Study of Common Plants, Insects, Birds and Wildlife in CoochBehar College Campus

The campus of CoochBehar College, nestled in the historic district of North Bengal, is a living laboratory for students, researchers and nature lovers. Spread overapproximately30acres, the grounds host a mosaic of wetlands, open lawns, shaded groves and cultivated gardens. This diversity creates habitats for a surprising variety of plants, insects, birds and other wildlife, many of which are typical of the Brahmaputra floodplain and the foothills of the Himalayas.

1. Plant Communities

Vegetation on the campus can be divided into four main groups:

• Riparian & Wetland Species found along the small stream that cuts across the north side of the campus.
• Grassland & OpenLawn Flora dominating the central quadrangle and the sports fields.
• Shrub and SmallTree Zone lining the perimeter paths and providing shade.
• Orchard & Cultivated Gardens maintained by the horticulture department.

1.1 Riparian Plants

The seasonal stream supports Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail), Phragmites australis (common reed) and scattered stands of Salix alba (white willow). These plants stabilise the banks, filter runoff and provide breeding sites for amphibians and insects.

1.2 Grassland Species

Common grasses include Imperata cylindrica (spear grass), Eleusine indica (wiregrass) and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass). Interspersed are herbaceous forbs such as Portulaca oleracea (purslane) and Bidens pilosa (Spanish needle). These open areas are popular for fieldbiology classes because they are easy to walk through and host many pollinators.

1.3 Shrubs and Small Trees

Along the main walkway, students often encounter:

• Ficus religiosa (peepal) a sacred tree that provides dense canopy.
• Clerodendrum viscosum (hairy clerodendrum) its fragrant white flowers attract butterflies.
• Aegle marmelos (bael) valued for its fruit and medicinal bark.
• Syzygium cumini (jamun) the dark berries are a food source for birds.

1.4 Orchard and Garden Plants

The horticulture department maintains a small orchard with mango (Mangifera indica), guava (Psidium guajava) and lemon (Citrus limon) trees. Flower beds are planted with Tagetes erecta (marigold), Petunia spp., and Hibiscus rosasins. These cultivated plants enrich the campus floral palette and support a range of insects.

2. Insect Diversity

Insects on campus are both abundant and ecologically important. Their presence is clearly visible during the early morning and late afternoon, when many species become most active.

2.1 Butterflies

Because of the variety of flowering plants, the campus records over 30 butterfly species. Notable examples are:

• Common Tiger Danaus genutia; feeds on Asclepias leaves.
• Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus; often seen perched on sunny patches of grass.
• Peacock Papilio bianor; attracted to nectar of hibiscus.
• Lesser Grass Blue Zizina otis; frequents the legumerich garden beds.

2.2 Bees and Wasps

Apis cerana (Asian honey bee) builds few small hives in the shaded tree trunks. Solitary mason bees (Osmia spp.) nest in the hollow stems of Typha. Several species of predatory wasps (e.g., Vespula flaviceps) patrol the lawns, helping control caterpillar populations.

2.3 Dragonflies & Damselflies

The stream provides ideal breeding sites for Odonata. Common sightings include Libellula depressa (broad-bodied chaser) and Ischnura elegans (blue-tailed damselfly). Their larval stages are aquatic predators that keep mosquito larvae numbers low.

2.4 Other Noteworthy Insects

Grasshoppers (Oxya hyla), crickets (Gryllus spp.), and the notorious Indian stick insect (Carausius morosus) are frequently observed in the grasslands. Ant trails, especially of the black garden ant (Camponotus spp.), crisscross the paths, indicating healthy soil aeration.

3. Avian Fauna

Birdwatchers are drawn to the campus for its resident and seasonal species. The varied habitats accommodate both forestedge birds and wetland specialists.

3.1 Resident Species

• House Sparrow Passer domesticus; ubiquitous around the cafeteria.
• Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus; perches on low branches.
• Common Myna Acridotheres tristis; known for its bold behaviour.
• Redvented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer; often heard before seen.
• Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus; its call marks the onset of monsoon.

3.2 Wetland Birds

During the rainy season, the stream and its marshy banks attract:

• Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
• Whiteeyed Brown Dove Spilopelia chinensis
• SmallStork Mycteria cinerea occasionally seen foraging in shallow water.

3.3 Migratory Visitors

From September to November, the campus witnesses passage migrants such as:

• Common Whitethroat Curruca communis
• Greyheaded Canaryflycatcher Cyornis leucomela
• Wintering Cuckooshrike Cacomantis carnifex

3.4 Birdwatching Tips

Early mornings (68am) provide the best chances to hear and spot birds. A simple binocular set (842) and a field guide to Indian birds are sufficient for casual observation. Students often record sightings on a shared Google Sheet, contributing to the campuss citizenscience database.

4. Other Wildlife

Beyond plants, insects and birds, the campus supports several small vertebrates and invertebrates that add to its ecological richness.

4.1 Amphibians

Its wet zones are home to the Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) and the Common Indian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus). Their calls are a hallmark of monsoon evenings.

4.2 Reptiles

Gently sunbathing on rocks or walls, you can find:

• Common House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus
• Bronze Grass Skink Eutropis multifasciata

4.3 Small Mammals

Although rarely seen, field observations indicate the presence of Indian Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) and occasional sightings of the Southeast Asian mousedeer (Moschiola indica) skirting the campus boundary.

5. Educational & Conservation Initiatives

The college leverages its natural assets in several ways:

• Curriculum Integration Biology, Environmental Science and Geography courses include weekly fieldwork sessions on campus.
• Student Clubs The EcoExplorers club maintains a biodiversity log, organizes nightwalks, and runs a small seedbank.
• Community Outreach Annual Green Day invites local schools to explore the campuss habitats.
• Conservation Projects A small pond was restored in 2022 to support amphibian breeding; native tree saplings are planted each spring.

6. How You Can Participate

Whether you are a student, staff member, or visitor, there are simple ways to contribute to the campuss living laboratory:

1. Observe and Record Use a notebook or a phone app to note plant, insect or bird sightings. Photographs help with later identification.
2. Respect Wildlife Keep a distance from nesting birds, avoid trampling wet areas, and refrain from using pesticides in garden beds.
3. Volunteer Join the EcoExplorers club for monthly cleanup drives and treeplanting events.
4. Share Knowledge Participate in the campuss weekly Nature Talk sessions where students present short talks on a species of interest.

By engaging with the campuss natural environment, we not only enrich our academic experience but also foster a sense of stewardship for the wider ecosystems of North Bengal.

For further information, contact the Department of Botany or the Campus Wildlife Committee at wildlife@coochbeharcollege.edu.