Biodiversity and conservation of rhododendrons in Arunachal Pradesh in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

摘要

India is one of the 12 mega diversity countries in the world having two hotspots, i.e. the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas, based on species rarity and endemism. Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalaya is among the 200 globally important ecoregions. The state harbours nearly 50% of the total flowering plant species in India. Rhododendrons form the dominating species all along the cool temperate, subalpine and alpine zones in the Arunachal Himalaya. Rhododendron is one of the largest genus of the Ericaceae family, occurring in the higher altitudes having ecological significance and economic importance in addition to its graceful flowers. Approximately 98% of the Indian species is found in the Himalayan region, among which 85% is found in the Arunachal Himalaya. It has aesthetic, sacred, aromatic, medicinal and fuelwood values. Due to human interference, the natural populations of rhododendrons in the Arunachal Himalaya are gradually diminishing. Major threats to rhododendrons in western Arunachal Pradesh are deforestation and unsustainable extraction of firewood by the local people. Rhododendrons, which are classified as rare, endangered and threatened, may be wiped out in the near future from the biota, if proper management and conservation initiatives are not taken up. Various in situ as well as ex situ measures like establishment of arboreta, sanctuaries, parks and reserve forests, protected areas through community management, botanical gardens and in vitro research procedures are prescribed to conserve this species for posterity. Moreover, awareness and participation of and by the people is warranted for successful conservation..