ID: 66760
Title: Entomotourism: A Buzzing Frontier in Nature-Based Ecotourism
Author: T. D. Nidheesh, Sravanthi Guntupalli
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 586-600 (2026)
Subject: Entomotourism: A Buzzing Frontier in Nature-Based Ecotourism
Keywords: Entomotourism, Ecotourism, Insect conservation, Butterfly tourism, Firefly tourism, Pollinator ecology, Biodiversity interpretation, Sustainable tourism.
Abstract: Entomotourism, a specialized branch of nature-based ecotourism, focuses on the observation, interpretation, appreciation, and conservation of insects and their ecological interactions in natural and managed landscapes. Unlike conventional wildlife tourism that largely emphasizes charismatic vertebrates, entomotourism highlights the ecological, cultural, educational, and aesthetic significance of insects. Insects contribute critically to pollination, biological control, nutrient cycling, decomposition, and ecosystem functioning, yet remain underrepresented in tourism interpretation and biodiversity outreach. Globally, insect-centered tourism has expanded through butterfly conservatories, firefly tourism, dragonfly festivals, api-tourism, insect museums, pollinator gardens, and citizen-science initiatives. India, with its vast ecological diversity and rich insect fauna, possesses immense but largely underutilized potential for entomotourism.
This review synthesizes global and Indian perspectives on entomotourism while emphasizing practical field interpretation, habitat associations, host plants, seasonal phenology, conservation concerns, and sustainable tourism frameworks relevant to forestry professionals, ecotourism planners, biodiversity managers, and researchers. The article discusses butterfly tourism, firefly tourism, dragonfly-based wetland interpretation, apitourism, insect museums, charismatic insects, pollinator landscapes, and community-based insect festivals. Particular emphasis is placed on field-based experiences, ecological ethics, conservation-sensitive tourism planning, habitat restoration, and responsible visitor behaviour. The review further proposes practical guidelines for implementing entomotourism in forest landscapes, biodiversity parks, wetlands, and protected areas. Scientifically guided entomotourism can strengthen biodiversity conservation, environmental education, citizen-science participation, and livelihood opportunities while fostering public appreciation toward invertebrate diversity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Celik P. and Topsakal Y. (2017). Butterfly watching in Turkey within the scope of alternative tourism. In: Bilici N., Pehlivanli R. and Demirkiling S. (Eds.). Innovation and Global Issues 1: Extended Abstracts Book. Antalya, Turkey.
Chandra K. and Gupta D. (2022). Biodiversity issues and challenges: non-agricultural insects. In Biodiversity in India: status, issues and challenges. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. pp. 285-324. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9777-7_13
Literature cited 2: Chovanec A. and Raab R. (1997). Dragonflies (Insecta, Odonata) and the ecological status of newly created wetlands--examples for long-term bioindication programmes. Limnologica, 27(3): 381-392.
Fiffy H.S., Nazirah M., Rahman H. and Mahadimenakbar M.D. (2023). Entotourism: A potential tourist attraction. In: Salmah Yaakop, Badmanathan Munisamy, Izfa Riza Hazmi and Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid (Eds.). Insects: Biodiversity of Malaysian Tropical Forest. Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
ID: 66759
Title: Observations on the Distribution of Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Chandrabani, Dehradun
Author: Sayli Suresh Sawant, Sambandam Sathyakumar, Qamar Qureshi
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 578-585 (2026)
Subject: Observations on the Distribution of Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Chandrabani, Dehradun
Keywords: Macaca mulatta, Habitat utilisation, Troop composition, Seasonal habitat use, Encounter rate, Line-transect.
Abstract: Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is one of the most adaptable primate species in South Asia and is widely distributed across natural and human-modified areas. Understanding patterns of occurrence and habitat association in rapidly changing environments is important for wildlife management and mitigation of human–macaque interactions. The present study documents the distribution and habitat association of rhesus macaques in the Chandrabani area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Line transect surveys were conducted between February 2017 and October 2019 within a 16 km² heterogeneous area surrounding the Wildlife Institute of India campus comprising forest patches, agricultural fields, roadsides and human settlements. Surveys were carried out across four sampling periods and macaque encounters were recorded along designated transects. Rhesus macaques were detected throughout the study area and occurred in both forest and non-forest habitats during all survey periods. Habitat-wise analysis revealed considerable use of non-forest habitats, with non-forest detections accounting for 72.7%, 34.1%, 76.6% and 57.1% of observed individuals during February 2017, November 2017, May 2019 and October 2019 surveys, respectively. Forest habitats accounted for a greater proportion of detections only during the November 2017 survey. The results indicate substantial use of agricultural land, settlement edges and other human-modified habitats by rhesus macaques within the Chandrabani area.
