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Wetlands, specifically located at the rural-urban interface, are increasingly threatened by human-induced pressures such as hydrological changes, habitat fragmentation, tourism expansion, and land-use patterns. These pressures can significantly alter wetland ecosystem services and cause serious challenges to ecological stability. The present study evaluated plant diversity as a strong indicator of ecosystem stability in and around Rudrasagar Lake, amidst increasing developmental pressures. Supported by geospatial mapping, extensive field surveys were conducted in five distinct areas of the wetland, representing a gradient of anthropogenic pressure. For qualitative and quantitative assessment, 30 quadrats were monitored from five distinct zones. Diversity metrics such as Shannon, Simpson, Margalef, and Pielou’s indices were employed along with the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) for assessing their relationship with ecosystem stability. One-way ANOVA (corresponding p value < 0.05) and linear regression analysis revealed strong positive correlations (r2: Shannon = 0.99; Margalef = 0.94) between plant diversity and ecosystem stability. A total of 125 terrestrial and 22 aquatic plant species were observed. The open scrub zone represented the highest species diversity with a corresponding Shannon value of 3.1, while the human-induced zone showed the lowest diversity (H′ = 1.1). Highly diverse communities in the Kemtali and Chandanmura areas achieve greater stability than the Rajghat and Neermahal areas with urban interface. This study highlights plant diversity as an important diagnostic tool for assessing wetland health and ecological resilience. The findings emphasise that areas rich in biodiversity exhibit greater ecological stability, emphasising the role of wetlands in supporting long-term urban and semi-urban sustainability.

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Theme: Understanding Wetland Ecology and Importance Plant Diversity Assessment as a Robust Approach to Measuring Wetland Ecosystem Stability: A Case Study in and around Rudrasagar Lake, a Ramsar Site in Northeast India

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Arpita Biswas,
  • Pradip Debnath,
  • Saptarshi Mitra,
  • Punarbasu Chaudhuri

摘要

Wetlands, specifically located at the rural-urban interface, are increasingly threatened by human-induced pressures such as hydrological changes, habitat fragmentation, tourism expansion, and land-use patterns. These pressures can significantly alter wetland ecosystem services and cause serious challenges to ecological stability. The present study evaluated plant diversity as a strong indicator of ecosystem stability in and around Rudrasagar Lake, amidst increasing developmental pressures. Supported by geospatial mapping, extensive field surveys were conducted in five distinct areas of the wetland, representing a gradient of anthropogenic pressure. For qualitative and quantitative assessment, 30 quadrats were monitored from five distinct zones. Diversity metrics such as Shannon, Simpson, Margalef, and Pielou’s indices were employed along with the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) for assessing their relationship with ecosystem stability. One-way ANOVA (corresponding p value < 0.05) and linear regression analysis revealed strong positive correlations (r2: Shannon = 0.99; Margalef = 0.94) between plant diversity and ecosystem stability. A total of 125 terrestrial and 22 aquatic plant species were observed. The open scrub zone represented the highest species diversity with a corresponding Shannon value of 3.1, while the human-induced zone showed the lowest diversity (H′ = 1.1). Highly diverse communities in the Kemtali and Chandanmura areas achieve greater stability than the Rajghat and Neermahal areas with urban interface. This study highlights plant diversity as an important diagnostic tool for assessing wetland health and ecological resilience. The findings emphasise that areas rich in biodiversity exhibit greater ecological stability, emphasising the role of wetlands in supporting long-term urban and semi-urban sustainability.