MP Forest Documents 1,353 ‘Incredible Trees’ in Landmark Green Initiative

The initiative, conceptualized by the local divisional forest officer (DFO) Anupam Sharma, brought to light 26 major species across six forest ranges and 178 villages of Panna district.

“The initiative was undertaken to identify, document, and promote the conservation of trees possessing exceptional ecological, historical, landscape or community significance”, Mr. Sharma told this newspaper on Sunday.

The comprehensive survey records centuries old trees, biodiversity hotspots, and culturally significant natural heritage across 178 villages falling under South Panna Forest Division.

The documentation initiative titled ‘Incredible Trees of South Panna’ is one of the most comprehensive inventories of notable trees undertaken by a forest division in India, he said.

The survey found that species such as mango, mahua, peepal, and banyan constitute a significant proportion of the documented trees.

Many of these trees continue to serve as village gathering spaces, traditional landmarks, religious sites, and symbols of local identity, according to Mr. Sharma.

The documentation recorded approximately 649 trees with religious or cultural significance, while 88 trees were identified as important roosting sites for bats and 238 trees as key habitats supporting honeybee colonies, highlighting their role in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services, the interesting findings in the survey have revealed.

Among the most notable findings was a massive banyan tree located at Jurasingha village in Kalda range, recorded as the largest documented tree in south Panna with a girth of approximately 1,500 centimeters.

Several other trees are believed by the local communities to have witnessed generations of rural history and cultural traditions.

The exercise was carried out through extensive field surveys conducted by the frontline forest staff, supported by local knowledge, village consultations, geotagging, and photographic documentation, he said.

“The key objective of the initiative is to strengthen public awareness about the importance of conserving large and old trees and encourage future scientific, community-based, and policy interventions for their preservation”, the forest officer said.