New Delhi, June 18 -- Situated on the eastern fringes of the Chotanagpur Plateau, the Asansol and Durgapur region in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district represents a unique ecological transition zone between the plateau and the Gangetic plains. This semi-arid landscape, shaped by dry deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, scrublands, and riverine systems, forms a mosaic of habitats supporting various adaptable wildlife species. Despite the region's dense industrial presence, its scattered forest fragments continue to act as critical ecological corridors. These corridors allow seasonal wildlife movement and help maintain connectivity across the landscape, a feature becoming increasingly rare amid India's accelerating urbanisation.

Among ...