What are sacred groves? What is their role in conservation?

(N/A) Sacred groves are tracts of forest which are regenerated around places of worship.
Sacred groves are found in regions like Rajasthan,the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Maharashtra,Meghalaya,and Madhya Pradesh.
Their role in conservation is significant as they help in the protection of many rare,threatened,and endemic species of plants and animals found in a specific area.
The process of deforestation is strictly prohibited in these regions by local tribal communities.
Consequently,sacred groves serve as vital reservoirs of biodiversity and are considered rich areas for conservation.