Assessing the Impact of Human-Induced Disturbances on the potential Biomass and Carbon content in two wildlife sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This research paper presents a detailed analysis of biomass assessment of woody species in Katerniaghat and Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Bahraich and Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Through a reconnaissance survey, area was stratified into high, medium and low disturbed site based on the presence of human induced disturbance indicators. Circular plot method of 10m radius was used for vegetation assessment. Data on vegetation like woody species name, number of individuals, Girth at Breast’s height were recorded. Biomass and carbon stock of tree species was calculated from each stratified site of both sanctuaries. The finding of the study showed that highest biomass was estimated from high disturbed site of Katerniaghat. In Kaimoor, medium disturbed site showed maximum biomass. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of its carbon stock and sequestration potential. Biomass assessment is crucial for sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation strategies. Our findings reveals the negative impact of varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance on the forest biomass of both protected areas and help in better understanding of conservation and management and forests and carbon offset initiatives.