Native Orchids of Northeastern India and their Conservation

Arun Kr. Yadav

Abstract:

Northeastern India is recognized as one of the most important biogeographic regions of the world due to its exceptional floral diversity and high degree of endemism. Among flowering plants orchids represent one of the most diverse and ecologically significant groups in the region. The varied physiography ranging from tropical plains to alpine mountains coupled with high rainfall and humid climate provides ideal habitats for terrestrial epiphytic and lithophytic orchid species. Indigenous orchids of Northeastern India play crucial roles in forest ecosystems while also holding immense ornamental medicinal cultural and economic value. However rapid habitat degradation climate variability overexploitation and weak conservation implementation have placed many native orchid species under serious threat. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity distribution and ecological significance of indigenous orchid species of Northeastern India and critically examines their present conservation status and challenges. The article further discusses existing conservation approaches identifies gaps and proposes strategies for sustainable management and long-term conservation of orchid genetic resources in the region.