Recovering Biodiversity in Indian Forests

Recovering Biodiversity in Indian Forests
Author: G. Vishwanatha Reddy
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 119
Release: 2016-05-24
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9811009112

This book demonstrates how varying levels of human disturbance manifested through different management regimes influence composition, richness, diversity and abundance of key mammal, bird and plant species, even within ecologically similar habitats. Based on our results, we show the critical importance of the ‘wildlife preservation’ approach for effective biodiversity conservation. The study also provides examples of a practical application of rigorous methods of quantitative sampling of different plant and animal taxa as well as human influences, thus serving as a useful manual for protected area managers. Protected areas of various kinds have been established in India with the goal of arresting decline in, and to provide for, recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem services. A model that targets ‘wildlife preservation’ under state ownership is practiced across the country. However, forests in India are under intensive human pressure and varying levels of protection; therefore, protected areas may also experience open-access resource use, a model that is being aggressively advocated as a viable alternative to ‘preservationism’. We have evaluated the conservation efficacy of alternative forest management models by quantifying levels of biodiversity under varied levels of access, resource extraction and degree of state-sponsored protection in the Nagarahole forest landscape of southwestern India.

Handbook of Ecological and Ecosystem Engineering

Handbook of Ecological and Ecosystem Engineering
Author: Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 548
Release: 2021-05-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1119678609

Learn from this integrated approach to the management and restoration of ecosystems edited by an international leader in the field The Handbook of Ecological and Ecosystem Engineering delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest research and practical developments in the rapidly evolving fields of ecological and ecosystem engineering. Beginning with an introduction to the theory and practice of ecological engineering and ecosystem services, the book addresses a wide variety of issues central to the restoration and remediation of ecological environments. The book contains fulsome analyses of the restoration, rehabilitation, conservation, sustainability, reconstruction, remediation, and reclamation of ecosystems using ecological engineering techniques. Case studies are used to highlight practical applications of the theory discussed within. The material in the Handbook of Ecological and Ecosystem Engineering is particularly relevant at a time when the human population is dramatically rising, and the exploitation of natural resources is putting increasing pressure on planetary ecosystems. The book demonstrates how modern scientific ecology can contribute to the greening of the environment through the inclusion of concrete examples of successful applied management. The book also includes: A thorough discussion of ecological engineering and ecosystem services theory and practice An exploration of ecological and ecosystem engineering economic and environmental revitalization An examination of the role of soil meso and macrofauna indicators for restoration assessment success in a rehabilitated mine site A treatment of the mitigation of urban environmental issues by applying ecological and ecosystem engineering A discussion of soil fertility restoration theory and practice Perfect for academic researchers, industry scientists, and environmental engineers working in the fields of ecological engineering, environmental science, and biotechnology, the Handbook of Ecological and Ecosystem Engineering also belongs on the bookshelves of environmental regulators and consultants, policy makers, and employees of non-governmental organizations working on sustainable development.

Biodiversity in Locally Managed Lands

Biodiversity in Locally Managed Lands
Author: Jeffrey Sayer
Publisher: MDPI
Total Pages: 167
Release: 2018-07-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3038424544

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue 2Biodiversity in Locally Managed Lands" that was published in Land

Spatial Dynamics and Ecology of Large Ungulate Populations in Tropical Forests of India

Spatial Dynamics and Ecology of Large Ungulate Populations in Tropical Forests of India
Author: N. Samba Kumar
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 195
Release: 2020-11-02
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9811569347

Large ungulates in tropical forests are among the most threatened taxa of mammals. Excessive hunting, degradation of and encroachments on their natural habitats by humans have contributed to drastic reductions in wild ungulate populations in recent decades. As such, reliable assessments of ungulate-habitat relationships and the spatial dynamics of their populations are urgently needed to provide a scientific basis for conservation efforts. However, such rigorous assessments are methodologically complex and logistically difficult, and consequently many commonly used ungulate population survey methods do not address key problems. As a result of such deficiencies, key parameters related to population distribution, abundance, habitat ecology and management of tropical forest ungulates remain poorly understood. This book addresses this critical knowledge gap by examining how population abundance patterns in five threatened species of large ungulates vary across space in the tropical forests of the Nagarahole-Bandipur reserves in southwestern India. It also explains the development and application of an innovative methodology – spatially explicit line transect sampling – based on an advanced hierarchical modelling under the Bayesian inferential framework, which overcomes common methodological deficiencies in current ungulate surveys. The methods and results presented provide valuable reference material for researchers and professionals involved in studying and managing wild ungulate populations around the globe.

