Kaziranga’s Floral Treasure: 70 Orchid Species Discovered in Assam’s Iconic National Park

Blossoms Amidst the Wild: The Orchid Survey

The survey, led by orchid conservationist Khyanjeet Gogoi along with range officers Bibit Dihingia (Bagori) and Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi (Kohora), employed visual documentation methods to explore Kaziranga's diverse habitats, including grasslands and woodlands. Their efforts unveiled a plethora of orchid species, both epiphytic (46 species) and terrestrial (24 species), thriving in the park's unique ecosystems.

• 46 epiphytic species: These orchids grow on other plants, using them for support but not drawing nutrients from them.
• 24 terrestrial species: These orchids grow on the ground, with their roots in the soil.

Noteworthy Discoveries: Rare and Endemic Orchids

Among the documented species, several stand out due to their rarity and endemic nature:

• Acanthophippium sylhetense
• Aerides odorata
• Biermannia bimaculata
• Bulbophyllum ornatissimum
• Cleisostoma appendiculatum
• Dendrobium jenkinsii
• Eulophia kamarupa
• Peristylus constrictus
• Phalaenopsis mannii
• Zeuxine membranacea

Notably, species like Biermannia bimaculata, Eulophia kamarupa, and Zeuxine lindleyana are endemic to India, while Bulbophyllum ornatissimum and Erythrodes blumei are considered rare in Assam.

More than just Rhinos: Kaziranga's Floral Canvas

Kaziranga National Park is not only about wildlife, it’s also a canvas of untouched wilderness, complemented by the vibrant blooms of spring at the nearby National Orchid and Biodiversity Park. The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park is home to over 500 varieties of wild orchids, showcasing Assam's botanical diversity. The park also features:

• 200 varieties of paddy
• Medicinal plants, which are fast becoming extinct
• Various types of local flowers and fruits
• A photo gallery of 500 orchids
• A greenhouse
• Lakes with boating and angling facilities
• Small treehouses

Panbari Reserve Forest: A Biodiversity Hotspot

The Panbari Reserve Forest, part of the broader Kaziranga ecosystem, emerged as a significant hotspot during the survey, with 39 of the documented orchid species found in this area alone. This, underscores the importance of preserving such microhabitats that harbor rich biodiversity.

Engaging the Community: Conservation Through Education

• Prior to the survey, KNPTR organized a unique conservation outreach program titled the Orchid and Butterfly Walk on April 18 and 19 in Panbari.
• The event welcomed over 50 students from various schools and colleges, aiming to familiarize them with the region's orchid and butterfly diversity.
• During the event, informative brochures on the birds of Panbari, butterflies of Kaziranga, and orchids of Kaziranga were released, enhancing awareness and appreciation of the park's rich biodiversity.

A Legacy of Conservation: Protecting Floral Heritage

The Kaziranga Orchid Park has been established with two major intentions:

• To preserve the great varieties of orchids.
• To create awareness among the general public about this wonderful creation of nature.

The park is a window to the fact that Assam and other northeastern states are hot spots of rare biodiversity and should be protected and preserved.

Kaziranga National Park's orchid diversity is a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts. The park serves as a vital refuge for these exquisite flowers, offering a glimpse into the hidden floral treasures of Assam. This groundbreaking survey not only enriches our understanding of Kaziranga's ecological wealth but also emphasizes the importance of holistic conservation approaches that value both fauna and flora. Therefore, the park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to explore the diverse beauty of Northeast India.

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