biodiversity assessment in some selected hill forests of south orissa

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT IN SOME 

SELECTED HILL FORESTS OF SOUTH 

ORISSA

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT IN SOME 

SELECTED HILL FORESTS OF SOUTH 

ORISSA, INDIA 

FIELD SURVEY AND DOCUMENTATION TEAM 

PRATYUSH MOHAPATRA, PRASAD KUMAR DASH, SATYANARAYAN MIASHRA AND 

DEEPAK KUMAR SAHOO 

& 

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION TEAM 

SWETA MISHRA, BISWARUP SAHU, SUJATA DAS, TUSHAR DASH, RANJITA PATTNAIK 

AND Y.GIRI, RAO 

REPORT PREPARED BY 

VASUNDHARA 

A/70, SAHID NAGER 

BHUBANESWAR 

ORISSA

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

The authors are grateful to Concern Worldwide for providing financial support to carry out the study. The 

authors are also thankful to Dr. Dr. R.C .Mishra, Scientist, RPRC, Bhubaneswar, Dr. S.K Dutta, Head, Dept. 

of Zoology, North Orissa University and Dr. Manoj Nayar, Dr. N.K.Dhal and Mr. N.C.Rout, Scientist, Institute 

of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Dr. Virendra Nath, Scientist, National Botanical 

Research Institute, Lacknow, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Saxena, Professor, Barely collage, U.P for their technical 

input during the study design, identification of species and sincere guidance in preparing the report. Mr. 

Himanshu Sekhar Palei and Mr. Anup Kumar Pradhan, students, Msc. Wildlife, Baripada, Orissa are duly 

acknowledged for their information on Otters and Giant squirrels of south Orissa Dr. Bijaya Mishra, Mr. 

Biswjyoti Sahoo and Mr. Himanshu Patra are thanked for their support and cooperation during field visits to 

different hills. The help and co-operation rendered by the local informants of different ethnic groups in 

providing first hand information is highly appreciated and acknowledged. Last but not the least, the help and 

support provided by the Director Vasundhara is highly acknowledged. 

PREFACE 

Biodiversity is declining seriously on a global scale, underscoring the importance of conservation planning. 

Except protected areas and reserve forests, scientific studies on biodiversity of special habitats in India are 

meager like the other areas of the world. Furthermore, extensive surveys of biodiversity have not been 

conducted for a majority of taxonomic groups and ecosystem types. The situation is the same in tropical 

region, and only preliminary information on the biodiversity patterns of less well-known organism groups 

including many lower groups of plants and animals are available. Such a lack of information severely hinders 

the assessment of the value of existing species, their current status and threats which might facilitate their 

long term conservation. Documentation, conservation and finding enhancement strategies of biodiversity is 

considered to be one of the important challenges in present day conservation biology research and policy 

making process. Their importance is continuously being shown as they are found to be keystone for the 

sustainability of ecosystem. At the same time so many species of plants and animals are perished in wild 

before their documentation due to anthropogenic and developmental activities. Keeping in view of the above 

background the present study was undertaken in some of the hill forests of south Orissa.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

A survey was conducted in some selected mineral rich hill forests in four districts of South Orissa (Kalahandi, 

Koraput, Gajapati and Raygada) to explore and document biodiversity of the region during the period from 

January 2006 to December 2008. A total of 947 species of angiosperms (including 60 species of 

pteridophytes, 63 species of orchids and 5 species of gymnosperms) and 73 species of cryptogams 

(including 43 species of bryophytes, 20 species of fungi, 10 species of lichens) were recorded during the 

study period. After several rounds of discussion and interviews with the tribal people and user’s group, 30 

species of plants were identified that comes under different RET categories as per IUCN, India. Similarly the 

vertebrate fauna includes 110 species of birds, 36 species of mammals, 22 species of reptiles and 80 

species of butterflies. The major findings include 9 species of snakes which includes Ahaetulla nasuta, 

