In recent years, epiphytic orchids found in the Dooars and Darjeeling hills known for their beauty, fragrance and medicinal properties are dying out because of deforestation in their natural habitat. In this article, you can learn more about the wild orchids of North Bengal, a topic important for the IAS exam environment and ecology segment.
Wild Orchids of North Bengal
- Darjeeling Hills is a popular tourist destination known for the wild orchids in the region which also contribute to its charm and biodiversity.
- Over 300 species of orchids are found in the region, but they are facing a rapid decline.
- Epiphytic orchids, dependent on trees for survival, are the most endangered.
- Orchid-laden trees being felled for highway construction exacerbates the problem.
Reasons for the rapid decline:
- Habitat loss caused by illegal logging and development.
- Land clearing for roads, farming and housing are the key drivers of biodiversity loss for Orchids.
Importance of Orchids
- Orchids act as natural gauges of air quality, as they don’t thrive in polluted air.
- They attract pollinators like bees, aiding cross-pollination.
- Caterpillars depend on orchids for food, ensuring the survival and growth of insects.
- Medicinal Value and Herbal Healing
- Orchids are used by indigenous communities for traditional medicine.
- The Oraon and Kharia tribes rely on wild flora and fauna, including orchids, to make their own medicines to treat a range of diseases.
- Epiphytic orchids contribute to the value chain of herbal healing.
Conservation Efforts
- Ashish Kumar Roy, a botany teacher, has dedicated himself to saving orchids.
- He transplants orchids on trees with thick trunks like mango, jackfruit, and teak.
- Other trees like Shisham, Sal, Kadam, and Betelnut also become orchid hosts.
- Roy’s research explores the symbiotic relationship between indigenous people and orchids.
- Other Awareness and Rehabilitation Efforts
- Lack of awareness about the importance of orchids hindered rehabilitation efforts.
- Efforts to rehabilitate orchids involve transplanting them onto suitable host trees.
- Individuals like Jogesh Mandal and Roy’s students actively participate in replanting orchids.
- Conservation efforts, rewilding initiatives, and public awareness are crucial for their preservation.
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