Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

Annual Avifaunal Population Dynamics in Two Wetlands of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Annual Avifaunal Population Dynamics in Two Wetlands of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Mushroom diversity conservation through tribal women in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

Mushroom diversity conservation through tribal women in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

Comparative Assessment and Monitoring Changes in NDVI of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) and its Buffer Zone, India

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR), endowed with rich biological diversity and lush green vegetation in and around, makes it more unique. It is also an integral part of the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) and has been identified as one of the important tiger reserves of the Central Indian landscape due to its connectivity with other protected areas and tiger reserves in neighboring landscapes. Vegetation mapping and monitoring are important to understand changes in ecosystem processes and associated temporal and spatial impacts. Pre- and post-monsoon IRS, LISS III, and AWiFS satellite data from 2000, 2004, 2008, 2010, and 2013 were used for the present study. This paper is an attempt to examine the variation in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of ATR and its buffer zone on a seasonal and temporal basis. Climate conditions such as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, etc. play an important role in the growth and development of healthy vegetation. The NDVI value of ATR has shown fluctuation and recorded positive growth over the past 14 years with few exceptions. The post-monsoon season recorded a higher NDVI value as compared to the pre-monsoon months. The maximum NDVI value was recorded in 2004 (+0.539) for the entire ATR and its buffer zone.

Dynamics of the Maniyari River and its meandering nature in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Area, Chhattisgarh, India: A Geospatial analysis

The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) is an integral part of the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) with a total area of 914.017 sq. km. The Maniyari River, which flows through the reserve, is known as its life line. It originates from the core zone (Sihawal sagar) of ATR and merges in the Seonath River of the Mahanadi Basin. It flows about 105 km through Mungeli and Bilaspur districts. This river supplies its catchment area with water seasonally (6-8 months) and flows more than half of its length (about 60 km) within the protected area. Its catchment area has a rich biodiversity of tree species such as Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa, Diospyros melanoxylon, Adina cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Madhuca indica, Anogeissus latifolia, Dendrocalamus strictus etc. A geospatial analysis was performed to understand the course of the Maniyari River within the ATR area over a fourteen year period between 2000 and 2013. Imagery from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite 1D and P6 for years 2000, 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2013 and Survey of India toposheets were analyzed to examine the changes in planform characteristics of the Maniyari River. The meander shift of the river was delineated considering the R1 (11.61 km), R2 (11.19 km), R3 (5.33 km) and R4 (5.02 km) reach’s respectively. Sinuosity Index (SI) for different reaches was calculated and evaluated. The SI ranged from 1.40 to 1.63, 1.20 to 1.29, 1.17 to 1.37, and 1.20 to 1.49 in R1, R2, R3 and R4 respectively and the magnitude of the shift was analyzed with the year 2000 as the base year. The overall SI for all the reach’s ranges between 1.30 and 1.36. The present study will be helpful in understanding the river dynamics as well as to maintaining the flow of the Maniyari River and preventing bank line erosion. The study will be helpful for the conservation of river flow and its tributaries in the ATR area in Central India.

The Worldview of Gond Community for Biodiversity Conservation in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of Central India

The Worldview of Gond Community for Biodiversity Conservation in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of Central India

Achanakmar -Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve: Development and traditional knowledge of Baiga

An anthropological survey was carried out in the core area of the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) for the study. Three villages Sarasdol, Tilaidabara, and Chhirhatta having maximum Baiga population were selected and interviewed to compare changes in the traditional knowledge with the present time. The survey was indicated that indigenous knowledge and tradition has altered by the influence of outer culture and new technologies, which introduced in their area through various governmental schemes. Governmental schemes deteriorated the traditional knowledge of the Baiga tribe. The results of the study were shown a significant change in the age-old traditional practice of the Baiga tribe of the core zone due to the interference of the outsider and the conversational gaps between the two successive generations. The new generation was not ready to adopt their traditional knowledge as they have found the ease of life through modern culture, leads to the loss of the knowledge of traditional healing technique and identification power of various valuable plants were not passing to their next generations.