The widespread occurrence of rhesus macaques across both natural and anthropogenic habitats demonstrates the ecological flexibility of the species and highlights the importance of human-modified areas in supporting local populations. These findings provide baseline information on macaque distribution in the Himalayan foothill region and contribute to understanding patterns of habitat use relevant to human–macaque interactions and future management interventions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Altmann J. (1974). Observational study of behavior: Sampling methods. Behaviour, 49(3): 227-267. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/156853974X00534
Buckland S., Anderson D., Burnham K., Laake J., Borchers D. and Thomas L. (2001). Introduction to Distance Sampling: Estimating Abundance of Biological Populations. 10.1093/oso/9780198506492.001.0001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198506492.001.0001
Literature cited 2: Bindhani U.T., Muliya S.K., Kawlni L., Kolipakam V., Hussain K. and Qureshi Q. (2025) Simians Amidst Sapiens: Ranging Patterns and Movement Strategy of Synanthropic Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Northern India. Int J Primatol., 46: 1321–1346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-025-00488-0
Choudhury A. (2004). The rhesus macaque in India: Areview of the status and distribution. Primate Conservation, 19: 3-12.
ID: 66758
Title: Grass diversity of Keonjhar Forest Division, Odisha and its Ecological significance
Author: Sanjeet Kumar, Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere, Arun Kumar Mishra
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 570-577 (2026)
Subject: Grass diversity of Keonjhar Forest Division, Odisha and its Ecological significance
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, Ecological importance, Fodder grasses, Grass diversity, Keonjhar Forest Division, Soil stabilization.
Abstract: Grass species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem stability, biodiversity conservation and supporting wildlife in forest ecosystems. The present study documents the diversity of grass species recorded from the Keonjhar Forest Division of Odisha and evaluates their ecological significance. A comprehensive assessment of grass flora revealed numerous species belonging to different genera, each contributing uniquely to ecosystem functioning through soil stabilization, habitat formation, fodder provision and ecological restoration. Several species, such as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Heteropogon contortus and Saccharum spontaneum, play an important role in erosion control and soil conservation, while others provide essential fodder resources for herbivores and wildlife, including Asian elephants, barking deer and various bird species. Certain grasses also support aquatic ecosystems and act as pioneer species in disturbed habitats. However, invasive species like Cenchrus pedicellatus may threaten native vegetation and require management. The findings highlight the ecological importance of grass diversity in maintaining forest ecosystem functions and emphasize the need for conservation and sustainable management of grasslands in Keonjhar Forest Division.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Behera S.C., Mishra S., Mishra A.K. and Kumar S. (2025). Grasses of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha and Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
Christmann T. and Menor I.O. (2021). A synthesis and future research directions for tropical mountain ecosystem restoration. Scientific Reports, 11(1): 23948. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03205-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03205-y
Literature cited 2: Erdős L., Török P., Veldman J.W., Bátori Z., Bede-Fazekas Á., Magnes M., Kröel-Dulay G. and Tölgyesi C. (2022). How climate, topography, soils, herbivores, and fire control forest-grassland coexistence in the Eurasian forest-steppe. Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 97(6): 2195–2208. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12889 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12889
O'Mara F.P. (2012). The role of grasslands in food security and climate change. Annals of Botany, 110(6): 1263–1270. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcs209 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcs209
ID: 66757
Title: A Review of the Diversity of Fabaceae in Kachchh District, Gujarat
Author: Ruchika Thacker, Rashmi Yadav, Santosh Yadav
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 560-569 (2026)
Subject: A Review of the Diversity of Fabaceae in Kachchh District, Gujarat
Keywords: Fabaceae, Kachchh, Flora.