Ahaetulla rhodogaster, Gerarda prevostiana, Lycodon aulicus, Trimeruserus sp., Argyorgena fasciolata, 

Liopeltis calamaria, Coelognathus monticolaris, Boiga frostinii and 2 species of frogs such as Philautus spp., 

Fejervarya sp. reported for the first time from the state. Similarly, good populations of Crocodylus palustris at 

Upper Kolab from Baphlimali, range extension of Golden gecko from many parts of Southern Orissa, 

documentation of the elephant migration routes in the study area, pugmarks of tigers were some of the major 

findings of the survey. Rediscovery of Pygmy shrew (Suncus etruscus), range extension of Golden gecko 

and Rana malabaricus from many parts of Southern Orissa were reported for the first time. Similarly 5 plant 

species like Corallodiscus lanuginosa and Ophioglossum reticulatum at Krishnamali, Limnanthimum 

parviflora at Maliparbat and Krishnamali, Salvinia eligans at Panchpatmali and Pancriatum parvum at 

Khandualmali are new distributional records for the Eastern Ghats of India and one mushroom, Dictyophora 

indusiata is a new to the main land of India. All the lower plants are new distributional records for the state of 

Orissa. Apart from the rich fauna, there are about 260 species of plants are recorded from South Orissa, 

which are used by different ethnic groups for treatment of different diseases and aliments. The list includes 

24 species of threatened plants like Rouvolfia serpentina, Plumbago indica, Saraca asoca, Gloriosa superba, 

Puraria tuberose, Puraria foetida, Ipomoea mauritiana, Gardenia gumifera etc. Sacred grooves were 

identified in Niyamgiri, Karlapat, Baphlimali, Deomali and Mahendragiri. Similarly 13 species each of 

Himalayan range and South Indian range (The Nilgiris) and 5 species of both Northern Indian and Brumes 

range were also observed in Deomali and Mahendragiri during the study period. Range extension of Asian 

Small clawed Otters in Karlapat wildlife Sanctuary is first record of their range distribution to Eastern Ghats of 

India. The major threats to the biodiversity include fragmentation; deterioration and loss of habitat, poaching, 

invasion of exotic species, live stock grazing and last but not the least environmental pollution and habitat 

destruction due to mining activities.

INTRODUCTION: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of all life including all species of 

plants, animals and micro-organisms, the ecosystems and the ecological processes of which they are parts. 

Where rich biodiversity is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, it also provides wide range of goods and 

services that are essential for the sustenance of the biota. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is 

an indicator of sustainable development. Unfortunately, during the last century, a drastic decline in 

biodiversity has been observed in different parts of the world in an alarming rate leading to mass extinction. 

Anthropogenic activities and over exploitation of the resources existing in an ecosystem has destroyed its 

homeostasis and altered the habitat of the native species. This has threatened the survival of endemic 

species making them endangered. Therefore, the present day ecosystem research has advocated the 

conservation of habitat and the environment for giving all the species to grow undisturbed in their native 

habitat. Despite the considerable worldwide efforts to establish the wildlife protected areas, destruction of 

wildlife habitats has remained the leading threat to biodiversity. This destruction, taking different forms (i.e. 

degradation, fragmentation or outright loss) prompted mainly by such factors as poverty, demographic 

factors, land tenure systems, inadequate conservation status, development policies and economic 

incentives. Anthropogenic activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, bush fires, shifting cultivation, 

developmental activities like mining, urbanization and road construction inside the protected areas are found 

to be the major causes of lose in biodiversity. Last but not the least climate change is emerging as a new 

threat to the whole ecosystem. The Eastern Ghats are isolated hill ranges in Peninsular India (Andhra 

Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka), harbors primarily tropical moist deciduous vegetation, which 

represents species of high economic, timber, medicinal potential, lies in 110 30' to 210 0' N Latitudes and 

