What are the possibilities or the initial research works to start in an area (forest) which has not been researched or worked in before except for Biodiversity data list?
The possibilities are endless and will depend on your research interest and background, if you narrowed down the scope and focus it might be an easier question to answer.
Andrew Paul McKenzie Pegman thank you so much for the suggestions. Carl Alexander Frisk I am working on biodiversity of the area such as Primates, Vegetation cover, Butterflies, birds etc but trying to figure out what should be my next step in any of the mentioned interests.
If you are starting research in a forest area that has not been extensively researched before, there are several initial research works that you can consider:
Baseline Biodiversity Assessment: One of the first things you could do is conduct a detailed baseline biodiversity assessment, building on the existing biodiversity data list. This could include surveys of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their interactions and relationships within the ecosystem. This can help establish a foundation for future research in the area.
Habitat Assessment: You could also conduct a detailed assessment of the different habitats in the forest, including their characteristics, distribution, and ecological function. This could provide insights into the factors that influence the distribution and abundance of different species and help identify areas of conservation importance.
Soil Analysis: Conducting soil analysis could also provide valuable information about the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the forest ecosystem, including nutrient cycles, soil biodiversity, and carbon sequestration potential.
Forest Dynamics and Succession: Studying forest dynamics and succession could provide insights into the ecological processes that shape the forest ecosystem over time, including changes in species composition, structure, and function. This could also help identify the impact of environmental factors such as climate change, forest fragmentation, and human activities on the forest ecosystem.
Indigenous Knowledge and Practices: Finally, it is important to recognize and respect the knowledge and practices of the Indigenous communities that may have lived in or near the forest area for generations. Working with local communities to integrate traditional knowledge and practices into your research can help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the forest ecosystem and its value to local communities.