The grasslands of the Western Ghats in India are adapted to periodic fires. These fires are often caused by lightning strikes during the monsoon season. The grasslands have developed adaptations such as underground rhizomes and fire-resistant seeds that allow them to regenerate after fires. Fire helps maintain the grasslands by preventing the encroachment of woody vegetation and supporting species like the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate.
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is home to a mosaic of dry deciduous forests and grasslands that are adapted to fire. Indigenous practices and traditional ecological knowledge have played a role in managing these ecosystems with controlled burning. Such fires promote nutrient recycling, prevent the buildup of excessive fuel, and encourage the growth of grasses important for herbivores like spotted deer and elephants.
Pine forests in the Himalayan region have evolved with fire-adapted species like chir pine. These forests experience natural fires that help release pine seeds from their cones. Controlled fires have been used in some areas to reduce the buildup of leaf litter and undergrowth, reducing the risk of intense wildfires. This practice benefits both local communities and the health of the forest.
Sacred groves in the Cherrapunji region of Meghalaya, Northeast India, have evolved with cultural practices that include controlled burning. Local communities use controlled fires to manage the vegetation within these groves. This practice helps maintain open spaces, encourages nutrient cycling, and supports a variety of plant species, including many medicinal plants.
The Banni Grasslands in Kutch, Gujarat, are managed through rotational grazing and controlled burning. Controlled fires help maintain the grasslands' structure and biodiversity by preventing the invasion of woody species and promoting the growth of nutritious grasses for livestock. This management practice supports local pastoral communities and wildlife.
Mangrove forests in the Sundarbans delta region are adapted to tidal influences and occasional fire events. Fires can clear out dead vegetation and promote the regeneration of mangrove species. However, human-caused fires can be destructive, leading to habitat loss and affecting the habitat of the Bengal tiger and other wildlife.
