Saving India’s Orchids
India is the most populous nation in the world, and also home to lots of orchids, from its tropical south to its mountainous north. As the country grows and develops, habitat destruction threatens biodiversity, including in the southern state of Kerala. Road construction results in trees being removed, with the loss of all the orchids attached to them. Fortunately, people are trying to save India’s orchids. With proper legal permission, scientists, farmers, and volunteers are working together with Kew Gardens, and have salvaged 18,000 orchids from trees that were chopped down. Over two thirds were endemic species, occurring nowhere else. The rescues have been moved to a 200 acre (81 hectare) city park, where most have adapted nicely to their new home. Besides safeguarding the plants, they will help improve public awareness of conservation needs. In future years, it is hoped that they can imitate Singapore’s success conserving orchids in urban environments.
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