Common Faunal Diversity on Forest Floor and Their Importance in Forest Ecosystem: Bonai Forest Division, Odisha, India

Abstract

Bonai Forest Division (BFD) is enjoying the tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, and tropical semi-evergreen forest. Among the biotic and abiotic factors, faunal species that are found on the forest floor are very important. They are important members of the forest food chain, feed upon the dead and decaying matter, and after death, add organic matter to the soil as a source of nutrients for the floral communities but there is a lack in documentation. For a better understanding of the role and functions of these faunal species, there is a need for study and documentation. Keeping the importance of faunal species of forest floor, we made an attempt to document common faunal species of BFD, Odisha during June 2021- August 2022. From the study, authors observed 54 common faunal species found on the forest floor. It was noticed that the forest floor of BFD is dominated by class Insecta, Reptilia, and Arachnida which helps to maintain a well-balanced food chain and allows the floral and faunal diversity to flourish.