Biodiversity Assessment for Asian Highway 48 (Near Jaldapara National Park) From Bhutan to Bangladesh Passing Through India

Abstract

In the present study, the authors have elaborated a case study for the biodiversity assessment for Asian Highway 48 (Chainage 84.775 km to 87.690 km) passing through Jaldapara National Park located in Alipurdwar District of West Bengal state of India. The objectives of the study were to assess the biological diversity within the specified area (1.65 km2) to establish the baseline status of floral and faunal species. Here, we have covered flora and fauna for the assessment as well as quantitative study covering frequency, density, dominance, IVI, Shannon Wiener Index, variance, etc. The area is ecologically sensitive as endangered species were observed; animals like elephants used to cross the road very frequently. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to prepare the conservation plan for elephants and other REET species in the Jaldapara National Park to conserve the endangered species in situ.