Assam: Study documents 11 orchid species in Duwarmara reserve forest, raises conservation concerns
Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: A scientific study conducted in Assam’s Tinsukia district has documented the fragile state of orchid diversity in the Duwarmara Reserve Forest, while warning of mounting environmental threats to the region’s unique ecosystem.
Published on April 30, the research, titled Assessment of Species Diversity and Distribution Pattern for Different Species of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) in Duwarmara Reserve Forest of Assam, India, was authored by botanists Dipika Rajput and Khyanjeet Gogoi.
Conducted between 2021 and 2022, the study used scientific methods including line transect surveys and biodiversity indices to assess orchid distribution in the reserve forest located around 14 km southwest of Doomdooma.
Researchers identified 11 species of Dendrobium orchids growing across four host plant species, marking the first comprehensive documentation of these orchids in the forest.
The findings revealed that most species were rare and unevenly distributed, with only a few species such as Dendrobium aphyllum, Dendrobium fimbriatum and Dendrobium moschatum showing wider adaptability.
According to the researchers, the forest exhibits moderate orchid diversity but also signs of ecological imbalance influenced by microclimatic conditions, host tree availability and habitat structure.
The study also highlighted growing threats to the ecosystem, including deforestation, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and illegal orchid collection and smuggling. Researchers further noted that pesticide use in nearby tea gardens could be contributing to the decline in orchid diversity.
Despite its relatively small size, the Duwarmara Reserve Forest was found to be a rich but vulnerable orchid habitat, underscoring the need for urgent conservation measures.
The researchers said the absence of prior scientific documentation makes the study an important baseline for future biodiversity monitoring and policy intervention.
The study warned that without immediate conservation efforts and sustainable practices, Assam’s orchid heritage could face irreversible loss.