PUNE: A biodiversity characterisation project undertaken by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) here is currently creating a first of its kind database for Maharashtra and Bihar.
The project being handled by C-DAC’s Geomatics Solutions Development Group (GSDG) is focusing on identification of biologically rich sites facilitated by geoinformatics technology, principles of landscape ecology and ground-based taxonomic inventory of f lora.
“The study will provide first of its kind database of the biodiversity of these two states — Maharashtra and Bihar — in the form of vegetation type maps and landscape characterisation,’’ Mr Sandeep Srivastava, Group Coordinator, GSDG, told PTI.
Database created in the project being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Space, will pool into the national database of Biodiversity Information System and Indian Bio-resources Information Network.
The thrust of GSDG forestry research would cover in addition to biodiversity characterisation, other aspects like carbon sequestration estimation, afforestation and reforestation based clean development mechanism, landuse and landcover predictions and fo rest cover dynamics as well as development of decision support systems.
“In the ongoing project, the GSDG researchers have identified 16 rare and threatened plant species in Maharashtra region during field visits in addition to as many as 32 species endemic to Peninsular India,†Mr Srivastava said. — PTI