Conversion of forest land in Garo Hills, Meghalaya for construction of roads: a threat to the environment and biodiversity.

摘要

Tropical forests have a special role in the conservation of biodiversity. They are home to 70% of the world's vascular plants and animals. In tree species alone, tropical rain forests are extremely diverse, often having more than 200 species per hectare. The forest types can be grouped as mixed deciduous sal forest and open bamboo forests in and around the study areas. The percentage of Government-owned reserved forests in Meghalaya is only 3-3.2 of the total of 36.5. The forests have been over exploited due to road and other infrastructural development. As a result, natural forest stands are becoming less in arial extent day by day. This article deals with the number, length and nature of constructed roads; total encroachment area of approximately 456 ha of major forest ranges in Meghalaya has been assessed..