If you wish to conserve biodiversity: then protect the habitat!

Tropical dry deciduous forests around the world are facing biodiversity loss and habitat destruction, and are the most unprotected ecosystems. They harbor rich biodiversity despite being subjected to harsh climatic conditions as compared to the rain forests.

The forests of the Vindhyan highlands are one such example of tropical dry deciduous forests of India. They are characterized by long dry and warm months and are dependent on monsoonal rainfall. The forests of Mirzapur mark the beginning of the Vindhyan range.

These forests are known for their spatial heterogeneity, structural organization and adaptation of survival to stress and disturbance. A large rural population is dependent on these forests for fuel wood and livelihood. They are extensively exploited for the economically important tree species like Shorea robusta, Boswellai serrata Diospyros melanoxylon, Acacia catechu, Butea monosperma , Zizyphus nummularia and Hardwickia binnata. They provide habitats to the most endangered species and are smaller units of wilderness for large mammal species, threatened species like Sloth bear, Tiger, Swamp Deer, Chousingha, Wild dog.
Owing to the increasing urbanization, industrialization and population pressure, the forests are easily converted into agriculture and are subjected to illegal logging. Thus, increasing the human-wildlife conflict.

They are characterized by large trees spread far apart, between are shrubs and grasses. This gives the appearance as a savannah. The common misunderstanding is that the land is no longer a forest, it is barren and of no use, but in fact grasslands and scrub land are ecosystems which support a number of faunal species. Though, less diverse than the rain forests, but do need attention because they are a home to many animals and plants.

•    Sloth Bear distribution map of Mirzapur click here
•    Identification of suitable wildlife habitat in forests in Mirzapur See Saving the Habitats Portal
•    Identification and development of suitable wildlife corridor (connecting various forest patches) in forests of Mirzapur
•    Inventory of medicinal plants in forests of Mirzapur
•    Conservation task force for awareness of Man-Sloth bear attacks
•    Inventory of Turtles and assessment of their habitats around Mirzapur and Sonebhadra circle
•    Inventory of Birds and assessment of their nesting habitats