770 22' to 850 20' E Longitudes. Eastern Ghats are highly significant in terms of its Bio-diversity. Of the 

estimated 3,200 flowering plant taxa, about 100 are endemics that need immediate attention for their 

conservation (Jonathan, 2006). There are 528 tree taxa under 271 genera belonging to 80 families 

(Sandhyarani et al., 2007) distributed in different regions of Eastern Ghats In total 454 species under 243 

genera and 78 families are endemic to Eastern Ghats (Kanyana, 2008). Out of the 7,500 species plants of 

medicinal value reported in India, about 1800 species are known to occur in Eastern Ghats. It is the abode of 

62 tribes who sustain their livelihood from the forest resources of Eastern Ghats. At least 50 dye yielding 

plants and 40 aromatic plants are also known to occur in this region. The Eastern Ghats constitute the 

principal mountain system of Orissa extending over 1.5 Lakh sq. km. areas, which is just 4.25% of the total 

landmass of the state, extending from north of Similipal in Mayurbhanj district and runs through Malkangiri 

basing on geological and tectonic considerations. Eighteen districts of Orissa including 14 protected areas 

(13 wild life sanctuaries, one Biosphere reserve, one National Park, two tiger reserve and one Ramser 

Wetland) comes under the Eastern Ghats of India. The biodiversity of Orissa consists of 2760 species of 

angiosperms, 543 species of algae, 132 species of pteridophytes, 473 species of birds, 110 specie of

eptiles, 86 species of mammals and 20 species of amphibians. The biodiversity of South Orissa in general 

and Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Ganjam in particular is least explored as compared to northern 

districts of Orissa due to its diversified topography and difficult terrains. Except the mega fauna of major 

groups, a very few reports are available on micro fauna of the state and nothing has been done on southern 

region of the Orissa. The past history of elephant habitats in Orissa revels that elephants are not frequently 

available in the area south of river Mahanadi until 1907 (Cobdon Ramsay, 1910). The report mentions that 

few numbers of elephants occasionally strayed across Mahanadi in to the undivided Boudh and during 1907 

a few number of elephants strayed the undivided Kalahandi district for a few days but the movement was 

unusual. However, now Kalahndi district is home for more than 40 elephants so also the Baudh and 

Rayagada districts, which are some of the examples of newly established elephant habitats in early twentieth 

century and is the common phenomenon of migration observed in many mega animals. There are also past 

report of migration of elephants in other states of India, and the cause is only because of anthropogenic 

pressure. Wild dog or Dhole (Cuon alpinus dukhunensis) was found throughout the district. The Indian 

Buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) Swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli), Black buck (Antelope cervicapra) are now locally 

extinct from the area. Honey badger (Melivora capensis), otter (Lutrogale perspicillata). In fact there are 

many groups of animals literally being untouched by the researchers after the Britishers, which need to be 

explored before they are perished by the so called developmental activities. The floristic of southern Orissa, 

often considered incomplete, was sporadically approached by Mooney, Gamble, Haines and subsequent 

workers. Hence, it provides an ideal background for further exploration and discovery of taxonomic novelties. 

However, Saxena and Brahmam, 1994-1997 has enlisted a small account on flora of Kalahandi in their book 

(Flora of Orissa, Vol-I to Vol-IV). Although different workers have documented the uses of various medicinal 

plants from some parts of Kalahandi districts of Orissa (Nayak. et al., 2003, Nayak. et al., 2004, Sarangi. et 

al., 2005 and Panda & Padhy, 2008) , information on the traditional and cultural practices of the varied tribes 

residing in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is unavailable. Like Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput district of the 

state is also floristically least explored (Kala et al., 2005). A handful of information is available on medicinal 

plants and their application in curing different diseases and ailments of both the districts (Hemadri, 1991; 

