Abstract

The study is an attempt to analyse and understand the course and nature of man forest interactions in Attappady and to determine their implications on ecology and management of the area. Two main rivers Bhavani and Siruvani, with their tributaries determine the drainage pattern. Geologically, at least five formations have been described and minerological importance is limited. There is a wide range of variation in rainfall and temperature and at least three rainfall regimes can be recognised. Nine forest types recognised by champion and Seth (1968) are encountered in the study area. Forest management, as such, was unknown in the area till 1933, thereafter the reserved forests have continuously been managed under the prescription of working plans. The earliest inhabitants of the area were the tribals viz., Kurumbas, Mudugas and Irulas. The migration from the plains of Coimbatore commenced in 1920 but large scale influx of settlers started only in the late forties when Mannarghat-Coimbatore road wascompleted. Regarding the settlers, their pace and reasons for migration, method of acquisition of land, the extent of land cleared for cultivation, cultivation practices etc. have been fully investigated. Consequent to the large scale influx, the demand of the people on the forests increased and qualitative as well as quantitative estimates for timber, fuelwood, minor forest produce including medicinal plants, have been made. The results point to the conclusion that the forest area is unable to meet even the basic requirements of the people for housing and fuelwood. Studies were conducted in undisturbed, partially disturbed and totally disturbed areas and the extent of degradation brought about in physiognomy, floristic composition and on soil by anthropic factors have been analysed