The Declining Diversity of certain tree species may Contribute to the Threat to some Epiphytic Orchids in Ajodhya foothills, West Bengal, India

Abstract

A Forest patch exhibits a diverse array of tree species, few species function as host plants for epiphytic orchids, providing them with the necessary support and habitat for growth and survival. Urbanization, Forest fire and unauthorized felling of valuable tree species and the invasion of alien species are consistently degrading the species richness and species density of various forest patches in Purulia. Sustainable policies can maintain the ecological balance such as increase the species richness and species density of these valuable forest areas. Which in turn enhance the forest health, environmental health, and economic reliability of Purulia in future. Consequently, investigating the diversity of tree species across different forest ecosystems is crucial for gaining insights into the specific host plant associations of epiphytic orchids, which is essential for understanding their ecological dependencies. The primary objective of the present study is to analyze tree species diversity in the Ajodhya Forest Range of Purulia district, concurrently with observing the density of host plants of significant epiphytic orchids. During the present study a total of 32 tree species belonging to 18 families and 10 number of epiphytic Orchids were documented. Total tree species density, concentration of dominance value, the species diversity and similarity index were calculated. The present study provides baseline information phyto-diversity, epiphytic orchid presence, and host plant density in Ajodhya Forest. The findings establish a critical baseline for conservation, research, and sustainable management of this ecosystem.