{
  "id": 2520036,
  "title": "Assam elephant habitat recovery hope rides on biochar from invasive plants",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/assam-elephant-habitat-recovery-hope-rides-on-biochar-from-invasive",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-22T06:42:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/assam-elephant-habitat-recovery-hope-rides-on-biochar-from-invasive-plants/article71376729.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Assam, a project aims to enhance an elephant habitat by converting invasive alien plants (IAPs) into a valuable carbon-rich resource called biochar. These IAPs – Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Mikania micrantha – have been encroaching on local vegetation, limiting the food options for herbivores such as elephants. The two-hectare project site, located in the Khalingduar Reserve Forest under the Dhansiri Forest Division of Udalguri district, borders Bhutan.\n\nAaranyak, a Guwahati-based biodiversity conservation organization, is the driving force behind this International Elephant Foundation-supported initiative. The project focuses on native vegetation recovery through targeted IAP management, seed-ball-assisted regeneration, and converting cleared biomass into biochar. The biochar, a byproduct of thermal processing organic waste under controlled conditions, offers a stable, carbon-rich substance that can significantly improve soil properties.\n\nThe five-member team conducting field operations believes the targeted IAP management, combined with biochar application, will allow native grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees to thrive once more. This, in turn, will provide a diverse forage base for elephants and other herbivores. The team will closely monitor the project area for any IAP resurgence or changes in regeneration, ready to intervene if necessary to maintain the progress made in restoring native vegetation.",
  "summary": "A two-hectare area in Udalguri district’s Khalingduar Reserve Forest has been selected for the project supported by the International Elephant Foundation",
  "key_points": [
    "Assam project converts invasive plants into biochar to restore elephant habitat.",
    "Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Mikania micrantha threaten native vegetation.",
    "Biochar improves soil properties, promoting native grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This project signals a dual gain for elephant habitats in Assam, as it not only restores native vegetation but also turns invasive plants into a valuable resource that improves soil quality.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
        "title": "Assam elephant habitat recovery hope rides on biochar from invasive plants",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/assam-elephant-habitat-recovery-hope-rides-on-biochar-from-invasive-2520600",
        "published": "2026-08-22T06:42:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}