212 National Seminar on Conservation of Eastern Ghats, March 24-26, 2002, held at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh Ecological observations on Baphlimali Hill and its Environs, Orissa Rajasekaran A., Arun P.R., Azeez P.A. and Bhupathy S. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore - 641 108 INTRODUCTION B aphlimali hill, part of Eastern Ghats mountain range is situated in Kashipur block of the Rayagada district, Orissa (between latitudes 19 o 18’N to 19 o 22’N, and longitudes 82 o 56’E to 82 o 59’E). The Baphlimali hill has a plateau atop that spread to 9.68 km 2 , with elevation varying from 990 m to 1093 m. The area experi- ences tropical climate with high temperature during April and May months. Diurnal variation in temperature during winter is as high as 16 o C. Southwest monsoon sets in the area by mid-June and intensifies in July. The average annual rainfall is about 1520mm. San River and Barha Nadi are the two major water bodies available in the area. The vegetation on the plateau is dominated by grasses, interspersed with ground date palm and stunted trees. Slopes of the plateau abound with dry deciduous forests especially on its northwestern side. The Baphlimali plateau remains relatively undisturbed owing to its laterite soil unfit for cultivation, compared to its surrounding areas that are highly degraded due to the prevailing agricultural practices. There are no historically important sites at Baphlimali or in the vicinity, except for certain caves on the Baphlimali hill, which are of cultural importance to the local people. Caves on the northwestern boundary of Baphlimali are of cultural importance and are visited by pilgrims during the celebrations held for three days in January every year. OBSERVATIONS Ecological observations on flora and fauna were made in 40 random plots during the field surveys undertaken in June 2000 and April 2001. The area was covered intensively on foot to record the plants and animals. At each sampling plot, direct encounters and indirect evidences, such as tracks, signs and scats of animals were recorded (Bang et al. 1972). Various tribal settlements around the plateau were visited and enquired about the wildlife remains (shell, skin, bone and antlers) available with them. During the study 195 species of plants (Appendix 1), 105 species of vertebrates and 14 species of butterflies were observed (Appendix 2). Of the 105 species of vertebrates, 11 are protected according to the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and are listed in Schedule I and II of the same (Anonymous 1991). Abstract The Baphlimali hill, a part of Eastern Ghats is situated in the Kashipur block of the Rayagada district, Orissa. Ecological observations on flora and fauna were made during the field surveys conducted in June 2000 and April 2001. The area was covered inten- sively on foot to record the plants and animals of the area. The area currently, from an ecological point of view, is in a highly denuded condition due to the deforestation, unsus- tainable forestry and agricultural operations in the past. During the study, 195 species of plants, 105 species of vertebrates and 14 species of butterflies were observed. Of the 105 species of vertebrates, 11 are protected according to the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and are listed in Schedule I and II of the same. Although Eastern Ghats have a number of specific reptiles, amphibians and plants, during the two surveys conducted by us no such species could be encountered. This indicates the extensive human pressure existing on this ecosystem. This paper also attempts to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local community. A change in existing farming practices coupled with properly planned afforestation and soil conservation programmes can help in improving the ecological condition of the area.