Comprehensive inventory of geoheritage elements of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve area of Central Indian Landscape

Geomorphology its geology and soil are the three important geoheritage elements of any protected area.Natural environment of a protected area comprises of both biodiversity and geodiversity. Presence ofbiodiversity of any protected area depends on its geodiversity. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) is situatedat the Mikal hills is an important part of Central Indian landscape and is characterized by its uniquebiodiversity. It is an integral part of Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve and provides shelter tonumerous endangered floral and faunal biodiversity. The area is characterized by diverse landscape wherethe elevation varies from 305-1080 m above mean sea level. Major geological formations of the reserve areaare metamorphic rocks followed by Gneiss-Granitoid Complex and Deccan trap. The dominant soil type isclayey coarse followed by fine loamy. The luxuriant growth of Shorearobusta in the area is due to welldrained sandy loam soil. The study area represents as excellent natural laboratory to test the geodiversityinfluence on the landscape aspect and evolution. Maniyari river which flows upto 62 km through ATR isseasonal river and fulfill the major water requirement. Remote Sensing& GIS techniques have been used toanalyse the land use land cover pattern and its tree species diversity presence in the ATR area. Rich diversityof tree species have been observed with Sal (Shorearobusta) as the dominating tree species.

Quantitative ethnobotanical study of therapeutic plants of Amarkantak hills in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India

Amarkantak is a natural heritage site with luxuriant flora on the hilly terrain of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India. The Gonds, Baigas, and other ethnic communities in the area have a wealth of traditional knowledge and practice phytotherapy as health practitioners. The study was undertaken to document the plants of ethnopharmacological significance and their quantitative analyses. The traditional knowledge was collected from informants using open interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Including 42 health practitioners, a total of 286 respondents were interviewed. The data were analyzed through quantitative indices like Use value (UV), Family use-value (FUV), Relative Importance (RI), Fidelity level (FL), and Informant consensus factor (ICF). The findings on sociocultural demography and therapeutic utilization of plants were discussed in the context of previously published information. The report explained that 173 species belonging to 148 genera and 65 plant families were used against 17 disease categories. The highly mentioned families are Fabaceae (11.5%), Asteraceae (6.9%), Apocynaceae (5.7%), and Lamiaceae (5.7%). The most cited species are Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora sinensis, Holarrhena pubescens, Cyanoglossum lanceolatum, and Azadirachta indica, within 0.66–0.68 UV. Herbs (45.6%), leaves (17%), and hot infusion (22%) were the most preferred plant forms, employed parts, and recipes for the preparation of drugs. The gastrointestinal illness was the leading cause of concern in the area with 95 reports and a maximum ICF (0.71). The Hypoxidaceae family with a single highly used medicinal plant had the highest FUV (0.54). Curcuma longa (RI: 61.42) was found to be the most suitable species for treating a wide range of body systems. A. paniculata was the most chosen therapeutic plant with the highest FL (90.9). The findings look into a few key plant species with high use values that deserve special attention in drug development. The report recommends that ethnomedicinal plants be studied further for scientific validation after in vitro and in vivo investigations in disease-induced animal models, as well as safety assessments and clinical trials, to ensure safe therapy.

Comparison of Physico-chemical Properties of Soils under Different Forest Types in Dry Tropical Forest Ecosystem in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, India

The present study was conducted to assess the variations in physico-chemical properties of soils under four forest types viz. Mixed Forest, Mixed Sal Forest, Mixed Teak Forest, and Teak Mixed Forests in a typical dry tropical ecosystem of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR), Central India. Soil samples were collected from four types of forest and analyzed for the soil samples were taken at three soil depths, i.e. at 0-20 cm, 20-40cm and 40-60 cm and analysed for pH, EC, Organic C, soil moisture, bulk density, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). The pH of soil was lower (5.43) under Mixed Forest and higher (6.13) in Teak Mixed Forest, while EC in soil was lower (0.04 dS m-1) in Mixed Sal Forest and higher (0.32 dS m-1) under Teak Mixed Forest. Organic C varied from 11.5 Mg ha-1 to 17.8 Mg ha-1 at 0-20 cm soil depth which was highest in soil under Mixed Sal Forest and lowest in Teak Mixed Forest. The Organic C and EC values were decreased with an increase in soil depth, while the bulk density showed reverse trend. Soil nutrients in different depths varied between 160.2 -196.9 kg ha-1, 10.4-17.7 kg ha-1 and 266.4-439.1 kg ha-1 for N, P and K, respectively. The nutrient quantities in soil were higher in Mixed Sal Forest and lower under Teak Mixed Forest, which decreased with soil depth. The paper discusses the possible variations in soil properties in relation to structure and composition of forest type and suggests appropriate management practices for the sustainable development of forest soils in dry tropical ecosystem.

