[Assam] Biodiversity strengthens Majuli’s candidature

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

   [panel.jpg] Biodiversity strengthens Majuliâs candidature
   By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
    GUWAHATI, April 20 â While its cultural and spiritual heritage makes it an
   ideal candidate for acquiring the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
   its rich biodiversity only adds to that claim. Not many may be aware, but
   Majuli, one among the largest river islands inhabited the world, possesses a
   range of animal and plant life that is of considerable significance. The
   picture once completed by researchers would definitely help it gain more
   focus in the national and international scene, said a noted
   environmentalist.
   Majuli has been able to retain a variety of flora and fauna for a variety of
   reasons, one of which is its Vaishnavite culture built on love and sympathy
   for all living beings. Moreover, it is an island and therefore has
   maintained a certain distance from large-scale human intervention, feels Dr
   Bibhab Talukdar of the conservation group Aaranyak.
   According to him, the river island contains grasslands and wetlands in
   sizeable quantity and both are certain to harbour a number of species, some
   of which might even have gone extinct in other regions.
   The wetlands alone could sustain a plethora of small animals and a wide
   variety of species. Unlike in the rest of the State, most of Majuliâs
   wetlands are still thriving and so are the life forms in them.
   But what really attracts his attention is âthe amazing variety of bird life
   within a limited territory.â There could well be more than 300 varieties,
   and many of them are resident. Among the resident species are threatened
   species like pelicans, greater and lesser adjutant storks and black-necked
   cranes.
   During winter large flocks of migratory birds have also been documented in
   and around the island.
   The plant life of Majuli might have surprises in store too. Some of the
   indigenous communities have relied on them and their traditional knowledge
   about them is equally impressive. Some trees and plants have played a role
   in local culture and thus enhanced the mystique of the land and her people.
   Dr Talukdar regretted that even though the island is well known to the
   people of Assam, local biologists are yet to focus on the landscape of
   Majuli. He hoped that young students and researchers would arrive at Majuli
   and document and study the rich biotic diversity.
   The riverine areas and the wetlands alone could open up a treasure trove of
   information. âI would not be surprised if new species are discovered in some
   of the areas,â he said.
   As a frequent visitor to the place, he revealed that he was impressed with
   the fact that while the rest of the state was witnessing human-animal
   conflict, the general respect for all life forms in Majuli was an
   exceptional reality.
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References

   1. http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51733/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