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Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Orchids Along an Altitudinal Gradient: Pindari Valley, West Himalaya

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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present study for the first time explored the diversity and distribution of terrestrial orchids in Pindari valley along an elevation gradient (2100–3600 m asl). A total of 16 orchid species were identified and showed a varied range in density (0.40–5.50 individual/m2), frequency (20–80%), abundance (2.00–9.17) and IVI (22.91–130.87). The maximum density was recorded for Cypripedium elegans, whereas minimum for Calanthe tricarinata and Dactylorhiza hatageria. No significant (p < 0.05) relationship was found between altitude and studied phytosociological parameters. However, a significant positive correlation was recorded between density and abundance (p < 0.01; r = 0.938) and frequency and IVI (p < 0.05; r = 0.541), respectively. Neighbor Joining cluster analysis and Principal component analysis was performed for prioritization of orchids and Neottia pinetorum, Satyrium nepalense and Goodyera repens were identified as dominant orchids species in the valley. Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Malaxis muscifera, Cypripedium himalaicum, Cypripedium cordigerum, Herminium lanceum, Oreorchis patens with low density and frequency highlighted that these species require immediate protection in the valley as they are facing severe threats, i.e., grazing, overexploitation and invasion, etc. Further, four species M. muscifera, C. cordigerum, C. elegans and C. himalaicum, which are globally assessed as vulnerable and endangered and two species D. hatagirea and Habenaria intermedia as critically endangered and endangered regionally with continuously declining population, deserve greater attention.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Late Dr. Ranbeer S Rawal, former director, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora for his continuous support and encouragement throughout the study. The help received from Dr. Jeewan Singh Jalal, Scientist ‘E’, Botanical Survey of India, Salt Lake City, Kolkata during identification of orchids is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, 263643, India

    Renu Suyal, Amit Bahukhandi & Shailendra Bhandari

  2. Wildlife and Habitat Division, WWF-India, Dehradun, 248001, India

    Pankaj Joshi

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  1. Renu Suyal
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Correspondence to Renu Suyal.

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Significance statement Diversity of terrestrial orchids along an altitudinal gradient was documented for the first time. Low density and IVI for most of the orchids highlighted immediate protection for these orchids in the valley as they are under severe threats.

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Suyal, R., Joshi, P., Bahukhandi, A. et al. Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Orchids Along an Altitudinal Gradient: Pindari Valley, West Himalaya. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 92, 817–824 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-022-01353-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-022-01353-3

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