Sumit Chakravarty , Gopal Shukla

Abstract

Bamboo is a cultural feature of South-east Asia. No country in this region is without indigenous bamboo flora. This natural resource plays a major role in the livelihood of rural people and in rural industry. Worldwide there are more than 1,250 species under 75 genera. There are 138 species in India spread across 24 genera. In West Bengal 75 species were reported which include 49 species growing only in the Botanical Gardens. All these species are described here. Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures are being adopted to preserve the genetic resources of bamboos. Bamboo conservation on key areas, botanic gardens and bamboo setum of West Bengal is also discussed.

Keywords

Bamboo, Diversity, Utilization, West Bengal

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Sumit Chakravarty , C. P. Suresh , Anju Puri , Gopal Shukla

Abstract

North East India is the geographical 'gateway' for much of India's flora and fauna and as a consequence, the region is one of the richest in the world in biological values. Within India, the north eastern part is the richest in floristic diversity and thus has immense valuable genetic resources which are now threatened to extinction unless urgent and proper actions are taken to conserve these valuable forest genetic resources at local, national and international level. The paper describes in detail the recorded forest genetic resources of the region in general and the constituents states of the region separately in particular.

Keywords

North East India, Phytodiversity, Forest Genetic Resources, Conservation

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Ashok Kumar , R. K. Avasthe , Gopal Shukla , Y. Pradhan

Abstract

Dzongu area of North Sikkim is one of the most biologically diverse habitats reserved for the Lepcha tribe in Sikkim. Surveys were conducted among the community during January to December 2009-10 to document the edible plants wealth of the area. Edible resources were categorized into four types on the basis of their uses. The paper highlights the edible resources commonly used by these tribes for life saving purposes in a very remote part of the country. Among vegetables, spices, fruits and underutilized plants, 38 plants belonging to 11 families under 24 genera are used as vegetables, nine plants from five families and seven genera are used as spices, 10 plants from seven families and nine genera are used as fruits and 19 plants from 17 families and 18 genera are underutilized for different purposes.

Keywords

Edible, Lepchas, Plant Diversity, Sikkim Himalaya

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Suman Malla , Gopal Shukla , Sumit Chakravarty

Abstract

Plant gathering activities by the tribal communities of Tripura consist collection and conservation of 61 wild plant species for fruits, flowers, ischolar_mains, tubers, stems, leaves, barks etc. This is primarily the responsibility of women but if necessary males render their help. The paper documents the various forest produces which are used as food, medicine, dye, aroma, etc. that form the part and parcel of unique pattern and choice of life style and the ways of conservation of these plants by the different tribal communities of Tripura.

Keywords

Tripura, Tribal Community, Utilization, In-situ Conservation, Biodiversity, Wild Plants

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Gopal Shukla , Sumit Chakravarty

Abstract

Chilapatta Reserved Forest is under Cooch Behar Wildlife Division in West Bengal. Rava, Ekka and Oraon are the indigenous communities living in and around the forest. A survey was conducted during January, 2007 to December, 2009 to document the edible plants found in the forests. A total of 79 plants belonging to 41 families and 68 genera were found in use for day to day life of these communities for food, cure for ailments, fodder, fuel wood, fiber, hut construction, fencing and agricultural equipment. Of these total species recorded 46 were trees, 18 herbs, 10 shrubs, three climbers and two ferns. 18 plant species were used in herbal medicines to cure cold and stomach related problems and nine species in hut construction.

Keywords

Chilapatta Reserve Forest, Plant Use, Indigenous Community

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Suman Malla , Gopal Shukla , Sumit Chakravarty

Abstract

An experiment consisting of four dates of collection (9^th February, 19^th February, 1^st March and 11^th March) and three pod lengths (less than 10, 10-20 and more than 20 cm) were analyzed to study the effect on germination and initial growth of seedlings of Albizia lebbeck (Benth.) at Pundibari, West Bengal, India during February to July 2007. It was found that th pods collected on 19^th February having length 10-20 cm gave significantly higher germination and initial seedling growth.