Abstract: Fabaceae is recognized as one of the largest and ecologically significant plant families among the angiospermic families in India. This family serves as a keystone group, particularly in semiarid regions. According to the latest APG classification, Fabaceae comprises three subfamilies: Papilionaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, and Mimosaceae. The Kachchh district in Gujarat is characterized by extreme conditions such as aridity, saline landscapes, and unique grasslands that contribute to its rich floristic diversity, with Fabaceae being the dominant family. This review synthesizes the available floristic, ecological, and ethnobotanical information on Fabaceae, with a particular focus on the Kachchh district. Numerous studies have been conducted across various parts of the Kutch district, revealing a total of 133 recorded Fabaceae species from diverse habitats, including scrublands, forests, grasslands, and urban areas. The family demonstrates high ecological adaptability, playing vital roles in nitrogen fixation, soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and supporting livelihoods for local communities. This review identifies existing research gaps, particularly the lack of long-term ecological studies and species-level monitoring. This review serves as a foundational work to emphasize the need for conservation strategies and sustainable management practices to preserve Fabaceae diversity within Kachchh's fragile ecosystems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Benerji J. (1989). Some Mesozoic plant remains from Bhuj formpation with remarks on the deposition environment of beds., Palaeobotanist., 37(2): 159-168. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54991/jop.1988.1614
Joshi P.N. and Bhatt D.C. (2002). Study of Ethnobotanical Angiosperms of Bhuj and Mandvi Talukas of Kachchh. Shodh Ganga http://hdl.handle.net/10603/86587.
Literature cited 2: Patel Y.S. (2013). Contribution to The Floristic and Phytosociology of Banni Region Kachchh District Gujarat India., Shodh Ganga http://hdl.handle.net/10603/10588.
Patel Y.S., Patel R.M., Joshi P.N. and Dabgar Y.B. (2011). Study of angiospermic flora of Kachchh, district, Gujarat, India. Life sciences leaflets, 19: 739-768.
ID: 66756
Title: Integrated Approaches for Soil Health Restoration in Indian Agroecosystems: Role of Conservation Agriculture, Nutrient Management and Agroforestry
Author: Sharat Kothari, Veenu Mahecha, Amita Panwar, H. P. Thimmaiah, Atahar Perwez
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 517-527 (2026)
Subject: Integrated Approaches for Soil Health Restoration in Indian Agroecosystems: Role of Conservation Agriculture, Nutrient Management and Agroforestry
Keywords: Agroforestry, Conservation agriculture, Indian agroecosystems, Integrated nutrient management, Residue retention, Soil health, Soil organic carbon, Sustainable agriculture.
Abstract: In Indian agroecosystems, soil degradation has become one of the major environmental concerns. The prime reason of soil degradation is intensive agricultural practices which affect long-term productivity and sustainability. The conventional practices which include repeated tillage, residue removal, and imbalanced fertilizer use lead to decline in soil organic carbon, poor soil structure, and reduced biological activity. Therefore, this review is intended to synthesize evidences from long-term experiments and global studies to evaluate the role of conservation agriculture and integrated soil management approaches in restoring soil health. Different operations of conservation agriculture such as minimum tillage, residue retention, and crop diversification, improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance water infiltration. Conservation agriculture is also known to moderate soil temperature, conserve moisture and increase microbial activity through surface residue management. It also improves nutrient use efficiency, enhance soil aggregation and catalyse soil organic carbon build-up through integrated nutrient management. These benefits can be further intensified by adopting agroforestry systems because it improves microclimate, enhance nutrient recycling, and promote carbon storage in deeper soil layers. Integration of these practices deliver synergistic results than individual interventions. However, region-specific recommendations and supportive policies are essential for large-scale adoption.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Abdel Rahman M.A. (2023). An overview of land degradation, desertification and sustainable land management using GIS and remote sensing applications. Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 34(3): 767-808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-023-01155-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-023-01155-3
Ananda Kumar S., Bakhoum N., Chinnadurai C., Malarkodi M., Arulmozhiselvan K., Karthikeyan S. and Balachandar D. (2022). Impact of long-term nutrient management on sequestration and dynamics of soil organic carbon in a semi-arid tropical Alfisol of India. Applied Soil Ecology, 177: 104549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104549 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104549
Literature cited 2: Arif M., Pourouchottamane R., Kumar R., Kumar A., Hasanain M., Rai B., Singh M.K., Dixit A.K., Kumar R., Meena V.S., Ali G., Pradhan A., Sannagoudar M.S. and Meena S.K. (2026). Integrated nutrient management improves maize productivity, nutrient-use efficiency, soil fertility, and economic returns. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 27: 102853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102853 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102853
Bayala J., Heng L.K., van Noordwijk M. and Ouedraogo S.J. (2008). Hydraulic redistribution study in two native tree species of agroforestry parklands of West African dry savanna. Acta Oecologica, 34(3): 370-378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2008.06.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2008.06.010
ID: 66755
Title: Invasive Alien Species as a Threat to the Sacred Groves of Bankura District, West Bengal
Author: Atanu Nayak, Ram Kumar Bhakat, Prasanta Kumar Pandit
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 528-539 (2026)
Subject: Invasive Alien Species as a Threat to the Sacred Groves of Bankura District, West Bengal
Keywords: Sacred groves, Bankura district, Threats; Invasive alien Species.
