Flora species on verge of extinction in Sikkim

Forty-six species of flora are facing extinction in Sikkim, says a recent survey by the Botanical Survey of India.
“The bio-diversity is being threatened in some areas of the state owing to easy accessibility, large scale extraction, collection of medicinal herbs, poaching and encroachment in the natural habitat,” said Mr AA Ansari Joint Director of BSI. “Natural calamities like earthquake, forest fire, landslides and animal grazing have also played some role in the fast dwindling process of certain species,” he added.
The findings came to light when a BSI team undertook an exercise to update the status of the flora in Sikkim. The survey was particularly aimed at identifying the endangered and threatened species of the flora in the Himalayan state. “The present status of the floral species in Sikkim on the basis of the latest survey would be sent to the Centre which would take further steps for the preservation,” said Mr Ansari.
The reports also stated that the fast growing human population made the plants rare and extinct. “The forest is being cleared for various developmental activities like road, building, dams and industrial development which is threatening the species in Sikkim. Most of the threatened species in the state are high altitude species which generally thrive in North and West districts of the state,” the survey stated.

Courtesy: The Statesman

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