of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. These lichens represent two different growth forms, i.e. crustose (105 species) and foliose (11 species). Shorea robusta, a dominant tree species in two sacred groves bears the highest lichen diversity with seventy-four species. To better understand the related biodiversity and climate, this work is likely to promote further studies on lichen diversity in other regions of West Bengal.

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discov... more In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discovered in tropical forests – covering more than 10% of the planet. Sustainable management and conservation efforts must include local communities and their traditional knowledge. The traditional use of forest resources, especially non-timber products such as medicinal plants, not only has deep roots in indigenous populations, but is also practiced in a broad segment of culture. Using medicinal herbs is often a costly alternative to modern medicine that is economically inevitable. This traditional use's basic knowledge is carried from one generation to the next. Medical use in particular reflects an extremely vibrant, ever-evolving process in which fresh knowledge is constantly acquired and connected to traditional methods. An instance from West Bengal's West Midnapore district in India is used to illustrate the impacts of an integrated strategy to preserving biodiversity and culture.

Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment, 2020

Sacred groves are distinctive examples of biotic components as genetic resources being preserved ... more Sacred groves are distinctive examples of biotic components as genetic resources being preserved in situ and serve as secure heavens for many endangered and endemic taxa. From this point of view, the biological spectrum, leaf spectrum and conservation status of the current sacred grove vegetation, SBT (Swarga Bauri Than) in Jhargram district of West Bengal, India, have been studied. The area's floristic study revealed that SBT’s angiosperms were varied and consisted of 307 species belonging to 249 genera, distributed under 79 families of 36 orders as per APG IV. Fabales (12.05%) and Fabaceae (11.73%) are the dominant order and family in terms of species wealth. Biological spectrum indicates that the region enjoys “thero-chamae-cryptophytic” type of phytoclimate. With respect to the spectrum of the leaf size, mesophyll (14.05%) was found to be high followed by notophyll (7.84%), microphyll (7.19%), macrophyll (7.84%), nanophyll (6.86%), leptophyll (6.21%), and megaphyll (2.29%). ...

Journal of forest and environmental science, Sep 1, 2021

Asian Journal of Forestry, Jul 27, 2021

Sacred groves are tracts of virgin or humanmodified forest with rich diversity, which have been p... more Sacred groves are tracts of virgin or humanmodified forest with rich diversity, which have been protected by the local people for the centuries for their cultural, religious beliefs and taboos that the deities reside in them and protect the villagers from different calamities. The present study was conducted Copraburi (CSG) and Kawa-Sarnd (KSG) sacred grove in Nayagram block of the Jhargram district under west Bengal, in appreciation of its role in biodiversity conservation. The study aimed at the documentation and inventory of sacred groves, its phytodiversity, social, ecological and economical role with mild threats. A total of 120 species belonging to 113 genera distributed 43 families from 24 orders were recorded from the sacred groves according to the APG IV (2016) classification, which covering 47, 26, 23, 24 species of herbs, shrubs, tree, climbers respectively. Moreover, both groves support locally useful medicinal plants for various ailments. This is the first ethnobotanica...

India is a land rich in biodiversity. Besides ecological and economic uses, bioresources are impo... more India is a land rich in biodiversity. Besides ecological and economic uses, bioresources are important for their religious, spiritual and other traditional values. Many animals and plants are worshipped or held sacred by people for their association with some sprits or deities. However, in addition to propitiation and preservation of isolated trees like Aswatha, Bat, Bel etc., there exists a practice of nature worship in the form of cluster of trees or forests patches known as sacred groves (Bhakat, 2003, 2009, 2010; Kisku et al., 2009; Bhakat et al., 2010; Bhakat and Sen, 2012). Sacred groves are generally considered as abodes of gods, goddesses, sprits or supernatural objects. They are worshipped, managed and protected by specific communities. Sacred groves are also viewed by scholars as symbol of ethnic identity (Gold and Gujar, 1989). Some scholars interpret that preservation of sacred groves is an ancient strategy for the sustainable use of natural resource (Roy Burman, 1995; C...

