Konni Forest Division: A Rich Biodiversity Hub in Kerala
Overview of Konni Forest Division
The Konni Reserve Forest(The Konni Forest Division), located in Kerala, India, spans approximately 331.66 km² (128.05 square miles) and was established as Kerala’s first reserve forest on October 9, 1888, under the Travancore Forest Act of 1887. It is a significant part of the Western Ghats and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 1, 2012, due to its rich biodiversity.
Geographic Location
The Konni Reserve Forest is spans across the Karunagappally, Kunnathur, and Pathanapuram taluks in Kollam district, and the Adoor and Kozhencherry taluks in Pathanamthitta district. It comprises several important forest ranges including Konni, Naduvathummoozhy, and Mannarappara, all of which fall under the southern circle of the Kerala Forest Department.
Forest Area and Land Classification
The division covers a total area of 331.66 km², with 320.55 km² designated as reserved forest, 11.02 km² as reserved land, and 0.0816 km² as government land. This diverse land allocation allows for the preservation of its unique ecosystem and the promotion of sustainable forest management practices.
Teak Plantations and Conservation
One of the key features of the Konni Forest Division is its teak plantations. The forest hosts the largest teak plantation area in Kerala, with approximately 8,294 hectares (20,490 acres) dedicated to teak cultivation. This contributes not only to the local economy but also to Kerala’s timber industry while helping maintain the ecological balance within the forest.
