Biodiversity of aquatic and riparian zone within an urban ecosystem -Unkal nalla of Hubbli, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

摘要

There are very few Riparian zones in an Urban Ecosystem, which are fast dwindling and in extreme stress due to urban sprawl and environmental pollution. The present paper is about biodiversity study of Riparaian zone of Unkal Nalla of Hubbali city in Indian state of Karnataka. Riparian zones are the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem and act as a cross ecosystem flux for allochthonous resources. When compared with other habitats population density and diversity is higher in edge effect along the aquatic habitat created by ecological retort of riparian zone. Study has been conducted to understand biodiversity of the riparian zone of the Unkal Nalla. The Primary objective for this study is to study the biodiversity along Nalla at its current polluted state. Area of lake from where Nalla originates is considered as control area where influence of pollution is low and biodiversity is rich. Data is compared with control area to understand the possible improvement in biodiversity of Nalla area after interventions like cleaning, landscaping, plantation etc. The biodiversity study was undertaken by survey of 18 locations along the Nalla (Stretch of about 10km) and lake. Quadrate and transect method were used for assessment of flora and fauna of the locations. This has yielded in 72 species of plants and 53 species of birds. It can be seen that the Nalla with polluted water and low floral diversity have low faunal diversity. Authors also have proposed interventions to improve the quality of biodiversity in the study area.