Hemadri and Rao, 1989; Dash, 1994; Das and Mishra, 1987, 1988a, 1998, 2000). Similarly there are many 

lower plants and animals exist in the region like bryophytes, fungi and lichens are integrated part of an 

ecosystem and their contribution to the forest diversity and to the human society is unlimited which are also 

unexplored and under explore so far. The studies on this important group of plants, their diversity, distribution 

and their ecological role are almost unknown to state of Orissa. Fungi are one of the most important groups 

of organisms on the planet. Fungi, together with bacteria, are responsible for most of the recycling which 

returns dead material to the soil in a form in which it can be reused. They are vitally important for the good 

growth of most plants, including crops, through the development of mycorrhizal association. Fungi are also

important directly as food for humans. Lichens are the first group of plants in the plant succession. As lichens 

don’t have roots; they are in direct contact with air which makes them a good indicator of environmental 

pollution. Several birds use lichens in nest construction. People have used lichens since antiquity as 

medicines, dyes, food, decoration, perfumes and even crude clothing. Bryophytes are the secondary 

colonizers on barren rocks next to lichens in plant succession in xerosere. They are extremely good soil 

binders as they form large mats on forest floors and roadside cuts, thus controlling soil erosion. They are a 

good source of humus and hence a heaven for a number of soil-dwelling invertebrates likes earthworms. 

They form very good seed beds for seedlings and saplings and are indicators of environmental pollution. A 

number of bryophytes are used as herbal medicine throughout the world. Bryophytes are not only used by 

man but also by other vertebrates and invertebrates. The forest concentration is mostly found on the hilly 

region and South Orissa is an abode of many small and big hills and mountains including the highest pick of 

Orissa, Deomali.The forest vegetation broadly falls under 5 out of 16 categories of forests differentiate by 

Champion and Seth, 1968 like tropical Semi-ever green forests, tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical dry 

deciduous forests, sub tropical broad leaved hill forests and littoral and swamp forests. Since most of the 

mountains of south Orissa are rich with minerals and are the source of origin for perennial hill streams, the 

forest ecosystems are rich in species diversity. Keeping in view of the above importance of these areas, the 

study was conducted in South Orissa to document the flora and fauna for the first time in a systematic 

manner by the research team of Vasundhara which consists of Researchers from multidisciplinary 

background including, Field Biologists and wildlife experts from Universities of Orissa . 

STUDY AREA: The survey was conducted in some of the important mountainous ecosystems in 

three districts namely Kalahandi, Koraput and Rayagada and Gajapati districts of Orissa. Nestled at the 

northern part of Eastern Ghat hill ranges, the study areas are considered as large repository of minerals and 

are now considered to be under threat by the upcoming mining industries. The study area includes 

Panchpatmali, Maliparvat, Patangi, Kodingamali and Deomali in Koraput district, Niyamgiri hills, Sijimali hills, 

Khandualmali hills and Krishunmali hills in Kalahandi districts and Baphlamali hills and Kutrumali hills in 

Raygada districts and Chandragiri and Mahendragiri hills of Gajapati districts of South Orissa. (Map.1). 

OBJECTIVES: Rapid survey of biodiversity selected hill forests of South Orissa 

Inventory of flora and fauna of the study area 

Survey of ecologically sensitive plants and animals of the area 

Identification of migratory route of mega fauna in the area 

Identification of the threats on the existing wildlife of the area 

Documentation of the community conservation initiatives in the study area.

