PhD Student: Noopur Borawake

Program: Eastern Himalaya Program

Guides: Aparajita Datta and Anand M. Osuri

Tropical wet forests are globally significant for their biodiversity but face threats from deforestation, with selective logging being one of the major contributors to forest degradation. This practice, both legal and illegal, disrupts ecosystems and contributes to the decline of humid tropical forests worldwide. Particularly in rapidly developing regions like Asia, where logging intensities are high, forests suffer significant disruption. Illegal logging, lacking sustainable practices, exacerbates the problem by disregarding regulations. Even low-intensity logging, while less disruptive to biodiversity, often leads to complete deforestation as it opens avenues for further interventions like land-use changes and repeat logging, especially in Asia. This unplanned and repeated logging severely hampers the persistence and ecological recovery of forest patches.

Few studies from Asian forests have described the forest recovery patterns in logged forests in terms of species richness, while the functional and phylogenetic composition is often neglected. Furthermore, studies on the abiotic and biotic factors that influence the regeneration of logged forests are scarce, especially in India. Such information is critical in assisting the recovery of logged forests through restoration, which is considered an effective nature-based solution for carbon sequestration. The proposed research aims to address these knowledge gaps by focusing on tropical rainforest regeneration after logging in the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Western Arunachal Pradesh, part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.

The study seeks to assess post-logging forest regeneration by examining plant taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, species composition, and forest structure. It aims to investigate the major factors influencing regeneration and explore restoration opportunities in different stages of forest recovery, from actively logged to unlogged forests. By shedding light on secondary forest succession and the potential of natural regeneration as a restoration tool, and identifying native tree species for restoration, this research endeavors to contribute significantly to the conservation and management of logged forest ecosystems.

The research aims to uncover the successional trajectories of forests affected by logging, an increasing concern in the Eastern Himalaya region. By examining forest structure and natural community composition, including taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversities, it seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of logged forest ecosystems. Furthermore, the study will investigate whether establishment limitation significantly delays regeneration in logged secondary forests, impacted by changes in canopy cover and the presence of invasive species. Such information is critical in assisting the recovery of logged forests through restoration, which is considered an effective nature-based solution for carbon sequestration.

Recognising the global need for ecological restoration to mitigate climate change, the study aims to address the lack of ecological information for selecting suitable species for restoration programs. Identifying native tree species suitable for restoration efforts in Western Arunachal Pradesh and similar landscapes provides valuable guidance for individuals, organisations, and forest departments involved in restoration initiatives.

The insights generated from this research may serve as a crucial starting point for restoration efforts, contributing to the conservation of logged forest ecosystems in the region.

Noopur is known for her sharp wit and meticulous nature. She did her undergrad from Fergusson College in Botany and a masters from MES Abasaheb Garware College in Biodiversity. When not working she loves to make DIY artwork for her field base and home.

Field Collaborators: Khem Thapa, Turuk Brah, Jacob Brah, Peter Wage