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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Science
- 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
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
70 orchid species documented in Assam's Kaziranga National Park
Guwahati: 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. KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that in the recent efforts for systematic documentation of Kaziranga's rich floristic and faunal assemblages, a rapid survey on orchids has revealed interesting results, with the visual survey reporting new records, especially for grassland and woodland areas. She said that 70 orchid species across 36 genera within Kaziranga, of which 46 species are epiphytes and 24 are terrestrial, have been recorded in the study. According to the official orchids like Acanthophippiumsylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermanniabimaculata, Bulbophyllumornatissimum, Cleisostomaappendiculatum, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophiakamarupa, Peristylusconstrictus, Phalaenopsis mannii, Zeuxinemembranacea etc. have been recorded in the survey. Led by Khyanjeet Gogoi, a renowned orchid conservationist and Range officers of Bagori, Bibit Dihingia and Kohora Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, the visual survey reported new records, especially for grassland and woodland areas, Ghosh said. She said that terrestrial orchids such as Eulophiadabia, Zeuxinelindleyana, and Nervilia Juliana thrive in the grasslands along the river banks, while others like Acanthephippium striatum and Hetaeriaaffinis flourish on the dense forest floor. Notably, species like Biermanniabimaculata, Eulophiakamarupa, and Zeuxinelindleyana are endemic to India, while Bulbophyllumornatissimum and Erythrodesblumei, Eulophiakamarupa and Zeuxinemembranacea are considered rare in Assam. KNPTR Director said that the orchid survey was preceded by a unique conservation outreach program that focused on familiarising local students with the orchid and butterfly diversity in the landscape. The Orchid and Butterfly Walk, held on April 18 and 19 in Panbari, welcomed over 50 enthusiastic students from various schools and colleges in the region. During this event, three brochures highlighting the birds of Panbari, butterflies of Kaziranga and Orchids of Kaziranga were released. These informative brochures aim to enhance awareness and appreciation of the rich biodiversity found in this region, the official said. Participants enjoyed guided safaris in Panbari, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the park while observing orchids and butterflies along the vibrant flora and fauna. Expert talks on orchids and butterflies were delivered by renowned speakers Khyanjeet Gogoi and Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who shared their extensive knowledge and passion. Assam's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in a social media post said: 'Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve just got even more amazing! A recent survey has 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 minister said. The KNPTR comprises three forest divisions -- the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat; the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, Biswanath Chariali; and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, Nagaon. Home to a remarkable population of the "Big Five," it comprises 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as of the 2022 census, 104 Bengal Tigers in 2022, 1,228 Asian Elephants in 2024, 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos in 2022, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also recorded in 2022.
