Forests are among the most important storehouses of terrestrial biological diversity which indicates the resilience of forest ecosystems to various pressures. Climate change has affected the distribution of plant species and has resulted in changes in forest composition. Changes in species composition may therefore affect several ecosystem properties. There lies a strong association between the vegetation and its avifauna of a specific area. The indigenous species play a vital role in the ecosystem because they have evolved to be in a specific ecosystem and have a well-established role in the food web and nutrient recycling. It has been also observed that some of the indigenous forest plant and bird species are showing a gradual decline in population, both in southern and northern parts of West Bengal due to possible climate change, anthropogenic activities, and other factors like pressure caused by invasive alien species, diseases, etc. However, due to the absence of any scientific study, it is difficult to address this issue or to quantify and enlist those declining species. The project aims to advance the understanding of the population structure of various floral species in the forest ecosystem. Forests have always been exposed to various anthropogenic stresses such as grazing, illegal felling of trees for wood, firewood, and introduction of exotic species, etc. which affect the rejuvenation of the species. The effects related to climate change are gradual and difficult to discern quickly. A floristic study would help to develop strategies to stem the decline through artificial regeneration techniques, introducing these RETs in the plantation programme, protection through the Joint Forest Management programme, institutional capacity development, etc. thereby contributing to environmental conservation. This study is proposed to prepare an inventory of trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, and associated bird species in the established ‘sample monitoring plots’ of South West Bengal, North Bengal plains, and North Bengal hills for long term monitoring.
Project Objective:
1. To establish permanent sample plots in respective forest areas of North Bengal hills for monitoring the population of the indigenous vegetation.
2. To prepare inventory of trees, climbers, shrubs and herbs for each of the sample plots for long term monitoring.
3. To elucidate the vegetation structure of each sample plot by enumerating various biodiversity indices through statistical means.
Outcomes: Field surveys ongoing
Project Location: Darjeeling Wildlife Forest Division, Kalimpong Forest Division, Kurseong Forest Division.
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