Nagaland lies in 10th distinct bio-geographic zone in the world

April 3, 2023 43 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 3

Nagaland lies in the 10th distinct bio-geographic zone under one of the identified 18 Mega hot spot in the world with reference to threats to biodiversity.

This was stated in the Annual Administrative Report 2022-23 of the department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, tabled in the just concluded first session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima.

“It has the finest Tropical, Subtropical Evergreen forests and a unique Broad leaved Moist Temperate Forest,” the Report stated adding that the floral vegetation and fauna elements represent the transition zone of Indian, Indo Malayan and Indo Chinese bio-geographic region. Many ancient angiosperms & primitive flowering plants are present and the area is considered as a cradle of flowering plants, the report stated.

It is also the Centre of origin of some rice variety and secondary origin of citrus, chilly and maize etc, it added.

Endangered species of the state
The Report highlighted the endangered species of the state and measures taken by the government to protect them and prevent extinction The Report stated that the local population being are intricately involved with the forests for their sustenance, be it agriculture, timber, small, timber, day to day use items or medicinal plants etc.

“These forest products are also their main source of economy. Therefore, when the main stay of the people is dependent on forest, destruction of forests is imminent and thereby endangering many valuable species. Due to the primitive method/ practice of cultivation (i.e slash burning) the rich Biodiversity of the state is dwindling year by year. Most of species, both flora and fauna, appears to be endangered due to heavy biotic pressure/ interference and reckless deforestation,” the report stated.

Flora
Dipterocarpous macrocarpous (Hollong), Shorea assamica (Makai), Rodhodendron Spp. Mesua ferra (Nahar), are rare and endangered spp.

Panax gensing (Gensing) is found only in Tuensang district at higher altitude. It is endangered. Aquilaria agallocha (Agar) is also a endangered species. Rare and endangered species of Orchids available in Nagaland are as follows -Thunia 1 spp, Arundinaria graminifolia (Bamboo orchid), Renenthera (Red vanda), Rhynchostylis (fox tail), Pleoni, Phauis (ground orchid) 2 spp, Paphiopedilum 1 spp, Cymbidium tigrinum 1 spp.

The report stated that the Govt. is taking various measures for propagation conservation and protection of these spp.

Fauna
The largest Asian mammal, Elephant is endangered spp. The other endangered spps are Melurses ursinus (Sloth Bear), Prionodon pardicolor (Spotted linsang, Tiger-civet), Panthera tigris (Tiger), Macaca assamensis (Tailed Pig). The Gaur, or Indian Bison in habitats in Intangki National Park and Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and other hilly areas is facing extinction from Nagaland. The different Hornbills and Tortoise are also endangered, the report stated.

Community conservation in Nagaland
The Report stated that the conservation of common pool resources by local communities has a long history in Nagaland.
“Such conservation initiatives have been traditionally practiced in different forms with varied institutional structures,” the report stated adding that several such practices are initiated by community organization like youth organization, women groups, religious/cultural groups and village councils with the community as a spontaneous reaction to address the problems of forest/environment degradation.

Nagaland has 407 documented Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) out of which 343 Nos of CCAs, which constitute 84.3% are self-initiated and 62 Nos of CCAs (15.2%) are being initiated by Forest Department.

Floristic diversity components
Total crops cultivated- 231
Crops of Jhum fields- 105
Wild edible fruits- 248
Wild edible vegetables- 128
Wilde edible flowers- 52
Wild edible mushrooms- 58
Domesticated fruits- More than 26
Edible roots and tubers- 42
Edible seeds and nuts- 54
Medicinal plants- More than 65
Bamboo species- 57
Orchid sp. Species- More than 345
Cane species- 7
Lichens- 346
Ferns- 280
Lesser known Indigenous spices-More than 46
Indigenous local useful trees sp.- 560
Commercial timber plants- 147

Faunal diversity components
Animals & butterflies-183
Mammals-67
Aves 541 +
Amphibian-32
Fish-149
Snake- 35 +
Lizard and geckos- 6+
Mollusc (Snail)- 50
Eatable insects-78