RAIGANJ UNIVERSITY

PROJECT

Documentation on Biodiversity of Raiganj University

Campus Area

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY

VAC 2nd Sem.

Name:

Registration No.:

Roll No.:

Session: 2023 - 2024

Department: CIS

Supervised by:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I Would like to express my special thanks and gratitude to my

professor For giving me a golden opportunity to know more

about our Campus Biodiversity.

Your useful advice & suggestions were really helpful to me

during completion.

In this aspect I express my special thanks to you for such a great

learning experience.
STUDY AREA
RAIGANJ UNIVERSITY (CAMPUS AREA)
Raiganj University, located in the heart of West Bengal, India, is renowned for its lush
green campus that spans over several acres. The university grounds are home to a
diverse array of flora and fauna, making it an ideal setting for a comprehensive study on
biodiversity. This project aims to explore and document the rich biodiversity present
within the campus, highlighting the various species of plants, birds, insects, and other
wildlife that thrive in this environment. By conducting this study, we hope to raise
awareness about the importance of preserving our natural habitats and contribute
valuable data to the field of environmental science.

Raiganj University Botanical Garden (AASM)

AASM garden played a significant role in introducing, multiplying and distributing of
many commercially important plants species. The garden also act to endorse
educational programs in order to create awareness among the students about the value
of plants and other curious, interesting plants with pleasant landscape and display. The
exclusive collection of biological resources of this garden and folk uses of plants will
help to understand the importance of plants to the students, researchers, and other
common people as a whole. This indigenous knowledge of plants may be helpful for
further research helpful for further research in Botany or allied disciplines.
INTRODUCTION
A. PLANTS
Among the various species that thrive here, the presence of both angiosperms and
cryptogamous plants is particularly noteworthy. Angiosperms, or flowering plants, are
abundant on our campus, adding to the aesthetic beauty and ecological diversity. These
plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for various
insects, birds, and other wildlife.

In addition to angiosperms, our campus is home to a variety of cryptogamous species,

which include non-flowering plants such as ferns, mosses, and algae. These plants are
essential for maintaining ecological balance, as they contribute to soil formation, water
retention, and provide a habitat for microorganisms.
I) Angiosperms Plants (Flowering Plants)
Angiosperms are plants that produce flowers and seeds enclosed within a fruit. They have
a more complex structure compared to cryptogamous plants, including roots, stems,
leaves, and reproductive organs. Angiosperms play a crucial role in ecosystems by
providing food and habitat for a wide range of animals, including insects, birds, and
mammals. They contribute to the process of pollination, which is essential for the
reproduction of many plants and the production of fruits and seeds. Angiosperms are vital
for human agriculture, providing a majority of the world’s food crops such as grains, fruits,
and vegetables. They are also used in medicine, ornamental gardening, and timber
production.

II) Cryptogamous Plants (Non-Flowering Plants)

Cryptogamous plants do not produce flowers or seeds. Instead, they reproduce via
spores. This group includes ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi, which have simpler structures
compared to angiosperms. Cryptogamous plants are essential for soil formation and
stabilization, as they help in breaking down rocks and organic matter. They play a
significant role in water retention and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Many
cryptogamous plants, such as algae, are used in food products, fertilizers, and biofuels.
Mosses and ferns are often used in horticulture and landscaping for their aesthetic appeal
and ability to thrive in various environments.

I
 CONTENT

TOPIC Page No.

Observation - Plants 1-5

Observation - Animals 6

Observation - Birds 7

Conclusion 8

Bibliography 9

II
OBSERVATION
A. Angiosperms Plants
Indian Bay Leaf
Common English Name: Indian Bay Leaf
Bengali Name: Payes Pata
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum tamala

Characters:
Payes Pata is an evergreen tree with aromatic leaves that are used as a spice. The
leaves are elliptical, dark green, and have a distinct fragrance.
a) Effect on Environment:
Enhances biodiversity by providing habitat for various insects
Contributes to the aromatic landscape of the campus.
b) Uses:
Widely used in Indian cuisine for flavoring dishes
Has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.

Kalabati
Common English Name: Taro
Bengali Name: Kalabati
Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta

Characters:
Kalabati has large, heart-shaped leaves with a glossy
surface. The plant grows from tubers and has a robust
stem.
a) Effect on Environment:
Helps in soil stabilization and prevents erosion
Provides habitat for small animals and insects.
b) Uses:
The tubers are edible and used in various culinary dishes
Leaves are used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.

