TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: Odisha, known for its rich biodiversity, has officially designated the Gupteswar Forest as the fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in the state.
EXPLANATION:
- This significant declaration, backed by a government notification, recognizes the area’s ecological importance and aims to enhance conservation efforts.
- It is situated adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva temple in Koraput district.
- The Gupteswar Forest spans 350 hectares of demarcated land.
- The region is not only revered for its sacred groves, integral to local worship practices, but also for its diverse flora and fauna.
- A comprehensive biodiversity survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board has revealed an impressive array of fauna in the Gupteswar Forest.
- The site hosts at least 608 faunal species, including 28 mammals, 188 birds, 18 amphibians, 48 reptiles, 45 fishes, 141 butterflies, 43 moths, 41 odonates, 30 spiders, six scorpion species, and 20 lower invertebrates.
- Noteworthy faunal species documented include the mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred Grove Bush Frog, and diverse avifauna such as black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malabar trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo.
- The limestone caves within Gupteswar are a habitat for eight bat species, with two, Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii, classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- The Gupteswar Biodiversity Heritage Site boasts a rich floral diversity, encompassing 182 tree species, 76 shrub species, 177 herb species, 69 climbers, 14 orchid species, and threatened medicinal plants like the Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, Cumbi gum tree, Garlic pear tree, Chinese fever vine, Rohituka tree, Jodpakli, Indian jointfir, and several wild crop relatives of ginger and turmeric.
Micro-organisms and Conservation:
- Beyond plants and animals, the site also harbors agriculturally and industrially important micro-organisms, contributing to the overall biodiversity.
- The declaration of Gupteswar as a Biodiversity Heritage Site aims to strengthen cultural ties and ensure the conservation of this precious ecosystem.
Other Designated BHSs in Odisha:
- With the addition of Gupteswar, Odisha now boasts four Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
- The existing three are Mandasaru BHS in Kandhamala district, Mahendragiri BHS in Gajpati district, and Gandhamardan BHS in Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
Conservation Initiatives and Local Involvement:
- The state government, recognizing the significance of these sites, has tasked the Odisha Biodiversity Board with preparing a long-term conservation and development plan.
- This plan includes active participation from local communities.
- A sum of ₹35 lakh has been allocated for action plans and awareness-building activities in the localities surrounding these BHSs.
Economic Potential Through Eco-tourism:
- The declaration of Gupteswar as a BHS is not only a conservation milestone but also holds promise for local livelihoods.
- Nature lovers, intellectuals, and the local populace anticipate economic benefits through eco-tourism and the sustainable extraction of minor forest produce.
Acknowledgements and Conclusion:
- The achievement of declaring Gupteswar as a Biodiversity Heritage Site is credited to the biodiversity management committee of Haladikunda (Gupteswar) Gram Panchayat, along with the scientists and researchers of the Odisha Biodiversity Board.
- This significant step towards conservation aligns with global efforts to preserve biodiversity and promotes sustainable development in the region.