Abstract
Fragmented forests often have conservation value, serving as a refuge or corridors for small mammalian species. In the study, the diversity of mammals was studied within Mizoram University (MZU) campus. Forty-eight plant species from 25 families were recorded on different sites. Thirty quadrates were nested at the locations of occurrence of mammalian species for vegetation type analysis. Schima wallichi was the most dominant plant species with the highest IVI values of (31.7%), followed by Aporosa octandra (22.93%) and Castanopsis tribuloide (21.17%). Camera trap method was used to collect information about the mammalian diversity in the campus. The mammalian species recorded in this study makes 15% of mammalian fauna of the state of Mizoram. Twelve mammal species and six bird species were recorded by the camera traps. With proper awareness among residents of the campus and a planned approach for developmental activities, the findings of our study can make an important extension for the coexistence of mammalian species and long term survivability within MZU campus.
Highlights
The northeastern region of India shares two biodiversity hotspots and has rich mammalian and avian diversity (Choudhury 2006)
The analysis showed that Schima wallichi is the most dominant plant species having the highest important value index (IVI) values (31.7%), followed by Aporosa octandra (22.93%), Castanopsis tribuloide (21.17%), and Syzgium praecox (17.86%)
Plant species such as Hibiscus macrophyllus, Bischofia javanica, Cinnamomum cassia, and Acer laevigatum were some of the least available species (Table 1)
Summary
The northeastern region of India shares two biodiversity hotspots and has rich mammalian and avian diversity (Choudhury 2006). The rapid expansion of shifting cultivation and urbanization in the region has, led to a contemporary changes in landscape, forest fragmentation, and ecosystem modification (Teegalapalli et al 2009; Yadav 2013). Such anthropogenic activities have created a mosaic of remnant forest patches of varying size, demarcated by a network of roads, concerts, and settlements areas (Mazumdar et al 2011). Urban and semi-urban green forest patches serves as surrogate and refuge habitat to be utilized for dispersal and migration for birds and many small to medium size mammals (Gallo et al 2017). The role of degraded forest landscapes and patches within the campus of academic institutions as a potential habitat for small mammals and birds has been acknowledged in some studies (Vallejo et al 2008; Mazumdar et al 2011; Voon et al 2014; Nerlekar et al 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
