Research Article | Published: 30 October 2024

Diversity, distribution and population trend of endemic orchids of the Indian Himalayan Region

Himani Tiwari, Aseesh Pandey, K. Chandra Sekar and Dhani Arya

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 31 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 161-166 | 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2024-7D3LO7 | Cite this article

Abstract

Orchidaceae is ecologically sensitive and morphologically diverse angiospermic family of the plant kingdom. The present study investigates the diversity and distribution patterns of endemic orchids of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Total 115 endemic orchid taxa (114 species; 1 variety) were recorded from IHR. Endemic orchid richness was found maximum in Arunachal Pradesh (49), followed by Sikkim (26), and Meghalaya (21). Bulbophyllum (13) emerged as the most dominant genera followed by Dendrobium (11). Along the elevation gradient a monotonic decline was observed towards higher elevation and maximum (56%) endemic orchids were recorded from lower (100-1000 m asl) elevations, however only 5% species were recorded above 3500m asl. Total 20 species have been listed under IUCN threat categories viz., Critically Endangered (16), and Endangered (4). Overall, the population trend of threatened orchids is decreasing and recorded stable for only one species. Shifting agriculture, unscientific collection, cutting of host trees and road construction/widening are among the major threats recorded for Himalayan orchids. The study recommends in-situ and ex-situ conservation of these species along with intensive field explorations to identify more habitats/populations of endemic orchids across IHR.

Keywords

Conservation, Diversity, IUCN, Orchidaceae, Threatened

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How to cite

Tiwari, H., Pandey, A., Chandra Sekar, K. and Arya, D., 2024. Diversity, distribution and population trend of endemic orchids of the Indian Himalayan Region. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 31(3), pp.161-166. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2024-7D3LO7

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 01 October 2024

Manuscript Revised on 22 October 2024

Manuscript Accepted on 25 October 2024

Manuscript Published on 30 October 2024

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