International Science Community Association Research Journal of Animal, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences 14 1 2026 05 24 Effect of increasing Deforestation on Biodiversity in old Shahabad district of Bihar, India 10 12 EN Hande Gayatri 1 Department of Zoology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati- 444 603, MS India Tekode Rohit 2 Department of Zoology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati- 444 603, MS India Priyamvada Kumari 1 Department of Zoology, V.K.S.U., Arrah, Bihar, India Sharma Sunita Kumari 2 L.N. College Bhagwanpur, Vaishali, Bihar, India Kumar Abhay 1 Department of Zoology, V.K.S.U., Arrah, Bihar, India Sharma Sunita Kumari 2 L.N. College Bhagwanpur, Vaishali, Bihar, India > Short Communication 2026 3 10 2026 05 24 Old Shahabad district now divided into Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, and Kaimur historically featured patches of mixed deciduous forests, riverine habitats, and grasslands supporting diverse flora and fauna. Over the past two decades, rapid population growth, expansion of agricultural land, and increasing demand for timber and fuel wood have accelerated deforestation in the region. This article examines how deforestation trends from 2000 to 2020 have affected biodiversity focusing on changes in forest cover, species richness, and habitat fragmentation. Drawing on satellite‐derived land‐use data, village-level forest-dependency surveys, and field inventories conducted in 2019-20, we document declines in tree species density 28 %, avian species richness 22 %, and mammalian sightings 18 % over the last ten years. The conversion of approximately 12 % of remaining forest to cropland between 2010 and 2020 has led to habitat loss for at least 35 locally threatened plant and animal species. We also explore socio‐economic drivers behind deforestation, such as land tenure insecurity and weak enforcement of forest protection laws. Finally, we suggest a multi‐pronged management approach integrating community managed woodlots, agro forestry, and restoration of riparian corridors to mitigate biodiversity loss and sustain ecosystem services in Old Shahabad. Copyright@ International Science Community Association