Biodiversity Surveys: Nature’s census

Dr Shekhar Kolipaka & team during a biodiversity study visit at the Poomaale 1.0 Collective

The web of life on Earth is intricate and diverse, from the smallest microorganisms to the towering trees and majestic animals. At Beforest, understanding this richness as essential for our planet’s health and our well-being is a key factor driving us towards shaping forest-friendly landscapes. In this blog post, we dive into biodiversity surveys, exploring why they matter and how they shape the Beforest understanding of ecosystems to ensure the proper steps are taken to shape our collectives.

Biodiversity as we know it 

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. The health of our planet is intricately linked to the abundance and variety of living organisms and biodiversity, which supports ecosystem services, such as clean air, water purification, and pollination, which are vital for human survival.

But what are Biodiversity surveys?

Biodiversity surveys are a cornerstone of conservation efforts. These surveys provide valuable data for studying ecological patterns, species interactions, and adaptations. By identifying and documenting species in a given area, experts can plan development strategies that help maintain harmony with species and preserve their habitats. 

As a result, Biodiversity surveys play a crucial role in shaping sustainable development endeavours like that of Beforest ensuring the long-term survival of species, ecosystems and the genetic diversity in a given area.

Types of Biodiversity Surveys:

1. Species Inventories:

Species inventories involve cataloguing the different organisms within a specific location. This approach has led to exciting biodiversity discoveries, including the identification of new, rare species that have not been spotted for a long time. Such inventories are fundamental to comprehending the diversity of life in a given area. Especially with our Beforest collectives located in a biodiversity hotspot zone like the Western Ghats 

2. Genetic Surveys:

Genetic surveys focus on understanding the genetic diversity within populations. This information is critical for effective conservation, as it allows researchers to assess the health of populations and identify potential vulnerabilities or threats.

3. Ecosystem Assessments:

Biodiversity surveys extend beyond individual species to assess entire ecosystems. This holistic approach helps scientists evaluate ecosystem health and identify keystone species, the presence of which is crucial for the overall well-being of a specific area.

Biodiversity surveys at the Beforest collectives 

At Beforest, we understand that we cannot act without knowing and every action we take affects the ecosystem. In that light, our experts are constantly at work to discover, find and protect the endemic species of the Western Ghats in our collectives. 

Biodiversity surveys primarily unfold in the form of Soundscaping and camera traps in the wilderness zones at Beforest.

Soundscape monitoring can help researchers identify and study different species based on their vocalisations or other sounds they produce, providing additional data for biodiversity assessments.

On the other hand, camera traps use motion-activated cameras placed in the field to capture images or videos of animals as they move through their habitats, which has significantly contributed to our understanding of biodiversity, especially in areas where direct observation may be challenging.

Advancements in technology, including remote sensing and DNA barcoding, have revolutionised biodiversity surveys. Moreover, citizen science projects engage the public in data collection, turning enthusiasts into valuable contributors to biodiversity research.

These data come at the cost of challenging terrains, time and the ever- growing impact of climate change on ecosystems. However, overcoming these hurdles is crucial to obtaining accurate and reliable data as it gives us a better understanding of the flora and fauna, the natural water bodies in the area, the disappearing Shola grasslands and management.

Throughout history, successful biodiversity surveys have played a pivotal role in conservation and scientific breakthroughs. From discovering new species to identifying critical habitats, these stories highlight the impact of biodiversity surveys on our understanding of the natural world.

For Beforest, biodiversity surveys are our window into the complex and interconnected world of life on Earth. They guide restorative works, sustainable development in a forest ecosystem, the coexistence of humans with the flora and fauna and habitat management that empower us to make informed decisions about the future of our collectives. This survey also shows us the path to bring more natural returns to the community, a key pillar in the 4 Returns Framework.

If this piqued your interest, check out our other blogs on sustainable development, permaculture and more forest-friendly endeavors.