Perception-based assessment of ecosystem services of Ghagra Pahar forest of Assam, Northeast India

Abstract

Specific survey for collecting peoples’ perception, knowledge, and their general attitudes towards “ecosystem services” has been conducted in the tropical deciduous forest of Ghagra Pahar in Goalpara district, Assam. Data were collected through a household survey, personal interview, and group discussion and were analysed to assess the various ecosystem services, and ranked on a (1–10 point scale) based on perceptions. Socio-economic variables were also characterized during the study and analysed using statistical methods such as frequency, per cent, and mode. Grading scale such as very high (−2), high (−1), neutral (0), low (+1), and very low (+2) were used for analysing drivers of ecosystem change. Identified drivers were prioritized emphasizing on the impact of livelihood. A total of 12 services belonged to the provisioning category, followed by regulating (6), supporting (4), and cultural/aesthetic (2)were assessed from the study area. This study provided a checklist for the species that had been disappeared and possible causes of their disappearance. Dominant tree species were recorded based on availability and economic uses. Findings of the study will be useful to natural resources managing agencies to formulate the strategic working plan for resource conservation, economic development and sustainable livelihood of local residents.