1
 Thunbergia
Common English Name: Clock Vine
Bengali Name: Thunbergia
Scientific Name: Thunbergia spp

Characters:
Thunbergia is a climbing vine with vibrant,
trumpet-shaped flowers that can be orange,
yellow, or blue. The leaves are heart-shaped and
lush green.
a) Effect on Environment:
Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
Provides cover and habitat for small wildlife.
b) Uses:
Commonly used in ornamental gardening for its attractive flowers
Can be used to cover fences and trellises, adding aesthetic value.

Mahua
Common English Name: Mahua
Bengali Name: Mahua
Scientific Name: Madhuca longifolia

Characters:
Mahua is a large deciduous tree with a dense
canopy. It produces small, fragrant flowers and
fleshy fruits.

a) Effect on Environment:
Provides shade and habitat for various wildlife
Enhances soil fertility through leaf litter decomposition.
b) Uses:
Flowers are used to produce traditional alcoholic beverages
Seeds yield oil used in cooking and traditional medicine.

2
 Kulekhara

Common English Name: Hygrophila

Bengali Name: Kulekhara

Scientific Name: Hygrophila auriculata

Characters:

Kulekhara is an aquatic plant with lance-shaped

leaves and small, blue flowers. It thrives in wet,
marshy areas.

a) Effect on Environment:

Helps in water purification by absorbing pollutants

Provides habitat for aquatic organisms.

b) Uses:

Used in traditional medicine for its diuretic properties

Employed in treating anemia and other health conditions.

Amada

Common English Name: Mango Ginger

Bengali Name: Amada

Scientific Name: Curcuma amada

Characters:

Amada is a rhizomatous plant with broad, lance-

shaped leaves. It produces small, pale yellow
flowers and has a ginger-like rhizome with a
mango flavor.

a) Effect on Environment:

Enhances soil health through organic matter contribution

Provides habitat for soil microorganisms.

b) Uses:

Rhizomes are used in culinary dishes for their unique flavor

Employed in traditional medicine for digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

3
 Nayantara

Common English Name: Madagascar Periwinkle

Bengali Name: Nayantara

Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus

Characters:

Nayantara is a perennial plant with glossy, dark

green leaves and attractive, five-petaled flowers
that can be pink, white, or red.

a) Effect on Environment:

Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Helps in soil stabilization and erosion control.

b) Uses:

Widely used in ornamental gardening for its vibrant flowers

Contains alkaloids used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Rakta Kanchan

Common English Name: Orchid Tree

Bengali Name: Rakta Kanchan

Scientific Name: Bauhinia variegata

Characters:

Rakta Kanchan is a medium-sized tree with heart-

shaped leaves and striking, orchid-like flowers
that are usually pink or purple.

a) Effect on Environment:

Provides habitat and food for various pollinators

Enhances the aesthetic value of the landscape.

b) Uses:

Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties

Employed in landscaping and urban greening projects.

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B. Cryptogamous Plants

Umbrella Palm

Common English Name: Umbrella Palm

Bengali Name: Chhata Palm

Scientific Name: Cyperus alternifolius

Characters:

Umbrella Palm has tall, slender stems topped with a cluster of radiating leaves,

resembling an umbrella. It is a perennial plant often found near water bodies.

a) Effect on Environment:

Helps in water retention and soil stabilization

Provides habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms.

b) Uses:

Used in landscaping and water gardens for its unique appearance

Can be used in indoor plant arrangements for decorative purposes.

China Gab

Common English Name: Algae

Bengali Name: China Gab

Scientific Name: Various species

Characters:

Algae are simple, non-flowering plants that can be

green, brown, or red. They are often found in moist

environments and can form colonies.

a) Effect on Environment:

Contributes to oxygen production through photosynthesis

Forms the base of aquatic food chains, supporting various marine life.

b) Uses:

Used in food products such as agar and carrageenan

Employed in biofuel production and as a fertilizer.

5
C. Animals

Cow

Scientific Name: Bos taurus

Characters:

Cows are social animals that often form close bonds with other cows. They are

generally calm and gentle but can be protective of their young.

Identification:

Cows have a large, sturdy body with a broad head, large eyes, and a long tail. They

have a coat that can be various colors, including black, white, brown, or a combination

of these.

