Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) is a multifaceted and versatile tree of the Indian subcontinent linked with Indian heritage and culture. This article authenticates the insensitive actions of human beings as the major cause for the death of the neem trees rather than infestation/infection of pests and diseases. Survey undertaken on the health status of neem trees on road sides revealed the deteriorating status of health of neem trees in the urban and rural areas of South India. In many instances it was found that the death of trees was not only accelerated due to the insensitiveness of human beings but also the pri mary cause for the death of trees and hence the need to change the mindset of people for protecting these trees to avail the innumerable ecosystem services provided by them in a sustainable way is discussed. The acts of abusing and harming the trees by humans create a continuous distress and incorrigible wounds for neem trees. In addition, the concretizations and pavements around the trees lead to suffocation and death of trees. Our analysis revealed that (p > .05) the difference between the means are non-significant and that there is no significant variation in the extent of tree wounding and it remains consistent across different states indicating a consistent human impact regardless of states. The communication also highlights the common pest and pathogens of neem trees.
Cite this article as: Sundararaj, R., Nagappa Manjula, K., Swetha, P., Gowda Kavya, N., & Padma, S. (2024). Insensitiveness of human beings is a major challenge to the sustainable management of bio-resources: A case study on the mortality of neem (Azadirachta indica L.) in South India. Forestist, 74(2), 198-210.