WILD ORCHIDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)
Context: A local resident from Ambalavayal village in Wayanad district, Kerala, has embarked on a mission to protect wild orchids in the Western Ghats.
Wild Orchids
- About: These are a diverse group of flowering plants with vibrant and intricate flowers, belonging to the family Orchidaceae.
- Habitat: Orchids thrive in tropical rainforests, mountains, and even deserts.
- Distribution: Northeast India is known for its orchid diversity. Arunachal Pradesh has more than 600 recorded species of orchids and is also home to India’s first orchid sanctuary, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.
oThe Western Ghats are known for their high orchid endemism. Of the 388 orchid species that are endemic to India, 123 are found in the Western Ghats, and 41 are endemic specifically to the northern Western Ghats region.
- Types of Orchids:
oEpiphytic Orchids: They grow on other plants or rock surfaces for physical support, drawing moisture and nutrients from the air, not the host.
oTerrestrial Orchids: They grow on land and climbers, and are predominantly found in temperate and alpine regions.
oMycoheterotrophic Orchids: They derive nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi attached to the roots of a vascular plant.
- Protection Status: Orchids are listed under Appendix II of CITES, which bans the global trade of wild orchids.
- IUCN Status: Out of known 1300 species of Indian orchids, 352 are endemic to this country of which 40 are "endangered" and 72 are "vulnerable".
- Threats: The primary threat to orchids is habitat loss due to illegal logging and development, with epiphytic orchids being the most endangered.
Significance:
- Orchids are natural indicators of air quality, as they do not thrive in polluted environments. They also facilitate cross-pollination and support the survival of insect larvae, such as caterpillars.
- The Oraon and Kharia tribal communities use orchids to treat various ailments, including cuts, fractures, skin diseases, aches, and gastrointestinal issues.