Abstract: Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have emerged as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, second only to habitat destruction. Sacred Groves (SG), traditionally protected forest patches maintained by local communities, serve as vital refuges for rare and endangered species. However, their ecological isolation makes them particularly vulnerable to invasive species incursions, endangering native biodiversity.
This study examines the diversity and distribution of IAS across ten sacred groves in Bankura district, West Bengal, based on extensive field surveys conducted from 2021 to 2024. A total of 53 invasive species, spanning 23 families, were identified, with Asteraceae and Fabaceae being the most dominant dicot families. Analysis of species nativity indicates that the majority of invasive species originated from Tropical America. Moreover, a strong negative correlation (r= -0.80) exists between IAS density per unit area and grove size, highlighting a pattern where invasions primarily occur along the periphery of larger groves.
Among the recorded IAS, Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Parthenium hysterophorus exhibit the highest frequency, reinforcing their aggressive colonization ability. These insights underscore the urgency for conservation strategies tailored to mitigate IAS threats within sacred groves, ensuring long-term ecological balance and biodiversity protection.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhakat R.K. (2003). Socio-Religious and Ecological perspectives of a sacred grove from Midnapur District. Science and culture, 69: 371-74.
Bhakat R.K. and Maiti G.G. (2003). Invasion of exotic species causing displacement and destruction of plant diversity in four contiguous districts of South West Bengal. In: S. C. Santra (ed), Recent Environmental Changes: Impact on Health, Agriculture and Ecosystem, World View, Kolkata, pp. 157-161.
Literature cited 2: Bhakat R.K. and Maiti P.P. (2012). Invasiveness and allelopathy as a threat to biodiversity. In Proceedings of the International Seminar on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Angiosperm Systematics. Kalyani: University of Kalyani, pp. 748-751.
Bhakat R.K. and Nayak A. (2019). Floristic Composition, Social and Conservation Values of Two Sacred Groves from Indpur Block of Bankura District. Journal of Botanical Society of Bengal, 73(1): 57-67.
ID: 66754
Title: Assessment of Bambusa tulda Plantation Performance in a Semi-Arid Landscape using Field and Geospatial Analysis in Central India
Author: Pradeep Mishra
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6) June 26 Pg No. 517-527 (2026)
Subject: Assessment of Bambusa tulda Plantation Performance in a Semi-Arid Landscape using Field and Geospatial Analysis in Central India
Keywords: Bambusa tulda, Bamboo plantations, NDVI, Moisture gradient, Topographic slope, Vegetation dynamics.
Abstract: Bamboo plantations are increasingly used in ecological restoration and rural livelihood programmes. However, knowledge of species performance outside native ranges is limited. This study evaluates the establishment and growth of Bambusa tulda in a semi-arid region of Central India. Field data and geospatial analysis were used for assessment. In a 20-ha plantation at Pankua, Dewas Forest Division, Madhya Pradesh, 64 sampling plots were assessed for clump attributes, including culm height, diameter, spread, culm composition, and overall health. Under geospatial attributes, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis showed a marked improvement, with mean NDVI increasing from 0.17 in 2018 to 0.38 in 2021, which reflects successful establishment. Field results documented spatial heterogeneity in bamboo growth. A moderate negative correlation (r = −0.52) existed between reservoir proximity and clump health. This suggests that clumps were healthier closer to water sources. Clump health showed strong positive correlations with culm height and culm diameter, indicating that healthier clumps produced taller and thicker culms. These findings indicate that Bambusa tulda can establish itself in semi-arid conditions. However, growth and sustainability are closely tied to moisture availability.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Allen C.D., Macalady A.K., Chenchouni H., Bachelet D., McDowell N., Vennetier M., Kitzberger T., Rigling A., Breshears D.D., Hogg E.H., Gonzalez P., Fensham R., Zhang Z., Castro J., Demidova N., Lim J.H., Allard G., Running S.W., Semerci A. and Cobb N. (2010). A global overview of drought and heat-induced tree mortality reveals emerging climate change risks for forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 259(4): 660–684. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2009.09.001
Banik R.L. (2016). Silviculture of South Asian Priority Bamboos. Tropical Forestry Series, Springer, Singapore, 327 pp. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0569-5
Literature cited 2: Campbell J.B. and Wynne R.H. (2011). Introduction to Remote Sensing, 5th Edition. The Guilford Press, New York, 717 pp.
