CORRELATION AMONG COW DUNG MICRO FAUNA ANALYSIS AND WETLAND HEALTH IN ALIPURDUAR DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL

Abstract

In the State of West Bengal, 12.48% of the land cover areas are classified as wetland according to https://iictenvas.nic.in. North Bengal itself is known for its diverse wetland ecosystem including Beel and Riverine wetlands. Animal husbandry and Diary sector offer great opportunities for socio economic development through poverty alleviation and enhanced nutritional security. Cow (Bos indicus) play an important role in village economy and has high socio-economic value. In North Bengal since most of the natural wetlands are situated in rural areas, they provide an ideal ecosystem to feed water and grasses along with photosynthetic algae (Azolla sp.) by the Cow in and around wetlands.