Research Projects

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of all biological organisms on earth. Floristic diversity is the variety of plant species and their variation in a specific area along with the diversity of their genome. While the term flora comes from the Latin word “Flora” which refers to the goddess of plants. Floristic studies are important for understanding the diversity of species in a region, assessing its bioresources, identifying species that are vulnerable to any threat in the region, and understanding the factors that influence the region’s vegetation. To assess the loss of biodiversity, loss of biodiversity, and its impact on climate change, and the environment, there is a need to study biological diversity in the local environment or forest cover area. Without having the taxonomical data of the species richness of the region/area, one cannot assess the loss of biodiversity, analyze and evaluate its impact on the environment, micro-climatic changes local environment, or interpret the species richness in a region. Therefore, the present topic entitled “Studies on Floristic Diversity, assessment of RET plants, and their conservation strategies in Senapati and Ukhrul districts, Manipur, Northeast India” has been proposed to carry out the work in the state of Manipur, northeast India. Study Area The state of Manipur which is located in the northeastern part of India is an ecologically rich region with a unique topography. Geographically, the state of Manipur lies between 23°50’ to 25°42’ N latitude and 92°59’ to 94°46’ E longitude having an area of ca. 22,327 sq. km. Manipur shares borders with Myanmar in the east, Nagaland State in the north, Assam in the west, and Mizoram in the south. The state is divided into two major regions based on physiographic topology, the valley and the Hills. Senapati district is located in the north of Manipur state having an area of ca. 3,271 sq. km. It lies between 24’37 to 25’37 N latitude and 93’29 to 94’’15 E longitude and the elevation ranges from 1060 to 1788 m above sea level. Mt. Esii (2994 m) the highest peak in Manipur is located in the Senapati district. It receives abundant rainfall and its annual average rainfall ranges from 650-1450 mm. The region is mostly mountainous and inaccessible in many parts of the mountain ranges. Due to its climatic favourable conditions, the region is rich in flora and fauna. Ukhrul district is located in the northeastern part of Manipur state having an area of ca. 4, 544 sq. km. It lies between 24° 29′ and 25° 42′ N latitude and longitudes 94° 30′ and 94° 45′ E longitude and the elevation ranges from 913 m to 3114 m above sea level. The Shirui Kashong Peak (2,835 m) is the second-highest peak and it is the abode of Shirui Lily, a state flower, which attracts many tourists and botanists during its blooming seasons. The region is mostly mountainous coupled with varied climatic factors which favours the luxuriant grow plants.