Kaziranga's orchid wealth: New botanical survey records 70 species across 36 genera
1
2
Guwahati: A recent
orchid survey
in
Kaziranga National Park
and Tiger Reserve revealed significant findings, marking a shift from animal-centric to botanical research. The assessment documented 70 distinct
orchid species
across 36 genera, positioning it as a leading orchid conservation location in northeast India.
This botanical finding augments Kaziranga's established status, previously known primarily for its wildlife diversity. The research results demonstrate the effectiveness of preservation efforts while highlighting the park's function in safeguarding both flora and fauna diversity.
State environment, forest & climate change minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said in a social media post, "Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve just got even more amazing! A recent survey revealed 70 species of orchids across 36 genera — making it one of the richest orchid collections in Northeast India. This vibrant floral discovery adds a new layer to Kaziranga's already iconic wildlife. A true testament to the park's thriving biodiversity and unwavering conservation efforts!"
The systematic documentation of Kaziranga's floristic and faunal assemblages produced noteworthy results.
The survey team, headed by orchid conservationist Khyanjeet Gogoi and range officers Bibit Dihingia (Bagori) and Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi (Kohora), conducted a visual survey and reported new records, especially for grassland and woodland areas.
The survey recorded 70 orchid species across 36 genera, comprising 46 species that are epiphytes and 24 that are terrestrial species. Notable discoveries include Acanthophippium sylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermannia bimaculata, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, Cleisostoma appendiculatum, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophia kamarupa, Peristylus constrictus, Phalaenopsis mannii, and Zeuxine membranacea.
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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
70 orchid species recorded in Kaziranga National Park survey; more reasons to visit now
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, best known for its one-horned rhinos, has revealed another facet of its biodiversity—orchids. In a recent botanical survey, 70 species of orchids across 36 genera were documented in the park, turning the spotlight onto the floral wealth of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study led by orchid conservator Khyanjeet Gogoi oversaw the survey, along with forest officers Bibit Dihingia and Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi. Reports add that both the central and western ranges of the park were included in the study, which was mostly carried out via visual identification across a variety of habitats. The Panbari Reserve Forest produced 39 of the 70 species that were observed, making it a notable hotspot. Read more: 5 Buddhist sites in Andhra that feel like time travel Among the orchids found, 46 are epiphytes—plants that grow on other plants—and 24 are terrestrial, rooted in the soil. Some of the rare and significant species include Zeuxine membranacea, Bulbophyllumornatissimum, Phalaenopsis mannii, and Eulophia kamarupa, which is endemic to India. Others like Biermannia bimaculata and Zeuxine lindleyana also added to the ecological significance of the findings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이미지 영어에 대해서 40분만에 알려드립니다 스티븐영어 지금 시작하기 Undo Guwahati, May 15 (IANS) In a recent survey, conducted in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), a UNESCO World Heritage site, 70 orchid species across 36 genera were documented, officials said here on Thursday. To promote awareness and appreciation of this botanical diversity, the park hosted an 'Orchid and Butterfly Walk' on April 18 and 19 in Panbari. More than 50 students from nearby institutions and schools took part, who learned more about the butterflies and orchids of the area. During the ceremony, educational pamphlets about Panbari's orchids, butterflies, and birds were also distributed. Read more: Top 10 national parks in India ranked by tiger population According to officials, this discovery marks a shift in the perception of Kaziranga's natural resources. Even though the park's well-known creatures, such the rhino, are often featured in the media, the variety of orchid species shows how important it is to preserve its plant life as well. These findings raise Kaziranga's biodiversity profile and pave the way for additional ecological and conservation-based tourism initiatives. The abundance of orchids in Kaziranga demonstrated that an ecosystem's health can be determined by both the diversity of its flora and megafauna. These exquisite blooms will inspire a more comprehensive approach to wildlife preservation with renewed enthusiasm and targeted conservation activities. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Kaziranga's orchid wealth: New botanical survey records 70 species across 36 genera
1 2 Guwahati: A recent orchid survey in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve revealed significant findings, marking a shift from animal-centric to botanical research. The assessment documented 70 distinct orchid species across 36 genera, positioning it as a leading orchid conservation location in northeast India. This botanical finding augments Kaziranga's established status, previously known primarily for its wildlife diversity. The research results demonstrate the effectiveness of preservation efforts while highlighting the park's function in safeguarding both flora and fauna diversity. State environment, forest & climate change minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said in a social media post, "Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve just got even more amazing! A recent survey revealed 70 species of orchids across 36 genera — making it one of the richest orchid collections in Northeast India. This vibrant floral discovery adds a new layer to Kaziranga's already iconic wildlife. A true testament to the park's thriving biodiversity and unwavering conservation efforts!" The systematic documentation of Kaziranga's floristic and faunal assemblages produced noteworthy results. The survey team, headed by orchid conservationist Khyanjeet Gogoi and range officers Bibit Dihingia (Bagori) and Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi (Kohora), conducted a visual survey and reported new records, especially for grassland and woodland areas. The survey recorded 70 orchid species across 36 genera, comprising 46 species that are epiphytes and 24 that are terrestrial species. Notable discoveries include Acanthophippium sylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermannia bimaculata, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, Cleisostoma appendiculatum, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophia kamarupa, Peristylus constrictus, Phalaenopsis mannii, and Zeuxine membranacea.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- The Hindu
70 orchid species recorded in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
Assam'sKaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the safest home of the one-horned rhino on Earth, sports at least 70 species of orchids. Officials of the UNESCO World Heritage Site said on Thursday (May 15, 2025) these species across 36 genera were documented during a rapid survey conducted in the 1,302 sq. km protected area. Of these 79 species, 46 are epiphytes and 24 are terrestrial. An epiphyte is a non-parasitic plant that grows on another plant. Sonali Ghosh, the director of the tiger reserve, said the survey was an outcome of recent efforts for systematic documentation of Kaziranga's floral and faunal assemblages. 'The survey yielded new records, especially for grasslands and woodlands,' she said. The bulk of these orchids (39 species) was recorded from the Panbari Reserve Forest within the tiger reserve. Terrestrial orchids, such as Eulophia dabia, Zeuxine lindleyana, and Nervilia Juliana, were found along the riverbanks in the grasslands, while others like Acanthephippium striatum and Hetaeria affinis were recorded from the dense forest floor. Among the species endemic to India are Biermannia bimaculata, Eulophia kamarupa, and Zeuxine lindleyana. The Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, Erythrodes blumei, Eulophia kamarupa, and Zeuxine membranacea are considered rare in Assam. The survey was led by Khyanjeet Gogoi, an orchid conservationist and two Kaziranga range officers – Bibit Dihingia of the Bagori Range and Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi of Kohora Range. Ms Ghosh said the orchid survey was preceded by a unique conservation outreach programme focused on familiarising local students with the orchid and butterfly diversity in the Kaziranga landscape. During the event with the students, three brochures highlighting the birds of Panbari and the butterflies and orchids of Kaziranga were released to raise awareness and appreciation of the region's rich biodiversity. Assam's Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, said the orchid discovery has added a new layer to Kaziranga's iconic wildlife. Kaziranga has an estimated 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, 104 tigers, 1,228 Asian elephants, 2,565 wild water buffaloes, and 1,129 eastern swamp deer. The censuses for these 'Big Five' animals were conducted between 2022 and 2024.
