Systematic surveys were conducted in various eco-climatic zones of Uttaranchal to locate the orchids and assess their habitat condition. The survey resulted in the location of several interesting orchid species including three new records for the state and one rediscovery after 100 years. A total of 101 orchid species have been collected so far. Of the total species collected, epiphytic and terrestrial orchids comprised 52.4% and 47.5% respectively. The study revealed the distribution and abundance of orchids and major habitat types of terrestrial orchids and species richness.

The terrestrial orchids were searched and enumerated within various habitat types using line transects (n = 334). Along each transect, quadrats of 1m2 were laid systematically at an interval of 50 m. Ground orchids were searched along the line of walk as well as within the quadrats. Non parametric estimator of Chao1 and Coleman’s rarefaction were used for data analysis. Results showed a total of 16 habitat types in different altitudinal zones. Oak forests were found to be the most diverse for terrestrial orchids. Open habitats such as grasslands in foothills and alpine marsh meadows were poor in abundance of orchids. Interestingly, the pattern in species richness of terrestrial orchids along an elevation gradient showed a unimodal pattern with maximum species richness at 2200-2400m. The species richness declined above and below 2200 to 2400 m. Threats to the orchids and conservation implications will be discussed.
 

Dr. G.S. Rawat, WII      

Coordinator (All India Co-ordinated research project on Orchids): Dr. Satish Kumar, TBGRI, Kerala

Jeewan Singh Jalal, JRF & Pankaj Kumar, JRF