Kaziranga National Park

• 11 Feb 2022

For Prelims: Kaziranga National Park, Carbon Sink.

For Mains: Causes for the Kaziranga National Park to become a net Carbon Emitter.

Why in News?

Recently a research published, which showed that Kaziranga National Park in Assam, is releasing more carbon than it is absorbing.

• It also showed that as the planet warms further, the ability of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) to absorb carbon would further decrease.
  • Earlier, it was found that the Amazon rainforest is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is able to absorb.
• Researchers found that Kaziranga absorbed the most amount of carbon dioxide during the pre-monsoon season of March, April and May.
• A forests, or trees in a forest, take up carbon dioxide for the process of photosynthesis and release carbon dioxide when they breathe.

How is KNP a Net Carbon Emitter?

• Unique soil:
  • The soil of the region is home to a large population of bacteria that release carbon dioxide as they breathe, which adds to the carbon dioxide being emanated by other organisms, including trees.
• Decrease in Photosynthetic Activity:
  • The photosynthetic activity of trees during the monsoon decreases due to increased cloud cover. Hence, the ability of the forest to absorb carbon dioxide also decreases.
  • The situation remains the same during the post-monsoon and winter months, making the forest a net carbon emitter.
• Less rainfall from transpired water:
  • The scientists analyzed the isotopes in the transpired water and observed a strong link between the water and carbon cycles of the forest.
  • There is a decreasing trend in the rainfall coming from the transpired water in the pre-monsoon months which are responsible for the highest carbon absorption.
    • Transpiration is a process that involves loss of water vapour through the stomata of plants.
    • Stomatal openings are necessary to admit carbon dioxide to the leaf interior and to allow oxygen to escape during photosynthesis.

What are the Key Points Related to KNP?

• Location: It is located in the State of Assam and covers 42,996 Hectare (ha).
  • It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
• Legal Status:
  • It was declared as a National Park in 1974.
  • It has been declared a tiger reserve since 2007. It has a total tiger reserve area of 1,030 sq km with a core area of 430 sq. km.
• International Status:
  • It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
  • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
• Biodiversity:
  • It is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos.
    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and second highest number of Rhinos in Assam after Kaziranga National Park.
  • Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga are focused on the 'big four' species - Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
  • Kaziranga is also home to 9 of the 14 species of primates found in the Indian subcontinent.
• Rivers and Highways:
  • National Highway 37 passes through the park area.
  • The park also has more than 250 seasonal water bodies, besides the Diphlu River running through it.

Source: DTE