Chen Y., Li L., Lu D. and Li D. (2018). Exploring bamboo forest aboveground biomass estimation using Sentinel-2 data. Remote Sensing, 11(1): 7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11010007
ID: 66753
Title: Nano-mediated Seed Ball Technology can be a Game-changer for the Land Restoration
Author: Vishwanath Sharma, Aditi Tailor
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 155-156 (2026)
Subject: Nano-mediated Seed Ball Technology can be a Game-changer for the Land Restoration
Keywords: None
Abstract: Forests play a prominent role in the economic development of a country owing to the ecosystem services they provide, which eventually and in ensuring livelihood support, generating employment, and promoting sustainable development. Maintaining healthy forest systems has manufactured benefits in combating climate change, eradicating poverty, conserving biodiversity, protecting from floods/severe drought, and providing food and energy security.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Acharya P., Jayaprakasha G.K., Crosby K.M., Jifon J.L. and Patil B.S. (2019). Green-synthesized nanoparticles enhanced seedling growth, yield, and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.). ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 7(17): 14580–14590. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng. 9b02180
Gornish E.S., Arnold H. and Fehmi J. (2019). Review of seed pelletizing strategies for arid land restoration. Restoration Ecology, 27(6): 1206–1211. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12993
Literature cited 2: Jordan G.L. (1967). An evaluation of pelleted seeds for seeding Arizona rangeland (Technical Bulletin No. 183). University of Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station.
Madsen M.D., Davies K.W., Boyd C.S., Kerby J.D. and Svejcar T.J. (2016). Emerging seed enhancement technologies for overcoming barriers to restoration. Restoration Ecology, 24(S2): S77–S84. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12332
ID: 66752
Title: Community Seed Banks for Climate-Resilient Forest Tree Species and Sustainable Land Management in India
Author: Manish Kumar Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 151-156 (2026)
Subject: Community Seed Banks for Climate-Resilient Forest Tree Species and Sustainable Land Management in India
Keywords: None
Abstract: Healthy forests and resilient landscapes are essential for ecological stability, biodiversity, conservation, climate regulation and sustainable livelihoods. However, climate change, land degradation, deforestation and habitat fragmentation are increasingly threatening forest ecosytems across India. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and anthropogenic disturbances are affecting flowering behaviour, seed production, seed viability and natural regeneration of native forest tree species. In this context, ensuring seed security for ecological restoration and sustainable land management has become an official priority.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Baskin C.C. and Baskin J.M. (2014). Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination. 2nd Edition. Academic Press, San Diego.
Bisht I.S., Rana J.C., Yadav R. and Ahlawat S.P. (2020). Mainstreaming agricultural biodiversity in traditional production landscapes for sustainable development: The Indian scenario. Sustainability, 12(24): 10690. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410690
Literature cited 2: Carr K., Ozowara X. and Sloey T.M. (2024). Effects of climate change on seed germination may contribute to habitat homogenization in freshwater forested wetlands. Plant Ecology, 225: 1023–1033. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-024-01451-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-024-01451-4
Food and Agriculture Organization FAO. (2020). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome.
