View of the farm lake in the dry and hilly Hyderabad Collective.

The Deccan Plateau region of the Indian subcontinent entails a mosaic of natural ecosystems. From the million-year-old rock formations and rainforests to seasonal wonders like wildflower growth, the geographical region is a treasure trove of distinct flora and fauna, intriguing enough to attract any nature lover worldwide. Some of the gems from this treasure chest are the tropical grasslands that have grown and evolved over several years and we are lucky to have their presence in our 132-acre Hyderabad Farming Collective. 

What are Tropical Grasslands?

Tropical grasslands, also known as savannas, are biomes characterized by a mix of grasses and scattered trees or shrubs. They are typically found in tropical regions, primarily in Africa, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia.

Here are some key features of tropical grasslands:

Vegetation: The dominant vegetation in tropical grasslands consists of various grass species, which are adapted to thrive in areas with seasonal rainfall and prolonged dry periods. These grasses are typically tall and coarse, able to withstand drought and periodic fires. In addition to grasses, you can find scattered trees, such as acacias or baobabs, and shrubs.

Climate: Tropical grasslands experience a distinct wet and dry season. They receive moderate to high rainfall during the wet season, allowing the grasses to grow and flourish. However, during the dry season, there is a marked decrease in rainfall, leading to a prolonged drought period.

Biodiversity: Tropical grasslands support a diverse range of wildlife due to the availability of grass for grazing and the presence of scattered trees that provide shelter and nesting sites. Common animals found in tropical grasslands include large herbivores like zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Additionally, various bird species, insects, and reptiles inhabit this biome.

Fire Adaptation: Fire is a natural and essential element of tropical grasslands. The dry season, combined with lightning strikes or human activities, can lead to fires. Many grass species in these regions have evolved to tolerate and even benefit from periodic fires. These fires help control the growth of woody plants and promote the growth of grasses.

Human Influence: Tropical grasslands have been significantly impacted by human activities such as agriculture, grazing, and urbanization. Large areas of savanna have been converted into farmland for crops or grazing land for livestock. This conversion can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and potential threats to native wildlife.

In Asia, tropical grasslands are found in parts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. However, those of the Indian subcontinent are especially unique, resulting in a savanna-like ecosystem that is a product of the terrain, climate and biodiversity. They are called the Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests.

Resilient, Dry & Wild: Deccan Thron Scrub Forests of India

The tropical scrubland forests in India’s Deccan Plateau region are commonly known as “dry deciduous forests” or “Deccan thorn scrub forests.” These forests are characterized by a mix of short, thorny trees, shrubs, and bushes that have adapted to survive in semi-arid and arid conditions. They are found in the drier parts of the Deccan Plateau, which includes parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

The Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests are not typically characterized by expansive grasslands. Contrary to the image of grasslands, they are predominantly composed of short, thorny trees, shrubs, and bushes, as mentioned earlier. The vegetation in these forests consists of drought-resistant species adapted to survive in semi-arid and arid conditions.

While grasses may be present within the Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests, they usually occur in smaller patches rather than forming extensive grassland areas. These grasses are typically of the short, tufted variety, suited to the dry and arid environment. They play a role in providing forage for herbivores and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. However, the dominant vegetation in this type of forest is the thorny trees and shrubs that have adapted to the prevailing semi-arid conditions.

Characteristics of the Tropical Grasslands of the Deccan Plateau

Vegetation: The dominant vegetation consists of drought-resistant trees and shrubs that shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water. Thorny species like Acacia, Ziziphus, Prosopis, and Terminalia are commonly found. These trees and shrubs have adaptations such as deep root systems and small, waxy leaves to reduce water loss.

Climate: The Deccan Plateau region experiences a semi-arid to arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The monsoon rains from June to September provide the majority of the annual rainfall, while the rest of the year is characterized by low precipitation. Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Biodiversity: The dry deciduous forests of the Deccan Plateau support a diverse range of plant and animal species. Some common tree species include teak, neem, banyan, and tamarind. Wildlife found in these forests includes deer, antelope, wild boars, monkeys, reptiles, and a variety of bird species. Predators such as leopards and wolves may also inhabit these areas.

Human Influence: The dry deciduous forests of the Deccan Plateau have been significantly impacted by human activities such as agriculture, grazing, and deforestation. Large areas of forest have been cleared for agriculture, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation. Grazing pressure from livestock can also degrade the vegetation and impact the ecosystem’s balance.

Conservation: Efforts are being made to conserve and restore the dry deciduous forests of the Deccan Plateau. Protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been established to safeguard these ecosystems and their biodiversity. These areas play an essential role in preserving native flora and fauna and promoting ecological balance.

The dry deciduous forests of the Deccan Plateau are ecologically significant and represent a unique ecosystem adapted to the region’s semi-arid climate. However, they face ongoing challenges due to human activities and the need for sustainable management practices to ensure their long-term conservation.

How Can We Preserve the Deccan Scrubland Forests?

Preserving the Deccan scrubland forests, also known as the Deccan Thorn Scrub Forests, requires a combination of conservation measures and sustainable practices. Here are some ways to help preserve these unique ecosystems:

Establish Protected Areas: Creating and effectively managing protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves, is crucial for the preservation of the Deccan scrubland forests. These areas provide legal protection to the flora, fauna, and habitats, ensuring their long-term conservation.

Implement Sustainable Land Use Practices: Encouraging sustainable land use practices in the surrounding areas is vital for the preservation of the Deccan scrubland forests. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture, adopting responsible grazing practices, and avoiding deforestation and habitat destruction. Practices such as rotational grazing and controlled burning can help maintain the ecological balance and prevent degradation.

Community Engagement and Participation: Involving local communities in conservation efforts is essential. Engaging with local communities, raising awareness about the value of the scrubland forests, and involving them in decision-making processes can foster a sense of ownership and stewardship. This can be achieved through community-based conservation initiatives, promoting sustainable livelihood options, and supporting traditional knowledge and practices that are compatible with conservation.

Combatting Invasive Species: Invasive plant species can threaten the native vegetation of the Deccan scrubland forests. Implementing measures to identify, control, and manage invasive species is crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of these ecosystems. This can involve early detection and removal of invasive species, promoting the use of native plant species in restoration efforts, and monitoring and managing the spread of invasives.

Research and Monitoring: Conducting research and monitoring programs are important for understanding the dynamics of the Deccan scrubland forests and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This includes studying the flora and fauna, monitoring ecosystem health, and identifying potential threats. Scientific research can provide valuable insights for informed conservation planning and management.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, researchers, local communities, and other stakeholders is crucial for the effective preservation of the Deccan scrubland forests. Building partnerships and fostering cooperation can help mobilize resources, share knowledge and expertise, and implement comprehensive conservation strategies.

Preserving the Deccan scrubland forests requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates conservation, sustainable land use, community engagement, research, and collaborative efforts. By implementing these measures, we can work towards ensuring the long-term survival and ecological integrity of these unique and valuable ecosystems. 

At the Hyderabad Farming Collective, we have dappled into many of the above ways of conservation and restoration of these scrubland forests. Starting from land surveys and analyses, expert-led resource management, and sensitive zoning of the landscape to a collaborative approach towards sustainable farming practices, we are on a mission to transform the dry and rocky landscape into a flourishing one, one that comes alive in its full capacity.