Cycas-circinalis-cas.. - Cycad Specialist Group

Fig 2. Location of C. circinalis study sites in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
3.1. Interviews on use, traditional knowledge and perceptions
To document use and knowledge of C. circinalis, we carried out focus groups
interviews in the 14 communities listed above. These involved villagers who were willing
to participate and included the participation of both women and men. A series of 14
questions (Appendix IA) were asked. These questions addressed traditional knowledge
related to C. circinalis harvesting practices (e.g. How do you select individuals to
harvest? When is the best time to harvest? What are the best ways to harvest and why?
Do other animals also use C. circinalis?) as well as perceptions on trends in C. circinalis
trade and abundance (e.g. Have C. circinalis populations fluctuated over time and why?
How much do prices fluctuate? Who else harvests this resource?). The series of questions
was also designed to identify indicators that currently are, and could continue to be, used
by local communities for local monitoring of C. circinalis conservation.
We also spoke informally with many members in communities across the NBR
about their use and knowledge of C. circinalis.