Guwahati, May 16: A rapid biodiversity survey conducted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has documented 70 species of orchids across 36 genera, placing the UNESCO World Heritage Site among the richest orchid habitats in Northeast India.
The survey, aimed at systematically recording the park’s floral wealth, was led by noted orchid conservationist Khyanjeet Gogoi in collaboration with forest officials from the Bagori and Kohora ranges.
According to Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of the park, the survey revealed 46 epiphytic and 24 terrestrial orchid species. Notable entries include rare and endemic orchids such as Eulophia kamarupa, Zeuxine lindleyana, and Biermannia bimaculata, along with species like Aerides odorata, Bulbophyllum ornatissimum, and Phalaenopsis mannii.
Dr Ghosh highlighted that orchids like Eulophia dabia and Nervilia juliana flourish in the riverbank grasslands, while Acanthephippium striatum and Hetaeria affinis thrive in dense forest zones.
Ahead of the survey, a conservation outreach event titled “Orchid and Butterfly Walk” was held in Panbari on April 18 and 19. The programme engaged over 50 students from local institutions and featured expert talks by Khyanjeet Gogoi and Dr Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi. Informational brochures on Kaziranga’s birds, butterflies, and orchids were also released to promote awareness.
Assam Forest Minister shared the development on social media, stating that the discovery reinforces Kaziranga’s ecological significance and ongoing conservation efforts.
