How Many Orchid Species Have Been Documented in Assam's Kaziranga National Park?

Guwahati, May 15 (NationPress) A recent exploration in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has unveiled an impressive catalog of 70 orchid species across 36 genera, according to officials on Thursday.

KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh stated that this recent systematic cataloging of Kaziranga's diverse flora and fauna has yielded fascinating insights, particularly from visual surveys that highlighted new findings in both grassland and woodland environments.

Out of the documented species, 46 are epiphytes and 24 are terrestrial orchids, showcasing the rich diversity present in Kaziranga. Noteworthy orchids like Acanthophippium sylhetense, Aerides odorata, Biermanniabimaculata, Bulbophyllumornatissimum, Cleisostoma appendiculatum, Dendrobium jenkinsii, Eulophiakamarupa, Peristylus constrictus, Phalaenopsis mannii, and Zeuxinemembranacea were all recorded.

Under the leadership of Khyanjeet Gogoi, a noted conservationist, alongside Range Officers Bagori, Bibit Dihingia, and Kohora Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, this visual survey documented particularly exciting discoveries in grassland and forest regions, Ghosh noted.

Terrestrial orchids such as Eulophiadabia, Zeuxinelindleyana, and Nervilia Juliana flourish in the grasslands along riverbanks, while others like Acanthephippium striatum and Hetaeria affinis thrive on the forest floor.

Significantly, species like Biermanniabimaculata, Eulophiakamarupa, and Zeuxinelindleyana are endemic to India, with Bulbophyllumornatissimum and Erythrodes blumei, Eulophiakamarupa, and Zeuxinemembranacea classified as rare in Assam.

According to the KNPTR Director, this orchid survey was part of a unique outreach initiative designed to educate local students about the diversity of orchids and butterflies in their environment.

The Orchid and Butterfly Walk, held on April 18 and 19 in Panbari, attracted over 50 enthusiastic students from various educational institutions in the area. During this event, three informative brochures were launched, focusing on the birds of Panbari, butterflies of Kaziranga, and the orchids of Kaziranga, intending to boost awareness and appreciation for the region's rich biodiversity.

Participants enjoyed guided safaris in Panbari, immersing themselves in the park's natural splendor while observing orchids and butterflies amidst the vibrant flora and fauna.

Expert discussions on orchids and butterflies were presented by esteemed speakers Khyanjeet Gogoi and Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who imparted their expertise and passion for these natural wonders.

In a social media post, Assam's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary remarked: “Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve has just become even more incredible! A recent survey has documented 70 orchid species across 36 genera, establishing it as one of the richest orchid collections in northeast India.

This vibrant floral discovery adds another dimension to Kaziranga's already iconic wildlife, a true testament to the park’s flourishing biodiversity and steadfast conservation efforts!”

The KNPTR encompasses 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, the park boasts 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses as of the 2022 census, along with 104 Bengal Tigers, 1,228 Asian Elephants, 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer, all recorded in 2022.