Biodiversity Assessment of Sal-Dominated Forests and Riparian Ecosystems in Dumka District, Jharkhand, India

This independent field research report by Kulesh Bhandari, a biodiversity researcher and field ecologist from Jharkhand, India, documents the structural, floristic, and hydrological characteristics of Sal (Shorea robusta)-dominated forests and riparian habitats along the Nakti River in Dumka district. Conducted on 30 June 2025, the study uses GPS-referenced photography, transect walks, and habitat observations to provide a baseline for future biodiversity monitoring. The report includes detailed results, ecological threats, conservation recommendations, and high-resolution photographic plates, serving as a reference for researchers, conservation planners, and policymakers