ID: 66751
Title: Emerging Pollutants as Silent Threats to Soil Health and Sustainability
Author: Krishna Giri, Manoj Kumar, Gaurav Mishra
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 148-150 (2026)
Subject: Emerging Pollutants as Silent Threats to Soil Health and Sustainability
Keywords: None
Abstract: Healthy soil is the foundation of the sustenance of life on earth and maintains the stability of the ecosystems. Several environmental pollutants released through anthropogenic activities find their way into the environment and accumulate in various reservoirs, i.e atmosphere, soil, water and sediments. Antibiotics are the natural secondary metabolites of microbial origin used as growth inhibitors (bacteriostatic), killing the pathogenic bacteria and fungi through targeted application (Zeng et al.,2025.)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Fatima H., Bhattacharya A., Gupta S. and Khare S.K. (2025). Combating antibiotic pollution and its impacts on the environment through sustainable remediation options: Current developments and challenges. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 205, 106166. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106166
Liu Y., Neal A.L., Zhang X., Fan H., Liu H. and Li Z. (2022). Cropping system exerts stronger influence on antibiotic resistance gene assemblages in greenhouse soils than reclaimed wastewater irrigation. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 425:128046. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128046
Literature cited 2: Mann A., Nehra K., Rana J.S. and Dahiya T. (2021). Antibiotic resistance in agriculture: Perspectives on upcoming strategies to overcome upsurge in resistance. Current Research in Microbial Sciences, 2:100030. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmicr.2021.100030
Thakur J.K., Mandal A., Singh A.B., Sinha N.K. and Das A. (2022). Emerging threat of antibiotic pollution in soil: Causes and consequence. Harit Dhara, 5(2):25-29.
ID: 66750
Title: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Urban Green Spaces in Dehradun City during 2000-2020
Author: Richa Misra, Anoop Kumar, R.K. Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 136-147 (2026)
Subject: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Urban Green Spaces in Dehradun City during 2000-2020
Keywords: Land Use Land Cover (LULC), Remote sensing, Urbanisation, Landsat, Decadal change.
Abstract: This study assessed the decadal changes in Urban Green Spaces (UGS) of Dehradun city, Uttarakhand, India, using Landsat satellite images for the years 2000, 2010, 2020. The study aimed to classify major land cover classes, map UGS, and assess temporal changes caused by rapid urbanisation. Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI datasets were processed using a hybrid classification approach integrating Maximum Likelihood Classification and Iterative Self Organising (ISO) data clustering techniques. The imagery was classified into agriculture, built-up, forest, scrub, and water classes. Accuracy assessment using 350 field verification points produced an overall classification accuracy of 90.9% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.886. The results showed a rapid increase in built-up area from 14.85% in 2000 to 47.33% in 2020, while agricultural land and scrub areas declined significantly. The study also revealed that institutional campuses and roadside corridors showed noticeable greening trends. The study demonstrates the usefulness of remote sensing and GIS techniques for monitoring urban expansion and sustainable management of UGS. The findings can support future urban planning and ecological conservation strategies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bertram C. and Rehdanz K. (2015). The role of urban green space for human well-being. Ecological Economics, 120: 139–152.
Bhat P.A., ul Shafiq M., Mir A.A. and Ahmed P. (2017). Urban sprawl and its impact on landuse/land cover dynamics of Dehradun City, India. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, 6(2) : 513–521.
Literature cited 2: Budruk M., Thomas H. and Tyrrell T. (2009). Urban green spaces: A study of place attachment and environmental attitudes in India. Society and Natural Resources, 22(9): 824–839.
Dixon B. and Candade N. (2008). Multispectral landuse classification using neural networks and support vector machines: One or the other, or both? International Journal of Remote Sensing, 29(4): 1185–1206. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 01431160701294661
ID: 66749
Title: Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
Author: Harshita Negi, Salil Tewari
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 127-135 (2026)
Subject: Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Restoration, Degraded ecosystem, Degraded landscapes.
Abstract: Global forest ecosystems, which occupy about 4 billion hectares (or 30%) of the world's land mass, are the most visible indicators of the health of the Planet and act as critical carbon sinks, storing 66% of all terrestrial carbon. Yet, the world has lost 32% of forest cover due to industrialization and urban development, compounded by climate change effects such as severe weather events, changing drought patterns, and increasing wildfires. This paper presents the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in rehabilitating these ecosystems. Through integration of the "scorpan" variables - soil, climate, organisms, relief, parent material, age, and space - AI models offer unprecedented predictive accuracy in predictions for species survival, growth and carbon storage. This paper explores key algorithms such as Random Forests (RF), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, as well as use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for targeted reforestation and decision-making. The results suggest that AI-based restoration efforts not only improve ecosystem resilience but are crucial to reaching global carbon neutrality, provided regional data gaps and domain shift issues are overcome.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Alif H.A., Mashrafi, Jisan Md., Elhag Md. and Purohit S. (2025). Artificial intelligence-driven rainfall forecasting and GIS-based flood risk mapping for climate-resilient infrastructure in Bangladesh, Earth Syst. Environ. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-025-00958-8
Allen C.D., Macalady A.K., Chenchouni H., et al. (2010). A global overview of drought and heat-induced tree mortality reveals emerging climate change risks for forests, For. Ecol. Manag., 259(4): 660-684.