Sacred groves are traditionally protected relic forest patches surviving on socio-religious groun... more Sacred groves are traditionally protected relic forest patches surviving on socio-religious grounds. It harbors valuable regional biodiversity with vital ecosystem and are under anthropogenic threats. Sacred groves are fairly well-studied for socio-cultural and ecological aspects, and evaluation of higher flora and fauna and their conservation. However, there are no or scarce studies on cryptogams available on sacred groves. The lichens have long been recognized as biologically sensitive indicators of environmental conditions. The present study reveals the occurrence of 129 species of lichens, represented by 52 genera and 25 families in ten selected sacred groves. Shorea robusta exhibited the maximum diversity of lichens by 74 species. Since this is the first study of lichens in the district there is ample scope for further studies in South Bengal region. This study will help to understand the diversity of lichens better and give the correct status of the biodiversity of West Bengal...

Tribes and Tribals, 2008

... collinus(T) trointestinal irritant and rheumatism. 18. Dioscorea Kham alu Tuber Used in dysen... more ... collinus(T) trointestinal irritant and rheumatism. 18. Dioscorea Kham alu Tuber Used in dysentery, piles, ulcers, L, N bulbifera(C) birth control. 19. ... Page 4. 58 Pal, DC and SK Jain. 1998. Tribal Medicine, Calcutta: Naya Prakash. Pandit, PK and RK Bhakat. ...

Nusantara Bioscience, 2021

Time and Mind, 2021

Sacred groves are generally considered as socio-culturally preserved patches of plants primarily ... more Sacred groves are generally considered as socio-culturally preserved patches of plants primarily managed by tribal groups. Such groves are usually believed to be as the abodes of gods, goddesses, spirits or supernatural artefacts. Generally, they are predominantly worshipped, managed and protected by the tribal groups with religious zeal. Such groves mainly serve as the benchmarks of less disturbed vegetation. Taboos and social prohibitions shield the sacred groves from the destruction caused by human activity. Several relicts, endemic and endangered species have been reported from sacred groves. Depending on such assumption, this paper highlights the conservation and cultural values of the Santal community surrounding the sacred groves of Binpur II block under Jhargram District in West Bengal. The study shows that, in addition to the conservation of 191 species of angiosperms, these groves have certain direct and indirect socio-economic impacts. Therefore, there is an urgent need n...

Journal of Tropical Life Science

The open coastlines of the world are dominated by sand dunes and salt marshes. They are the prima... more The open coastlines of the world are dominated by sand dunes and salt marshes. They are the primary areas for human recreation and provide a wide range of frequently overlooked ecosystem services. Their intrinsic ecological significance lies in having unique biological assemblies and supporting a range of ecological processes, such as water filtration and nutrient cycling. In addition, in the coastal zone, these areas link marine and terrestrial systems. The objective of this paper is to check the psammophytic species diversity, conservation status and threat; and also prepare a biological spectrum m in the Costal East Midnapore (CEM) district's sand dune and salt marsh areas. A part of floristic inventories in the CEM, various field trips in different season were carried out, quadrate method is done to examine the ecological impact and richness. Specimens were collected, prepared voucher specimen and enlisted according APG IV classification system to prepare biological spectrum. CEM vegetation was diverse and composed of 162 species of 132 genera distributed among 52 families of 28 orders according to APG IV classification, of which 37 species were exotics. Fabales (19.14%) and Fabaceae (19.14%) were the dominant order and family. Biological spectrum shows the study area was classified as "thero-chamaephytic" type of phytoclimate. Mesophyll (24.07%) and lanceolate as well as oblong (19.14%) were found to be high in the leaf size spectrum and lamina. The area of study was highly ecotonal potential and fairly undisturbed. This study is useful in comparing and contrasting the adjacent natural vegetation along the gradients of the environment; and recommends effective long-term conservation and better management of the coastal area.

