International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Priyanka Das, Imtiaz Imam, Kaushik Mallick, Arna Mazumder, Joyjit Ghosh, Bulganin Mitra

Abstract
This study is an attempt to document the present status of the biodiversity of the sacred groves of Purulia district of state West Bengal in India along with their economic importance and ecosystem services to the local people. Present communication reports 73 species of insects, 35 species of birds and 47 species of plants from 36 sacred groves (ranging in between 87 Sq m 40,200 Sq m) under 8 blocks of the southern and south-western parts of Purulia. Moreover, other vertebrates like lizards and snakes, small mammals like five striped squirrel, mongoose, mus, rats etc. are also observed in these sacred groves. These field surveys mainly comprise observations, collections, documentation of the plants and animals diversity and informal discussion with the local communities.