Kasampatty’s 4.97-acre village grove is a biodiversity hotspot with 48 species of trees, 22 kinds of shrubs, 21 lianas, and 29 herbs.

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu govt has officially declared Kasampatty village in Dindigul district the state’s second biodiversity heritage site (BHS) in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance. Arittappatty village in neighbouring Madurai district was named the first BHS site in 2022.
Kasampatty’s 4.97-acre village grove is a biodiversity hotspot with 48 species of trees, 22 kinds of shrubs, 21 lianas, and 29 herbs. The dense greenery supports snakes, other reptiles, small mammals, butterflies, insects, and at least 12 species of birds. The grove is surrounded by mango plantations and plays a vital role as an ecological bridge, sustaining local fauna and flora while maintaining environmental balance.
The area contains two rare plant species — Ixora parviflora (locally known as cora or sulundhu maram) and Canthium dicocum (navagu) that are not only ecologically valuable but are also closely tied to religious practices. For generations, their wood has been used to make torches used in processions at the Alagarkovil temple. However, the population of these two species is on the decline and conservation is essential.
Another species found in this ecosystem, Ixora pavetta — commonly known as the torch tree and belonging to the Rubiaceae family — is seen elsewhere in only a few pockets of Ramanathapuram and Madurai districts, adding to the site’s ecological importance.
The classification of Kasampatty followed extensive field studies conducted by the forest department, which documented the rich biodiversity and traditional conservation practices of the local communities. The notification not only recognises the area’s natural wealth but also aims at protecting it through stronger conservation measures rooted in traditional knowledge systems.