A study on flora and faunal diversity of the khalisani mahavidyalaya campus in chandannagar, West Bengal, India

Biodiversity refers to the heterogeneity among living organisms in a defined area that coexist to sustain ecosystem function and services, thereby preserving nature's equilibrium, fostering the foundation of sustainable development and human well-being. Studying an area's biodiversity is vital for assessing ecosystems' health, protecting species and securing the eco-friendly stewardship of environmental assets. The present study aims to explore the diversity of flora and fauna at Chandannagar, Khalisani Mahavidyalaya campus, Hooghly district, West Bengal, India, from January 2023 to October 2025. The study involved systematic observation and documentation of various plant and animal species found across different seasons by extensive field study and surveys. A total of 110 plant species is recorded, belonging to 54 families, categorized into flowering, ornamental, fruit, timber, medicinal and other plants. The medicinal plants are identified as a dominant group. The study also revealed a total of 57 species of non-chordates, including annelids, arthropods and molluscs, as well as 50 species of chordates, including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The birds are recognized as the dominant community among chordates, followed by mammals. The palm civet (IUCN Red List- ‘Least Concern’ ver. 3.1) inhabits this region, with its population trending downward. Among non-chordates, the phylum Arthropoda exhibited greater species richness, with a total of 53 species contributing 50% of overall faunal diversity. Even amid an urban environment, the college campus serves as an important green space, harboring a large floral diversity that makes it a significant habitat for a wide array of animal species, which play essential roles in maintaining ecological balance.