Dog

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris

Characters:

Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship. They are highly social and can be

trained to perform various tasks. Their behavior can vary widely depending on the

breed and individual personality.

Identification:

Dogs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. They typically have a fur coat,

a long snout, and a tail. Their ears can be erect or floppy, and their eyes are expressive.

Cat

Scientific Name: Felis catus

Characters:

Cats are independent and curious animals. They are known for their agility and hunting

skills. Cats can be affectionate but also enjoy solitude.

Identification:

Cats have a sleek, flexible body with sharp claws and teeth. They have a variety of coat

colors and patterns, and their eyes are often large and expressive. Their ears are

pointed and can rotate to detect sounds.

6
D. Birds
Baya Weaver
Scientific Name: Ploceus philippinus
Characters:
Baya Weavers are social and gregarious birds, often found in flocks. They are known for
their intricate nest-building skills, creating hanging nests with a bulbous chamber and a
narrow tubular entrance.
Identification:
These birds are sparrow-sized, with breeding males having a bright yellow crown, dark
brown mask, and blackish-brown bill. Non-breeding males and females are similar, with
dark brown streaked fulvous buff above and plain whitish fulvous below

Common Bulbul
Scientific Name: Pycnonotus barbatus

Characters:
Common Bulbuls are active and noisy birds, often seen in pairs or small groups. They
have a bouncing flight and are known for their loud, repetitive song.

Identification:
These birds have a dark brown head and upperparts, with a long tail. The belly is pallid,
and the undertail can be white or yellow depending on the subspecies. They have a
fairly short, thin bill and dark brown eyes

Indian Ring-Necked Parrot

Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri

Characters:
Indian Ring-Necked Parrots are highly social and intelligent birds. They are known for
their ability to mimic human speech and their playful behavior.
Identification:
These medium-sized parrots have a bright lime green body, blue tail feathers, and
yellow under the wings. Males have a distinctive black and rose-colored ring around
their necks. They have a sleek, elongated body, long pointed tail, and a sharp, hooked
beak

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CONCLUSION

A. PLANTS

The diverse plant species on our campus play a vital role in sustaining the environment.

Angiosperms, with their flowers and fruits, support a wide range of pollinators and wildlife,

contributing to the ecological balance. Cryptogamous plants, such as ferns and mosses,

aid in soil formation and water retention, enhancing the health of our ecosystem. Together,

these plants improve air quality, provide food and shelter for various organisms, and

contribute to the aesthetic beauty of our surroundings. Their presence underscores the

importance of preserving plant biodiversity for the well-being of our environment and

future generations. This project highlights the critical role plants play in maintaining a

healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

B. ANIMALS

The diverse animal species on our campus also play a crucial role in maintaining ecological

balance and enhancing biodiversity. Cows and other herbivores contribute to soil fertility

through their grazing and waste, while dogs and cats help control rodent populations.

Birds like the Baya Weaver, Common Bulbul, and Indian Ring-Necked Parrot aid in seed

dispersal and pollination, promoting plant growth. Ants, though small, are vital for aerating

the soil and recycling nutrients. Together, these animals create a dynamic and

interconnected ecosystem that supports the health and sustainability of our environment.

Their presence underscores the importance of conserving wildlife and natural habitats for

future generations.

C. BIRDS

Birds play a pivotal role in maintaining the health and balance of our environment. Species

like the Baya Weaver, Common Bulbul, and Indian Ring-Necked Parrot contribute to seed

dispersal and pollination, which are essential for plant reproduction and biodiversity. Birds

also help control insect populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Their

presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, as they are sensitive to environmental changes.

Additionally, birds add to the aesthetic and auditory beauty of our surroundings, enriching

our connection with nature. This project underscores the importance of conserving bird

habitats to ensure the continued benefits they provide to our environment.

In conclusion, this project on the biodiversity of Raiganj University campus highlights the

rich variety of plant and animal species that thrive in our environment. By documenting

and analyzing the presence of various flora and fauna, we gain a deeper understanding of

the ecological balance and the interdependence of different species. This knowledge can

help us develop better conservation strategies to protect and preserve our natural

habitats. Additionally, the project raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity

and its role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. It also provides valuable data that can be

used for further research and educational purposes. Ultimately, this project underscores

the significance of biodiversity in enhancing the quality of life on our campus and beyond,

fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

To complete this project we have taken help from

class 12 Biology NCERT book
class 10 life science WBBSE book an
www.google.com