Ajmer : Ajmer If we ask the exact number of trees and plants, the answer will be found only in ‘estimate’. The counting of trees and plants is going on using quadrat method only. The government and the Ministry of Environment and Forest have not started any scientific innovations like QR code. Every year in the state including Ajmer, plantation is done under government programs and schemes during monsoon. These include Rajasthan Biodiversity Project, Eco-Forestry, Forest Development, National Lake Conservation, NABARD and other schemes. The census of trees and plants has been going on for years using the quadrat method. AI or other innovation has not taken off.
This is the quadratic method
Quadrats are used in scientific disciplines such as vegetation assessment, including plant density, plant frequency, and plant biomass. Quadrats are square, rectangular or circular. Any area is marked with this. After that the plants of the concerned area are identified and counted. This is a paper report. This figure remains an estimate only. At many places, forest guards, rangers and other staff also carry out calculations by applying lime or colored crosses on trees.
No use of AI-drones
AI-drone based census of trees and plants has not started. Under this, a visual record of trees and plants is made. These are easy to access and analyze in any season. There are also smartphone apps that count plants from photos taken in different fields.
not even QR code
QR codes have been installed on trees and plants in Kanakkunnu Garden, Kerala. In this, information is given about the species of trees and plants, botanical name, flowering, season, medicinal or other uses, fruit appearance. It has also started in many states including Delhi. Due to this, the forest department, government and institutions of the respective states have started getting convenience in accurate counting of trees and plants.
Counting of wild animals and birds through cameras
In the state, census of wild animals is done on Vaishakh Purnima and of birds in January-February. Counting of wild animals and migratory birds coming to various water holes (johads, lakes and ponds) is conducted. Cameras are installed. Trees and plants are counted using quadrat method. At present this method of calculation is used even in dense areas. The use of AI-drones is currently limited. However, if research is done, new tools or methods of calculation can be prepared.
