India
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Munger banyan tree dated at 700 years using radiocarbon
Hindustan Times··4 Jul
Scientists have identified a banyan tree in Munger, Bihar, as the oldest accurately dated banyan in the country at around 700 years, using high-precision radiocarbon dating of alpha-cellulose from the tree's pith. The study published in Quaternary Research was led by Birbal Sahni Institute researchers. The Bihar forest department is initiating heritage tree status for the ITC campus tree.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Heritage tree designation may restrict development near the Munger site.
- Scientific dating methods can protect ancient ecological assets nationwide.
- Conservation plans may involve local communities and forest department oversight.
What's Happening
- Researchers dated the Munger banyan at approximately 700 years.
- The study was published in Quaternary Research journal.
- Bihar forest department is initiating heritage tree recognition.
Scientific Context
- BSIP Lucknow scientists developed radiocarbon dating for Ficus species.
- A 2022 biodiversity survey identified the tree for study.
- Age was established through laboratory analysis not folklore.
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