International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Environmental Sciences 2319-1414 9 4 2020 10 22 Diversity and importance of the genus Ficus L. from an urban forest: The case study of Fergusson College Campus, Pune, India 74 79 EN K.M. Harishma 1 Division of Forest Botany, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi 680 653, Kerala, India S. Sandeep 2 Division of Forest Botany, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi 680 653, Kerala, India V.B. Sreekumar 3 Division of Soil Science, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi 680 653, Kerala, India Gwambene Brown 1 Marian University College, Bagamoyo, Tanzania Opiyo Stephen Balaka 1 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Kisii University, P.O Box 408-40200, Kisii, Kenya Osunbitan J.A. 1 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria Akinyele O.A. 2 Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria Chandanshive Navnath E. 1 Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra, India Khandagale Tushar 2 Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra, India Burade Dimpal 3 Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra, India Wandre Sayali 4 Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra, India Shinde Prajakta 5 Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra, India C.I. Akagha 1 Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria A.U. Nkwoada 2 Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria C.F. Nnadozie 3 Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria Ahirwar J. R. 1 Department of Botany, Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad, Govt. P.G. College Niwari M.P, India . Salahuddin 1 PDM University, Bahadurgarh, Haryana, India CHOUTI Waris Kéwouyèmi 1 Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry and Environment (LACIE), Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi, BP: 4521 Cotonou Benin HOUNKANRIN Francois 2 Laboratory of Applied Hydrology (LHA), National Institute of Water (INE), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526 Cotonou Benin ADANDEDJI Firmin M. 3 Laboratory of Applied Hydrology (LHA), National Institute of Water (INE), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526 Cotonou Benin MAMA Daouda 4 Laboratory of Applied Hydrology (LHA), National Institute of Water (INE), University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP: 526 Cotonou Benin Mahajan Minakshi 1 Department of Botany, Fergusson College, Pune-411004, India Das Snehangshu 2 Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416004, India Mahajan Minakshi 1 Department of Botany, Fergusson College, Pune-411004, India Das Snehangshu 2 Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416004, India > Case Study 2020 4 9 2020 10 22 Urban forests are composed of diversified tree species ranging from invasive to indigenous ones. Ficus species in an urban environment plays a massive role in providing various ecosystem services. Earlier studies in pristine forest ecosystems have already proved the importance of Ficus trees in nature. Most frugivorous avian and chiropteran species depend on the fleshy fig fruits as they provide them with a balanced diet. A diversified group of animal ranging from aves (domestic pigeons, parrots, koel and many more) to an advanced class of mammals (frugivorous bats, insectivorous bats, squirrels, mongoose and many more) depend on the substantial numbers of Ficus species population for nourishment supply and habitation (nesting, settling, roosting, perching and many more) in an urban forest. Ficus benghalensis has recorded the most visitors by chiropterans and avian species in the current study. The present work throws light on the diversity of Ficus species from an urban surrounding and their interactions with animals. Hence, this data will prove to be instrumental in selecting plant species for afforestation drives in a city, which will boost the conservation of urban biodiversity. Copyright@ International Science Community Association