Herpetofauna of the Amarkantak Plateau in central India

I conducted herpetofaunal surveys in poorly explored sections of Central India: The Amarkantak Plateau; The Son, Johila, and Narmada river lowlands; parts of the Maikal Mountain Range; and pockets of the core zone area of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. I recorded a total of 61 species (17 amphibian and 44 reptilian). Noteworthy findings included the rediscovery of the Critically Endangered Sacred Grove Bush Frog (Philautus sanctisilvaticus) at its type locality after 54 years, new state records for Dobson’s Burrowing Frog (Sphaerotheca dobsonii) and Beddome’s Grass Skink (Eutropis beddomii), and significant new distributional records for a number of species. This study highlights the importance of landscape-level, long-term fieldwork to untangle the hidden diversity of the Amarkantak Plateau.

Cyathodium denticulatum Udar et Srivastava: A rare liverwort new to Chhattisgarh, Central India

This article reports the occurrence of the thalloid liverwort Cyathodium denticulatum Udar et Srivastava was collected first time from the Achanakmar – Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. It is shown that Cyathodium denticulatum a narrow Himalayan endemic has been reported earlier from Darjeeling, India. There is no record of its occurrence from central India. Cyathodium denticulatum is a rare species known only from eastern Himalayan region. A key to related Indian taxa and taxonomic description is provided.

Richness of Thalloid Liverworts in Bilaspur, Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve and Lafa hills, Chhattisgarh (India)

A survey of bryophyte diversity in Bilaspur District (Chhattisgarh) and nearby areas has brought to light an unexpectedly rich bryoflora. Liverworts have a great diversity which includes both leafy and thalloid forms. Presence of 24 species of thalloid liverworts was recorded collectively from protected area Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere reserve (AABR) as well as other regions of Bilaspur district and Lafa Hills, Korba. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of elevation on the diversity of bryophytes in regional scale. For the study each location was mapped zone wise on 21 micro plots ranging between altitudes 230 m to 1011 m. Using presence or absence of species, bryophyte species richness was compared at each altitude. These zones exhibit high species richness at mid–high elevation (around 525-1000 m) with an average 4-6 species of distribution rate. It is observed 83% of liverwort population as terrestrial, 10% as epiphytic, 7% grows in aquatic habitats and below 5% recorded as ubiquitous at various altitude ranges. Species composition shows variability along the elevation and microhabitat distribution which shows homogeneity of liverwort population. This study reveals the current status of liverworts in Bilaspur region.

Conservation and Management of Biological diversity among Tribe of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of India

Conservation and Management of Biological diversity among Tribe of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of India

Plant specific emission pattern of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from common plant species of Central India.

In this study, we examined 49 representative plant species of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) forest of Central India for emission of a number of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). The BVOCs emissions from seven plant species are reported here for the first time. The emission rates of different plant species were ranged from negligible to 80.6 ± 0.82 (μgg-1h-1). Forty-seven plant species were found to emit isoprene and monoterpenes (23 high emitters, 12 moderate emitters, and 12 low emitters). Dalbergia sissoo showed the maximum total average volatile organic compound (TAVOC) emission rates (80.6μgg-1h-1). The percentage composition of monoterpenes was also varied across different plant species. Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) was found as the most dominant monoterpene with about 41.40% of the total monoterpene emission. The highest emission range of α-pinene (7.8μgg-1h-1) was observed in Murraya koenigii. Carene was emitted only from two species (i.e., Mangifera indica and Terminalia tomentosa). When the emission rates of present study were compared to previous studies, there were considerable differences even for the same species. The study also reports the emission of BVOCs from Shorea robusta for the first time which is the most dominant plant species of the AABR (covering 60% of the total forest area).

