Source: HT
Context: The Madhya Pradesh government has decided that the forest department cannot grant permission for the translocation of Baobab trees in Dhar, after the protest from Bhil tribes.
- Under the Biodiversity Act, meaning that any commercial use of the trees will require permission from the state biodiversity board.
| Category | Baobab Trees |
| Baobab trees are deciduous trees found in mainland Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. They have barrel-like trunks (5 to 20m in height), can live up to 2,000 years, and are known for their extraordinary longevity.
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| Tree of Life | Baobabs are succulent trees that store water in their trunk, allowing them to produce nutrient-dense fruit in dry seasons; it has pendulous flowers pollinated by bats and bush babies |
| Uses | Provide food, livestock fodder, medicinal compounds, and raw materials. |
| Threat | Since 2005, 9 of the 13 oldest African baobab specimens and 5 of the 6 largest trees have died or suffered a collapse, possibly due to climate change. |
| Bhil Tribe Opposition | The Bhil tribe of Central India opposes the forest department’s decision to uproot baobab trees for commercial use. |
| IUCN Status | Endangered |
| GI Tag | Madhya Pradesh government has applied for a GI tag for Baobabs. |
