Forest Ecology and Cattle-Graziers: Where Do They Stand? (A Study of the Gir Forest and Maldharis in Saurashtra Region of Western India)

Abstract

"Gir forest, the only natural sanctuary remaining for the Asiatic lion, is the beloved nest for maldhari grazers and their cattle. For centuries, there has been a co-existence between lions and maldharis in the ecology of Gir forest for their livelihood. Maldharis are so dependent on forest resources that elements of Gir ecology have been found symbolically blended with their oral folk-traditions. In the name of forest conservation and protection of lions, or privatization of forest land for other uses, maldharis agricultural development and heavy illegal cutting of trees for commercial use by outsiders threatens Gir forest ecology. This study attempts to answer the following basic questions: (1) What are the life situations of maldharis? (2) What is the present situation of the Gir forest CPR, for grazers and lions? (3) How for is the administrative/policy rationale scientific? The major outcome of the study is that CPR as well as those who depend on it have been facing severe crises for their survival."