ITANAGAR: In a major botanical discovery, the orchid Crepidium parryae which was previously sighted way back in 1926 has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh's Mishmi Hills. The discovery is a testament to the region's role in biodiversity conservation as well as reinforcing the Eastern Himalayas' reputation as a biodiversity hotspot at the global level.
The orchid, which was believed to have gone extinct, was found after two years of intense research. It has been found flourishing in the tropical evergreen forests of the Mishmi Hills at an altitude of 900 to 950 meters. The rediscovery of Crepidium parryae is a significant milestone in the history of botany and also a timely reminder of the necessity to protect the sensitive habitats of the region that are now under threat from deforestation and development processes.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 670 orchid species, underscoring the rich biodiversity of the state and the need for more stringent conservation efforts to safeguard such rare and threatened flora. The return of Crepidium parryae not only emphasizes the unique and largely unexplored flora of the Eastern Himalayas but also points to the critical importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
As researchers continue to investigate this region full of bio-diversity, the rediscovery of such a species is an important reminder of the ecological riches that still need to be discovered and conserved.
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