Literature cited 2: Ayadi R., Forouheshfar Y. and Moghadas O. (2025). Enhancing system resilience to climate change through artificial intelligence: a systematic literature review, Front. Clim., 7: 1585331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2025.1585331
Benavidez R., Bethanna J., Deborah M. and Kevin N. (2018). A review of the (Revised) Universal Soil Loss Equation ((R)USLE): with a view to increasing its global applicability and improving soil loss estimates, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 22(11): 6059-6086. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6059-2018
ID: 66748
Title: Forest Simulation Models and Climate Change: A Critical Review
Author: Toshika Tamrakar, Mallesh Yalal, Ram Prakash Yadav, Sourabh Gauraj, Garima Gupta, Ramesh Barki, Nidhish Singh, Vadthyavath Avinash
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 122-126 (2026)
Subject: Forest Simulation Models and Climate Change: A Critical Review
Keywords: Forest simulation models, Climate change, Process-based models, Gap models, MaxEnt, 3-PG, Forest dynamics, India.
Abstract: Forests cover approximately 4.14 billion hectares globally and play an important role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods. However, accelerating climate change is reshaping forest structure, species composition, and ecosystem functioning at an unprecedented pace, creating an urgent need for robust predictive tools. This review examines the major categories of forest simulation models, empirical, process-based, gap, landscape, and hybrid, evaluating their theoretical foundations, practical strengths, and inherent limitations in the context of climate change research. A historical timeline traces model development from 18th-century yield tables to contemporary Earth System Models. Four case studies drawn from India, Spain, and the United States demonstrate how different modelling frameworks perform across contrasting ecological and management contexts, confirming that no single model type is universally appropriate. The review identifies the near complete absence of process-based forest modelling applications in Indian ecosystems as the most significant knowledge gap in the field. Future research priorities include physiological parameterization of Indian tree species, long-term monitoring network development, and the application of multi-model ensemble frameworks to tropical and subtropical forest systems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Botkin D.B., Janak J.F. and Wallis J.R. (1972). Some ecological consequences of a computer model of forest growth. Journal of Ecology, 60(3): 849–872. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2258570
Bugmann H.K.M. (1996). A simplified forest model to study species composition along climate gradients. Ecology, 77(7): 2055–2074. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2265700
Literature cited 2: Bugmann H.K.M. (2001). A review of forest gap models. Climatic Change, 51(3–4), ): 259–305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012525626267
De Bruijn A., Gustafson E.J., Sturtevant B.R., Foster J.R., Miranda B.R. and Lichti, N.I. (2014). Toward more robust projections of forest landscape dynamics under novel environmental conditions. Ecological Modelling, 287: 44–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.05.004
ID: 66747
Title: Integration of SAR and Optical Remote Sensing Data for Spatial Estimation of Forest Carbon Stock in Meghalaya, India
Author: Dhruval Bhavsar, Suraj Kumar Swain, Kasturi Chakraborty, H.C. Chaudhary
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 117-121 (2026)
Subject: Integration of SAR and Optical Remote Sensing Data for Spatial Estimation of Forest Carbon Stock in Meghalaya, India
Keywords: Forest carbon stock, Land degradation neutrality, Biomass, Remote Sensing.
