Ecological Changes in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: A Threat to Grassland Ecosystems
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Protected Areas - National Parks, Biosphere Reserves; Species in news - Bengal florican, Feral horses; Invasive Alien Species; Habitat Degradation), Geography (River Systems - Brahmaputra), Science & Technology (Applications of Remote Sensing & GIS).
Mains: GS Paper 3 (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Biodiversity).
Key Highlights from the News
Key Finding: A new study reveals that the grassland ecosystem in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) in Assam is facing a serious threat.
Reasons for Threat:
Repeated flooding of the Brahmaputra River.
Human interventions (Anthropogenic pressures) from villages within the park.
Invasive alien species.
Surprisingly, even some native trees are destroying grasslands (native "grassland invaders"). For example, Bombax ceiba (cotton tree), Lagerstroemia speciosa (Pride of India).
Impact: This change in ecosystem poses a serious threat to the survival of species that depend solely on grasslands, such as the Bengal florican and hog deer.
Rare Species: Dibru-Saikhowa is the only place in India where feral horses are found.
Study Method: The study analyzed 25 years of land-use changes using remote sensing and GIS technologies.
COMMENTS