Researchers Utilize Pollen and Non-Pollen Palynomorphs to Assess Climate Impact on Kaziranga National Park Biodiversity

Indian scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have conducted a comprehensive study on the pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in Assam to interpret regional climate changes. KNP, a vital reserve for tropical species and a historical corridor for Indo-Malayan fauna, plays a crucial role in biodiversity during glacial periods.

The research, published in the journal Holocene, involves developing a modern analogue dataset based on NPPs from various vegetation settings within KNP. This approach aims to assess the reliability of modern pollen and NPP analogues in identifying ecological environments, providing a baseline for more accurate interpretations of Late Quaternary palaeo-environmental and ecological changes.

In the context of climate change and biodiversity loss, the study emphasizes the significance of combining pollen and NPP data for detailed palaeo-environmental reconstructions. The research represents a pioneering effort in developing a modern pollen and NPP analogue, serving as a valuable reference tool for herbivory and ecological studies in the tropical region of northeast India. The findings could assist public and wildlife management agencies in conserving national parks, particularly in understanding the association between flora and fauna for current and future conservation efforts, aligning with the goals of the National Biodiversity Mission.