Abstract: Land degradation and climate change threaten ecosystem sustainability, particularly in tropical forests. Spatial assessment of forest carbon stock is essential for supporting Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). This study integrates optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing data to estimate and map forest carbon stock in reserve and protected forests of Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Field data from 221 plots were used to derive aboveground biomass (AGB) and estimate total carbon. A multi-linear regression model using vegetation indices and SAR backscatter achieved R2 = 0.66 (RMSE = 50.34 Mg ha-1), while total carbon estimation showed a validation accuracy of R2 = 0.67 (RMSE = 26.27 Mg ha-1). Vegetation carbon was largely concentrated between 100–150 Mg ha-1 and soil organic carbon between 60–90 Mg ha-1, leading to total carbon values predominantly in the range of 150–250 Mg ha-1 with some areas exceeding 250 Mg ha-1. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-sensor approaches for carbon assessment, supporting ecosystem restoration and LDN objectives.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chaturvedi V., Ghosh A., Garg A., Avashia V., Vishwanathan S.S., Gupta D. and Prasad S. (2024). India's pathway to net zero by 2070: status, challenges, and way forward. Environmental Research Letters, 19(11): 112501. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7749
Choi W., Ryu Y., Kong J., Jeong S. and Lee K. (2025). Evaluation of spatial and temporal variability in Sentinel-2 surface reflectance on a rice paddy landscape. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 363: 110401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110401
Literature cited 2: Fararoda R., Reddy R.S., Rajashekar G., Chand T.K., Jha C.S. and Dadhwal V.K. (2021). Improving forest above ground biomass estimates over Indian forests using multi source data sets with machine learning algorithm. Ecological Informatics, 65: 101392. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101392
FRI (2002). Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and Uses, Vol. I-VI (Revised Edition). Forest Research Institute, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Dehradun.
ID: 66746
Title: AI for Restoring Degraded Lands: Mapping Degradation, Predicting Climate Risk and Valuing Ecosystem Services
Author: Sayanta Ghosh, Jitendra Vir Sharma
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2026
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 152 (6A) June 26 Pg No. 109-112 (2026)
Subject: AI for Restoring Degraded Lands: Mapping Degradation, Predicting Climate Risk and Valuing Ecosystem Services
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Land restoration, Climate risk prediction, Ecosystem services, Land degradation mapping, Remote sensing, Machine learning.
Abstract: Land degradation is a major global challenge, with up to 40% of the world's land estimated to be degraded, affecting more than 3 billion people and weakening food security, biodiversity, climate resilience and ecosystem services. In this context, the objective of this review is to examine how artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing and geospatial analytics can support land restoration by integrating three connected domains: land degradation mapping, climate-risk prediction and ecosystem service valuation. The review focuses on AI-based approaches for identifying degradation hotspots, assessing vegetation and soil stress, predicting drought, heat, evapotranspiration and fire-related risks, and estimating ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil retention, water regulation, forage productivity and biodiversity support. Methodologically, the paper adopts a thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed literature, with emphasis on machine learning, deep learning, hybrid geospatial models and multi-source data integration. The synthesis indicates that AI can improve restoration planning by strengthening spatial diagnosis, capturing nonlinear land-climate interactions, anticipating future risk and estimating likely ecosystem service gains from restoration interventions. However, the review also finds that operational adoption remains constrained by data gaps, limited field validation, scale mismatch, uncertainty and weak interpretability of complex models. The paper therefore argues for a shift from isolated AI applications towards integrated, explainable and decision-oriented frameworks that combine Earth Observation, climate data, field evidence and ecosystem service indicators. Future research should prioritise groundvalidated datasets, multi-scale modelling, uncertainty reporting, local ecological knowledge and operational decision-support systems. Such integration can help identify where restoration is most urgently needed, where it is most likely to succeed, and what ecological and livelihood benefits it can generate. This review provides state-of-the-art insights on using AI-enabled land degradation mapping, climate-risk prediction and ecosystem service valuation as decision-support tools for sustainable land management, ecosystem resilience and evidence-based restoration of degraded landscapes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adhikari K. and Hartemink A.E. (2016). Linking soils to ecosystem services: A global review. Geoderma, 262: 101–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.08.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.08.009
Amani S. and Shafizadeh-Moghadam H. (2023). A review of machine learning models and influential factors for estimating evapotranspiration using remote sensing and ground-based data. Agricultural Water Management, 284: 108324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108324 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108324
Literature cited 2: Andrianarivony H.S. and Akhloufi M.A. (2024). Machine learning and deep learning for wildfire spread prediction: A review. Fire, 7(12): 482. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7120482 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7120482
D'Acunto F., Marinello F. and Pezzuolo A. (2024). Rural land degradation assessment through remote sensing: Current technologies, models, and applications. Remote Sensing, 16(16): 3059. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16163059 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16163059