Keywords

Date of Collection, Pod Length, Germination, Initial Seedling Growth, Albizia lebbeck

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Gopal Shukla ¹, Sumit Chakravarty ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari-736165 (Cooch Behar) West Bengal

Abstract

Herbaceous flora is the dynamic layer in a forest stratum that protects the soil and water regimes and improves productivity and soil fertility. Thus a study was conducted at Chilapatta Reserve Forest, West Bengal India to document the status of herb diversity, biomass and carbon accumulation. Stratified random nested quadrate sampling was adopted for analyzing the qualitative and quantitative characters. Forty nine herb species were recorded, of which seven are yet to be identified. Identified species were of 21 families and 36 genera. The herb diversity index, concentration of dominance, Shannon and Wiener index and evenness index was estimated as 0.62, 0.028, 4.46 and 2.27, respectively. Highest and lowest frequency was recorded 49.12 and 1.75 while relative frequency varied from 0.09 -1 to 1.87. Herb density ranged from 2 to 11193 individuals ha and relative density ranged from 0.05 to 1.76%. Most of the species were widely distributed and its abundance ranged from 0.80 to 12.76 while relative abundance ranged from 0.16 to 1.73%. IVI values ranged from 0.47 to 5.27. The above ground portion of herbs accumulated the major portion of biomass and carbon.

Keywords

Chilapatta Forest, Herb, Diversity, Biomass, Carbon Accumulation

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Gopal Shukla ¹, Divy Ninad Koul ¹, Sumit Chakravarthy ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari-736165, Coach Behar, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

Indigenous people have high dependency on natural resources and hence they have high interaction with the natural resources.Efforts done by local communities to conserve their natural resource not only aids their livelihood but also supports ecosystem as a whole. The degree of sustainability in resource use is dependent on the indigenous people's knowledge, culture, values, norms and capacity to act and organize them. The present paper highlights the problems and challenges faced by the indigeous peoples. It also makes suggestions on how to expand the deepen partnerships with governments and others for conservation of natural resources and at the same time upliftment of indigenous people. As most indigenous peoples live in marginal areas assisting indigenous people in overcoming their poverty and to contribute to sustainable development is essential. The Crucial role of indigenous people for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development has recently received a lot of attention. Although much progress has been made, much remains to be done in thos area.

Keywords

Indigenous People, Natural Resource Management, Participatory Approach

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Sumit Chakravarty ¹, Prakash Rai ¹, Anju Puri ², Gopal Shukla ¹, Nazir A. Pala ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forestry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya Pundibari West Bengal, IN
2 Barring Union Christian College, Batala Punjab, IN

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba L., the maidenhair tree and a living fossil that survived the first atomic explosion in Japan reminds us with hope of survival. It is the single surviving species of the Order Ginkgoales that has restricted wild distribution in China. The Ginkgo biloba has multitude medicinal, spiritual and horticultural importance worldwide. It is amongst few plant species that have been traditionally or scientifically used and evaluated for their possible medicinal applications. Its usage has been documented in traditional Chinese medicine since 5000 years. Now, it is one of the most widely prescribed herbals or pharmaceuticals in the western world. In spite of its rarity, long reproductive cycle and low rate of natural regeneration, the tree has been exploited indiscriminately due to its high medicinal value, forcing it to face a high risk of extinction. Unfortunately, despite of having huge medicinal properties and ornamental value, the species still has not received much conservation attention. Considering the international importance and conservation value of Ginkgo biloba multi-strategic efforts are required involving all stakeholders. In addition to its in situ and ex situ measures, environmental legislation and government planning is also essential to ensure adequate conservation of this living fossil plant.

Keywords

Ginkgo biloba, Conservation, Biodiversity, Maidenhair Tree.

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