Impact of Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances on Orthopteran Community in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

Abstract

Impact of natural and anthropogenic disturbance on orthopteran assemblage under grasslands and forestlands in Kaziranga National Park, Assam was studied using BACI (Before-After-control-Impact) method. The study showed that there is a change in the assemblage of orthopterans in the disturbed sites due to natural (flood) and anthropogenic (corridor-road) disturbances in grasslands and forestlands, respectively. Though there is a reduction in the population of orthopteran species after a heavy rainfall, changes in the assemblage of orthopteran community in the disturbed site were in significant. However, in case of forestland frequently disturbed (corridor-road) due to movement of automobiles, the population remain fragmented.