Integrating Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use

Integrating Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
Author: Graham Bennett
Publisher: IUCN
Total Pages: 66
Release: 2004
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 283170765X

IUCN's 5th World Parks Congress (2003) concluded that parks should not exist as unique islands, but need to be planned and managed as an integral part of the broader landscape. Ecological networks provide an operational model for conserving biodiversity that is based on ecological principles and allow a degree of human use of the landscape. This publication illustrates the development of several ecological networks around the world, demonstrating their benefits both for conservation and sustainable development.

Handbook of Research on the Conservation and Restoration of Tropical Dry Forests

Handbook of Research on the Conservation and Restoration of Tropical Dry Forests
Author: Bhadouria, Rahul
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2019-09-27
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1799800164

Tropical dry forests are the most exploited and endangered ecosystems in the world. A combination of climatic and human factors often reduce these forests to patches of dry scrubs or savannas. Because these ecosystems experience a more arduous and less anticipated environment, they are more prone to environmental stress as plant communities are developed. Therefore, urgent research is necessary to understand both the detrimental issues and problem-solving approaches to conserving these important forests. The Handbook of Research on the Conservation and Restoration of Tropical Dry Forests is a pivotal reference source that combines theory and practice on the current trends and issues in this important ecological subject and discusses future challenges towards conservation strategies of these tropical dry forests. While highlighting topics such as forest management, natural regeneration, and silviculture, this publication examines the anthropogenic impacts on tropical dry forests and the necessity to rebuild their ecosystems. This book is ideally designed for state forest agency professionals, resource managers, non-governmental organization agents, ecologists, botanists, environmentalists, students, and researchers seeking current research on the threats to these forests.

Sustainable Ecological Restoration and Conservation in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region

Sustainable Ecological Restoration and Conservation in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region
Author: Zhanhuan Shang
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 409
Release: 2024-06-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1800622554

The years 2021 to 2030 have been designated as "The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration". Ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation efforts face unprecedented challenges, especially in developing countries and areas, such as the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. This huge HKH region, which includes areas in eight separate countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan), is a biodiversity hotspot with a vast array of ecosystems, landscapes, peoples and cultures. It is known as one of 'the pulses of the world'. However, the HKH is also the world's largest and poorest mountain region, where landscapes and environments have been severely damaged as a result of climate change and human activities. Coordinating conservation and restoration policies, sharing knowledge and funds, and maintaining livelihoods are major challenges and are in urgent need of improvement. This book details the past and current ecological problems in the HKH region, and the threats and challenges that ecosystems and local people face. It pays special attention to developments of transformative adaptations and presents examples of sustainable conservation and ecological restoration management practices. This book is essential reading for ecologists and conservation biologists involved in large-scale ecological restoration projects, along with practitioners, graduate students, policy makers and international development workers.

The Indian Forest Act,1927 and Forests in India

The Indian Forest Act,1927 and Forests in India
Author: Ashutosh Samant Singhar
Publisher: Notion Press
Total Pages: 169
Release: 2022-01-06
Genre: Nature
ISBN:

India’s forest area has come down below one fifth of total geographical area, due to indiscriminate alienation of forest land for non-forestry purposes and deforestation leading to rapid loss in biodiversity and forest natural resources. An outdated Indian Forest Act, 1927, the most important legal instrument for forest management and administration, with a colonial mindset, influenced by Locke and monetization of forest resources for financial profiteering by the British colonial administration, has been found to be inadequate for conservation of valuable forest environment and resources and alienated local stakeholders in natural resource management. Higher judiciary has started intervening by issuing several judgements and orders, keeping in tune recent developments in the field of international environment law, to save forest land and forest resources, in absence of a strong legal frame work. Global initiatives for conservation of natural resources and mitigation of damaging effects of Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals etc. have catalysed swift action on part of the government and other stake holders towards achieving conservation goals. A paradigm shift in the system for forest conservation and management, supported by a new law, based on sound scientific forestry, such as landscape level management etc. is the need of the hour.

Invasive Alien Plants An Ecological Appraisal for the Indian Subcontinent

Invasive Alien Plants An Ecological Appraisal for the Indian Subcontinent
Author: J.R. Bhatt, J.S. Singh, S.P. Singh, R.S. Tripathi and R.K. Kohli
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 314
Release: 2011
Genre: Electronic books
ISBN: 9781845939083

Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystems throughout the world. In India, a country with three of the world's most important 'biodiversity hotspots', the invasion of alien plants means risking a national ecological disaster with major social and economic consequences. Currently there is insufficient information about invasive alien plants; their distribution, rate of spread and adaptability to new environments. This book reveals existing and potential invaders, evaluates the level of risk they pose to native species and suggests steps to manage spread and limit d.