Journal of Tropical Life Science

Traditional cultural and religious beliefs and practices play a crucial role in the conservation ... more Traditional cultural and religious beliefs and practices play a crucial role in the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the form of the sacred groves. The present study was carried out to explore the plant resources, their biological spectrum, leaf size spectra, the conservation status of a sacred grove, locally known as Narampur Barapir Astana (NBA) in West Midnapore district of West Bengal in India. Floristic list of the study revealed that the vegetation of NBA was diverse and composed of 277 species belonging to 238 genera distributed over 77 families under 36 orders according to APG IV classification. The dominant order and family in terms of species richness were Lamiales 27 (9.75%) and Fabaceae 32 (11.55%) respectively. The biological spectrum shows the study area was classified as "thero-chamae-cryptophytic" type of phytoclimate. As regards the leaf size spectra, mesophyll 56 (20.22%) was found to be high. The study area being a sacred grove is fairly undisturbed. For the long-term conservation of germplasm of the grove some recommendations are suggested.

Advances in Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discov... more In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discovered in tropical forests – covering more than 10% of the planet. Sustainable management and conservation efforts must include local communities and their traditional knowledge. The traditional use of forest resources, especially non-timber products such as medicinal plants, not only has deep roots in indigenous populations, but is also practiced in a broad segment of culture. Using medicinal herbs is often a costly alternative to modern medicine that is economically inevitable. This traditional use's basic knowledge is carried from one generation to the next. Medical use in particular reflects an extremely vibrant, ever-evolving process in which fresh knowledge is constantly acquired and connected to traditional methods. An instance from West Bengal's West Midnapore district in India is used to illustrate the impacts of an integrated strategy to preserving biodiversity and culture.

Indian journal of forestry, Jun 1, 2013

This paper attempts to highlight the conservation value of a sacred grove of West Midnapore distr... more This paper attempts to highlight the conservation value of a sacred grove of West Midnapore district in West Bengal. It also discusses some prevailing threats to the grove and recommends certain remedial measures.

Research Floras[2]. Biological spectrum of vegetation is the index of the phytoclimate, deduction... more Research Floras[2]. Biological spectrum of vegetation is the index of the phytoclimate, deduction of which is based on diverse lifeforms[3]. The life-form spectra reflects the physiognomy of the flora and vegetation, which is the result of entire life processes in combination with environmental variables. Life-form tells us about the climate of area and can be predicted for particular climate, properties of any continent, biogeographic region and altitude[4-6]. It helps in the recognition of ecological elucidation of vegetation and differs in every zone on the basis of altitude. Life-form classification is more reliable after other phytosociological attributes, which is based upon the principal position of the parenting bud on the plant, as well as its degree of protection during the unfavorable or adverse condition[7]. Similarly, the knowledge of leaf size may help to understand the physiological processes of plants and plant communities[8].

Acta Botanica Hungarica, Oct 21, 2021

Sacred groves are the fairly well-protected system of community-based conservation of tree patche... more Sacred groves are the fairly well-protected system of community-based conservation of tree patches on account of their association with village gods, and repository of many rare and threatened elements of biodiversity. There are, however, few publications on lichens of sacred groves. The lichens have long been regarded as sensitive indicators for monitoring environmental state. The present study reports one hundred and sixteen species of lichens from forty-four genera of nineteen families in four selected sacred groves of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. These lichens represent two different growth forms, i.e. crustose (105 species) and foliose (11 species). Shorea robusta, a dominant tree species in two sacred groves bears the highest lichen diversity with seventy-four species. To better understand the related biodiversity and climate, this work is likely to promote further studies on lichen diversity in other regions of West Bengal.

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discov... more In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discovered in tropical forests – covering more than 10% of the planet. Sustainable management and conservation efforts must include local communities and their traditional knowledge. The traditional use of forest resources, especially non-timber products such as medicinal plants, not only has deep roots in indigenous populations, but is also practiced in a broad segment of culture. Using medicinal herbs is often a costly alternative to modern medicine that is economically inevitable. This traditional use's basic knowledge is carried from one generation to the next. Medical use in particular reflects an extremely vibrant, ever-evolving process in which fresh knowledge is constantly acquired and connected to traditional methods. An instance from West Bengal's West Midnapore district in India is used to illustrate the impacts of an integrated strategy to preserving biodiversity and culture.

Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment, 2020

Sacred groves are distinctive examples of biotic components as genetic resources being preserved ... more Sacred groves are distinctive examples of biotic components as genetic resources being preserved in situ and serve as secure heavens for many endangered and endemic taxa. From this point of view, the biological spectrum, leaf spectrum and conservation status of the current sacred grove vegetation, SBT (Swarga Bauri Than) in Jhargram district of West Bengal, India, have been studied. The area's floristic study revealed that SBT’s angiosperms were varied and consisted of 307 species belonging to 249 genera, distributed under 79 families of 36 orders as per APG IV. Fabales (12.05%) and Fabaceae (11.73%) are the dominant order and family in terms of species wealth. Biological spectrum indicates that the region enjoys “thero-chamae-cryptophytic” type of phytoclimate. With respect to the spectrum of the leaf size, mesophyll (14.05%) was found to be high followed by notophyll (7.84%), microphyll (7.19%), macrophyll (7.84%), nanophyll (6.86%), leptophyll (6.21%), and megaphyll (2.29%). ...

Journal of forest and environmental science, Sep 1, 2021

Asian Journal of Forestry, Jul 27, 2021

Sacred groves are tracts of virgin or humanmodified forest with rich diversity, which have been p... more Sacred groves are tracts of virgin or humanmodified forest with rich diversity, which have been protected by the local people for the centuries for their cultural, religious beliefs and taboos that the deities reside in them and protect the villagers from different calamities. The present study was conducted Copraburi (CSG) and Kawa-Sarnd (KSG) sacred grove in Nayagram block of the Jhargram district under west Bengal, in appreciation of its role in biodiversity conservation. The study aimed at the documentation and inventory of sacred groves, its phytodiversity, social, ecological and economical role with mild threats. A total of 120 species belonging to 113 genera distributed 43 families from 24 orders were recorded from the sacred groves according to the APG IV (2016) classification, which covering 47, 26, 23, 24 species of herbs, shrubs, tree, climbers respectively. Moreover, both groves support locally useful medicinal plants for various ailments. This is the first ethnobotanica...

India is a land rich in biodiversity. Besides ecological and economic uses, bioresources are impo... more India is a land rich in biodiversity. Besides ecological and economic uses, bioresources are important for their religious, spiritual and other traditional values. Many animals and plants are worshipped or held sacred by people for their association with some sprits or deities. However, in addition to propitiation and preservation of isolated trees like Aswatha, Bat, Bel etc., there exists a practice of nature worship in the form of cluster of trees or forests patches known as sacred groves (Bhakat, 2003, 2009, 2010; Kisku et al., 2009; Bhakat et al., 2010; Bhakat and Sen, 2012). Sacred groves are generally considered as abodes of gods, goddesses, sprits or supernatural objects. They are worshipped, managed and protected by specific communities. Sacred groves are also viewed by scholars as symbol of ethnic identity (Gold and Gujar, 1989). Some scholars interpret that preservation of sacred groves is an ancient strategy for the sustainable use of natural resource (Roy Burman, 1995; C...

Sacred groves are traditionally protected relic forest patches surviving on socio-religious groun... more Sacred groves are traditionally protected relic forest patches surviving on socio-religious grounds. It harbors valuable regional biodiversity with vital ecosystem and are under anthropogenic threats. Sacred groves are fairly well-studied for socio-cultural and ecological aspects, and evaluation of higher flora and fauna and their conservation. However, there are no or scarce studies on cryptogams available on sacred groves. The lichens have long been recognized as biologically sensitive indicators of environmental conditions. The present study reveals the occurrence of 129 species of lichens, represented by 52 genera and 25 families in ten selected sacred groves. Shorea robusta exhibited the maximum diversity of lichens by 74 species. Since this is the first study of lichens in the district there is ample scope for further studies in South Bengal region. This study will help to understand the diversity of lichens better and give the correct status of the biodiversity of West Bengal...

Tribes and Tribals, 2008

... collinus(T) trointestinal irritant and rheumatism. 18. Dioscorea Kham alu Tuber Used in dysen... more ... collinus(T) trointestinal irritant and rheumatism. 18. Dioscorea Kham alu Tuber Used in dysentery, piles, ulcers, L, N bulbifera(C) birth control. 19. ... Page 4. 58 Pal, DC and SK Jain. 1998. Tribal Medicine, Calcutta: Naya Prakash. Pandit, PK and RK Bhakat. ...

