Ecology of Similipal Biosphere Reserve

Plants and animals inhabited in different forest ecosystems of Similipal are changing continually in their composition and population due to deforestation, fragmentation, forest fire and other human activities. These activities have posed serious threat to the survival and future sustainability of the unique biodiversity of Similipal. Thus conservation of plants and animals of the reserve in their own habitats needs to know how they exploit the resources. In this context ecologists are playing a major role providing scientific inputs in conservation efforts. Therefore, there has been a need to compile and collate the research findings of ecological research and other allied disciplines and link ecological research with biodiversity conservation. The scope of this book has been able to gather ecological information on phytosociology and phenology of various plant groups, litter decomposition and nutrient turn over on the forest floor, distribution of animals and their status, and the threats imposed on them. The said ecological information compiled about the plants and animals of Similipal in this volume will help the researchers, practitioners and forest managers to formulate management action plans for future sustainability of its biodiversity.