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY ON MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN ACHANAKMAR AMARKANTAK BIOSPHERE RESERVE, CENTRAL INDIA

An ethno-botanical survey was conducted in Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) of central India to document the indigenous knowledge and utilization pattern of medicinal plants for primary health care by local communities mainly comprised of Baigas, Gonds, Oraons and Pradhans. The communities still rely on herbal medicines for primary health care due to inadequate modern health care facilities. The rich wealth of traditional knowledge and repository of herbal resources are rapidly eroding due to over exploitation in unscientific manner over the last few decades. This has spurred an interest  to undertake the present investigation on ethno botanical studies in biosphere reserve.  Data collection was done by participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and focus group discussion methods. The different age groups, gender and communities were considered in collecting the data and gathering information on traditional knowledge. The study revealed that a sum total of 70 plants representing 37 families were identified as potential medicinal values by local communities. Out of which 31species were trees represented by18 families, 24 species of shrubs by19 families, 15 species of herbs by 11 families and 16 species of climbers belonging 10 families. The highest number individuals were recorded in Fabaceae family.Seventeen (17) plants are used in home remedies by local communities.There are traditional healers popularly known as Baiga Vaids had rich knowledge of herbal medicines and utilizing almost 48 species belonging to 28 families for preparing crude drugs treating the various ailments like diarrhoea, wounds, fever, cough, cold, jaundice, snake and scorpion bite, infections, malaria, filarial, digestive, gynaecological problems etc. Besides, the local communities were using herbal drugs as home remedies for primary health problems. The study also documented a list of ten rare, endangered and threatened (RET) medicinal flora, which require special attention for their protection and conservation. The study further suggests exploiting potential medicinal flora by detailed pharmacological investigations to design and synthesize novel drugs. Article DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/mijst.2017.32.577587 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Enumeration of the new Hornworts from Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), India.

A preliminary survey of Bilaspur-Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) forest area shows that phylogenetically significant hornworts are quite dominant in the area. The smallest known group of bryophytes Anthoceros (Hornworts) is a terrestrial and cosmopolitan genus characterized by horn-shaped sporophyte. Present investigation deals with the morphotaxonomic account of three species of hornworts. Notothylas levieri Schiffn. Ex Steph., Anthoceros punctatus L., Sp. and Phaeoceros leavies (L.) Prosk., has been identified from different localities of Bilaspur- Achnakmar Tigar Reserve (ATR) and Achanakmar–Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR), Chhattisgarh. The comprehensive and consolidate account, has been provided along with identification key. All three were new reports to the Chhattisgarh Bryoflora.

Ethnomedicine for Asthma used by the Tribals of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, India

This study represents the information about the treatment of asthma disease by the tribal of Achanakmar- Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, India. A total of 9 plant species belonging to 9 genera and 8 families were recorded. The documented medicinal plants were labeled alphabetically with their local name, family name, plant part used and mode of administration.The documented of these medicinal plants against asthma reveals that these tribal people are still dependent on forest vegetation for their life care. Thus, this type of ethnomedicinal studies appears to be useful for the research on medicinal plants for the betterment of humankind.

Habenaria diphylla (Nimmo) Dalzell: A new addition to the Orchid flora of Bilaspur district (C.G), Central India

<em>Habenaria</em> <em>diphylla</em> (Nimmo) Dalzell , reported as a new record  to the orchid flora of  Bilaspur district of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (Central India) . Brief description, illustrations and ecology are provided.

Species structure and diversity in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere reserve, Central India

The present study was aimed at quantifying the species structure and diversity in Achanakmar- Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Four sites characterized by varying vegetation attributes and representative of the region were selected. One-hectare, permanent plot was established on each of the site and enumeration was car-ried out by stratified random sampling techinique. The forest sites are characterized by poor species composition. A sum of 2440 trees representing 23 species and 17 families were encountered. Tree, sapling and seedling density (stems ha-1) ranged between 260 - 810, 7500 - 35000 and 25000 - 67500, respectively while the basal cover (m2 ha- 1) ranged between 9.96 - 41.6, 0.86 - 5.07 and 0.28 - 0.96, respectively. Species diversity was highest on the dense site and low on medium site. Beta diversity was highest on degraded site. The presence of a large number of seed-lings indicates the great potential source for future sustainable regeneration, provided by appropriate management regime to protect the forest from degradation and conserve the biodiversity.

Soil Organic Carbon Pool under Different Land Uses in Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of Chhattisgarh, India

Global climate change caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) is recognized as a serious environmental issue of the 21st century. The role of land-use systems in stabilizing CO 2 levels and increasing carbon (C) sink potential of the soils has attracted considerable scientific attention in the recent past. Type of land-use system is an important factor controlling soil organic matter (SOM), since it affects the amount and quality of litter input, litter decomposition rates and processes of organic matter stabilization in the soils. SOM which contains more reactive soil organic carbon (SOC) than any other single terrestrial pool, plays a major role in determining C storage in ecosystems and moderating atmospheric concentrations of CO 2 .