Nusantara Bioscience, 2021

Time and Mind, 2021

Sacred groves are generally considered as socio-culturally preserved patches of plants primarily ... more Sacred groves are generally considered as socio-culturally preserved patches of plants primarily managed by tribal groups. Such groves are usually believed to be as the abodes of gods, goddesses, spirits or supernatural artefacts. Generally, they are predominantly worshipped, managed and protected by the tribal groups with religious zeal. Such groves mainly serve as the benchmarks of less disturbed vegetation. Taboos and social prohibitions shield the sacred groves from the destruction caused by human activity. Several relicts, endemic and endangered species have been reported from sacred groves. Depending on such assumption, this paper highlights the conservation and cultural values of the Santal community surrounding the sacred groves of Binpur II block under Jhargram District in West Bengal. The study shows that, in addition to the conservation of 191 species of angiosperms, these groves have certain direct and indirect socio-economic impacts. Therefore, there is an urgent need n...

Journal of Tropical Life Science

The open coastlines of the world are dominated by sand dunes and salt marshes. They are the prima... more The open coastlines of the world are dominated by sand dunes and salt marshes. They are the primary areas for human recreation and provide a wide range of frequently overlooked ecosystem services. Their intrinsic ecological significance lies in having unique biological assemblies and supporting a range of ecological processes, such as water filtration and nutrient cycling. In addition, in the coastal zone, these areas link marine and terrestrial systems. The objective of this paper is to check the psammophytic species diversity, conservation status and threat; and also prepare a biological spectrum m in the Costal East Midnapore (CEM) district's sand dune and salt marsh areas. A part of floristic inventories in the CEM, various field trips in different season were carried out, quadrate method is done to examine the ecological impact and richness. Specimens were collected, prepared voucher specimen and enlisted according APG IV classification system to prepare biological spectrum. CEM vegetation was diverse and composed of 162 species of 132 genera distributed among 52 families of 28 orders according to APG IV classification, of which 37 species were exotics. Fabales (19.14%) and Fabaceae (19.14%) were the dominant order and family. Biological spectrum shows the study area was classified as "thero-chamaephytic" type of phytoclimate. Mesophyll (24.07%) and lanceolate as well as oblong (19.14%) were found to be high in the leaf size spectrum and lamina. The area of study was highly ecotonal potential and fairly undisturbed. This study is useful in comparing and contrasting the adjacent natural vegetation along the gradients of the environment; and recommends effective long-term conservation and better management of the coastal area.

Journal of Tropical Life Science

Traditional cultural and religious beliefs and practices play a crucial role in the conservation ... more Traditional cultural and religious beliefs and practices play a crucial role in the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the form of the sacred groves. The present study was carried out to explore the plant resources, their biological spectrum, leaf size spectra, the conservation status of a sacred grove, locally known as Narampur Barapir Astana (NBA) in West Midnapore district of West Bengal in India. Floristic list of the study revealed that the vegetation of NBA was diverse and composed of 277 species belonging to 238 genera distributed over 77 families under 36 orders according to APG IV classification. The dominant order and family in terms of species richness were Lamiales 27 (9.75%) and Fabaceae 32 (11.55%) respectively. The biological spectrum shows the study area was classified as "thero-chamae-cryptophytic" type of phytoclimate. As regards the leaf size spectra, mesophyll 56 (20.22%) was found to be high. The study area being a sacred grove is fairly undisturbed. For the long-term conservation of germplasm of the grove some recommendations are suggested.

Advances in Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discov... more In recent decades, species extinction has increased sharply. Most species in the world are discovered in tropical forests – covering more than 10% of the planet. Sustainable management and conservation efforts must include local communities and their traditional knowledge. The traditional use of forest resources, especially non-timber products such as medicinal plants, not only has deep roots in indigenous populations, but is also practiced in a broad segment of culture. Using medicinal herbs is often a costly alternative to modern medicine that is economically inevitable. This traditional use's basic knowledge is carried from one generation to the next. Medical use in particular reflects an extremely vibrant, ever-evolving process in which fresh knowledge is constantly acquired and connected to traditional methods. An instance from West Bengal's West Midnapore district in India is used to illustrate the impacts of an integrated strategy to preserving biodiversity and culture.