Rio urges stronger conservation efforts as Nagaland faces growing biodiversity threats, habitat pressure and declining endangered wildlife populations
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KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for stronger conservation efforts to protect Nagaland’s biodiversity, warning of growing pressure on ecosystems despite the state being part of one of the world’s recognised biodiversity hotspots.
In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, Rio said Nagaland’s biodiversity continues to sustain the people, culture and way of life of the state and stressed the need to safeguard its natural heritage.
“On International Day for Biological Diversity, we celebrate Nagaland’s rich biodiversity & ecosystems that sustain our people, culture, & way of life. As part of one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, we must strengthen efforts to protect our natural heritage,” Rio wrote on his official social media platform.
Highlighting Nagaland’s biodiversity profile, the chief minister said the state falls within a unique bio-geographic zone and is recognised for its rich but threatened biodiversity.
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According to the biodiversity data shared, Nagaland has documented 1,231 cultivated crop species, including 105 crops grown in jhum fields. The state has also recorded 248 species of wild edible fruits, 128 wild edible vegetables, 52 edible flowers, 58 edible mushrooms, 42 edible roots and tubers, and 54 edible seeds and nuts.
The biodiversity inventory further lists 656 medicinal plant species, 57 bamboo species, 345 orchid species, seven cane species, 346 lichens, 280 fern species, 46 lesser-known indigenous species, 560 indigenous useful species and 147 commercial timber plants.
The state’s faunal diversity includes 183 species of animals and butterflies, 67 mammal species, more than 541 avian species, 32 amphibian species, 149 fish species, over 35 snake species, more than six species of lizards and geckos, 50 mollusc species and 78 edible insect species.
The data also identified several rare and endangered species found in Nagaland.
Among plant species listed as rare and endangered are Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Makai (Shorea assamica), rhododendron species and Nahar (Mesua ferrea). Panax ginseng (ginseng), found only in Tuensang district at higher altitude, and Aquilaria agallocha (agar) were also listed as endangered species.
Rare and endangered orchid species recorded in Nagaland include Thunia spp., Arundina graminifolia (bamboo orchid), Renanthera (red vanda), Rhynchostylis (fox tail orchid), Pleione, Phaius (ground orchid), Paphiopedilum and Cymbidium tigrinum.
Among the fauna recorded, the Asian elephant, the largest Asian mammal, was listed as an endangered species.
Other endangered species highlighted include Melursus ursinus (sloth bear), Prionodon pardicolor (spotted linsang/tiger civet), Panthera tigris (tiger), and Macaca assamensis (Assamese macaque).
The biodiversity profile also noted concern over the declining presence of gaur, or Indian bison, in habitats including Intangki National Park and Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, while hornbill species and tortoises were also listed among threatened fauna in the state.