Endangered Myristica Swamp Forest Discovery

Summary: Researchers have discovered an endangered Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra, near the Goa-Maharashtra border. This sacred grove, protected by the local community due to reverence for Lord Shiva (Bhalandeshwar), is the second of its kind in the state. The forest, spanning 8,200 square meters, contains 70 Myristica magnifica trees and provides crucial ecological benefits such as groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation. Conservationists stress the importance of preserving this rare ecosystem, which supports diverse wildlife, including the vulnerable Asian short-clawed otter.