Unregulated trade threatens wild orchids in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 29 2024: The lush green forests of Manipur, nestled in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, are home to a rich variety of orchid species.

However, these delicate and enchanting plants are under severe threat due to an unregulated and thriving trade in wild orchids, both locally and internationally.

A recent study conducted by Kamei Kambuikhonlu Kabuini and Maibam Dhanaraj Meitei of Department of Environmental Science, Manipur University in the Imphal valley markets between 2022 and 2023 points to alarming extent of this trade and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these fragile plants.

The study published in Journal of Threatened Taxa stated that Manipur, with its tropical and subtropical forests, harbours 407 orchid species, making it a crucial orchid hotspot in India.

However, the state's forests are being plundered for their orchid wealth.

Over 82 species of wild orchids from 33 genera were observed being sold in local markets during the study.

Among these were rare and threatened species like Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum, Renanthera imschootiana, and Vanda coerulea, which are protected under India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 .

Despite their legal protection these orchids were openly traded, revealing significant lapses in enforcement of conservation laws.

The study, carried out in six key markets of the Imphal Valley, including Khwairamband and Pishumthong, paints a grim picture.

Pishumthong emerged as a major hub for wild orchid trade, where traders, mostly women from economically disadvantaged tribal communities, sell orchids collected from the state's hill districts.

For these sellers, wild orchid collection and trade provide a critical source of income.

However, the methods of collection are highly destructive.

Trees hosting epiphytic orchids are often felled, and entire plants are removed, leaving little chance for regeneration.

Terrestrial orchids, on the other hand, are uprooted entirely, further depleting their natural populations.

The unchecked exploitation is driven by local demand and the orchids' allure as ornamental plants.

Buyers are drawn to their beauty, rarity, and variety.

Prices range from Rs 30 for less sought-after species to as much as Rs 500 for rare and colourful varieties.

Orchids such as Dendrobium wardianum, Cymbidium elegans, and Vanda alpina are particularly prized for their large, vibrant flowers.

However, many buyers are unaware of the environmental cost of this trade and the legal protections surrounding some of these species.

The study also revealed that wild orchids are not only sold in markets but are increasingly being cultivated in households across the Imphal Valley.

Interviews with buyers showed that while many are enthusiastic about cultivating orchids, most struggle to keep the plants alive.

The survival rate of these orchids is low due to inadequate knowledge of cultivation techniques and the drastic change in habitat.

Orchids that thrive in the moist, shaded environments of the forest often fail to adapt to household conditions, even when planted on host trees like mango or lemon.

Awareness about the legal and conservation status of orchids is limited among both sellers and buyers.

Only about 33 per cent of buyers interviewed had any knowledge of the threatened status of certain species.

Most buyers also lacked awareness of the laws prohibiting the trade of protected orchids.

This gap in knowledge underscores the need for widespread public Education and sensitisation efforts.

The situation in Manipur mirrors a broader trend observed in other countries within the Indo-Burma region, such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar, where illegal trade of wild orchids is similarly rampant.

In these regions, orchids are collected for local use, traditional medicine, and export, often pushing rare species to the brink of extinction.

For Manipur, the implications are grave.

The unregulated trade threatens the survival of its unique orchid species, many of which are endemic to the region.

Endemic orchids, such as Arachnis senapatianum, were also found in markets, raising concerns about their dwindling populations.

Additionally, the destruction of orchid habitats due to deforestation, forest fires, and shifting cultivation practices further exacerbates the problem.

Despite the significant risks, enforcement of conservation laws remains weak.

Sellers operate openly, even trading species protected under Schedule VI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

This lack of regulatory oversight highlights the need for stronger measures to curb illegal orchid trade.

The study emphasised the potential for sustainable solutions, such as mass propagation of orchids through micropropagation techniques.

Such initiatives could meet market demand while reducing pressure on wild populations.

However, these techniques are yet to gain traction in Manipur, where most trade continues to depend on orchids harvested from the wild.

Addressing the issue will require a multipronged approach involving stricter enforcement of wildlife laws, community engagement, and education.

Empowering local communities with alternative livelihoods and sustainable harvesting practices could help reduce their dependence on destructive orchid collection.

Public awareness campaigns could also inform buyers about the ecological consequences of their purchases and promote the cultivation of sustainably propagated orchids.

The state's rich biodiversity is a treasure that must be preserved.

Without immediate action, the state risks losing not only its stunning orchids but also the ecological balance and cultural heritage they represent.

The unregulated trade of wild orchids highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation measures to protect these threatened species.

The study suggested that continuous monitoring and active intervention by authorities are crucial to prevent further depletion of orchid populations in the region.

One key recommendation is the adoption of in situ conservation strategies, including the expansion of the state's Protected Areas Network (PAN) to include vital orchid habitats.

Lessons can be drawn from states like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Karnataka, which have established "Orchid Sanctuaries" under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.Additionally, creating community conservation reserves in collaboration with local communities could help curb smuggling and poaching.

Restoring degraded habitats with afforestation initiatives using suitable host trees is another priority.

The establishment of new ex situ conservation centres in hill districts, similar to the Khonghampat Orchidarium, could play a pivotal role in safeguarding threatened species.

Regular population monitoring programmes are also necessary to evaluate the health of orchid populations and their habitats.

Endemic species like Arachnis senapatianum require immediate attention to prevent unsustainable exploitation.

Researchers emphasise the need for comprehensive studies to quantify the volume of local trade and investigate illegal international trafficking through Myanmar.

To reduce pressure on wild populations, authorities should promote tissue culture and micropropagation techniques for large-scale orchid multiplication.

Awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of existing legal protections are essential to educate the public and deter illegal activities.

These measures, experts argue, are vital to preserve Manipur's rich orchid biodiversity.

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