METHODOLOGY: Several field visits were carried out at the study area to understand the 

biodiversity of the region. Along the trek routes the vegetation, mammals, birds, herpetofauna and some 

invertebrates were surveyed. The vegetation survey was conducted both in pre-monsoon and monsoon 

season of the year 2007. All the hill forests were covered thoroughly and the sampling was made in open, 

closed and dense forest cover during the survey. The unidentified plants were collected in polythene bags 

and taken into the laboratory for identification. The plants were identified as per Flora of Orissa by Saxena 

and Brahmam 1997. The lower group of plants like bryophytes lichens and fungi were identified using 

standard monographs. New plants were identified by comparing the herbarium specimen of BSI, Kolkata; 

NBRI, Lucknow and IMMT (RRL), Bhubaneswar as and when required. Photographs of flowering plants, key 

identifying characters of plants, and animals were taken for identification. The orchids were identified 

following “Orchids of Orissa”, Mishra, 2004. Informal interviews with the forest department officials, traditional 

healers/ Janis/ Disharis, local villagers, NTFP gatherers and livestock herders were held to collect secondary 

information regarding the ethnobiology of the region. Field guides for mammals (Menon, 2003 and Prater, 

1971), birds (Grimmett et al., 1998 and Rasmussen and Anderton, 2005), herpetofauna (Das, 2002; Daniel, 

1983; Smith, 1943 and Whitaker and Captain, 2005) were followed for identification. Butterflies and other 

invertebrates was photo documented and identified at the Regional Museum of Natural History, 

Bhubaneswar and by the experts. Data-sheets encompassing the detail habitat features were maintained in 

regular intervals with photo documentation of the biodiversity of the region. The mammalian fauna were 

recorded from direct sighting, indirect evidences like scat, scars and other signs and from secondary 

information sources like interacting with the villagers, livestock herders and NTFP gatherers. Birds were 

identified by sighting and indirect evidences like molted feathers, call etc. The herpetofaunal diversity was 

recorded by sighting and by showing pictures of the animals to the local inhabitants. Butterflies and other 

invertebrates were identified by search and sight methods and the unidentified species were photographed 

for identification by matching the field guides. Wild animal species were searched by the following methods. 

• Day and night survey to search and sight the animals near hill streams and in forest routes. 

• Indirect evidences like scat, scars and molted skins were examined for identification. 

• Cave dwelling and arboreal animals were searched by paying special attention during the 

field visit. 

• Binoculars are used for identification of birds. 

• Amphibians and nocturnal animals were searched by locating their calls during night time and 

by searching along the hill streams. 

• Data-sheets encompassing the detail habitat features were maintained in regular intervals 

with photo documentation of the biodiversity of the region.

• Data were also collected from the secondary information sources like the traditional healers, 

hunters, and older people by taking their interviews. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

Forest resources of South Orissa: There is occurrence of 4 types of forest in all the four districts of 

South Orissa classified by Champion and Seth (1968). The vegetation of Niyamgiri, Deomali, Mahendragiri, 

Khandualmali and Baphlimali are moist mixed deciduous type with many semi evergreen patches where as it 

is of dry deciduous types in Sijimali, Krishnamali, Potangi, Panchpatmali, Maliparvat Kodingamali and 

Kutrumali. But in all the hills many micro climatic variations with riparian forests were observed during the 

field survey. 

Table – 1: Forest cover in four districts of South Orissa (area in sq km) Source: State of the Forest Report, 

2005 (Forest Survey of India, Dehradun) 

Sl Name of Geographical Forest cover (Area in square km) 

no. District area Very dense Moderately Open Total Percentage 

dense forest forest 

1 Kalahandi 7920 370 743 1193 2306 28.72 

2 Koraput 8807 104 718 856 1678 19.05 

3 Rayagada 7073 456 901 1735 3126 44.20 

4 Gajapati 4,325 90 1,523 872 2,485 57.46 

FOREST TYPES OF SOUTH ORISSA 

Ecologically, the forests of South Orissa are classified into the following types based on revised survey of 

forest types in India by champion and Seth (1968). 

1. 2BC3 – Northern tropical semi evergreen forests (Orissa semi evergreen forests) 

2. 3C – Northern Indian Moist deciduous forest 

3C/2c 2e – Moist peninsular Sal Forest, 3C/C2 e (i) – Moist peninsular high-level Sal, 3C/2C 

2e (ii) – Moist peninsular low level Sal, 

3c/2S1 – Northern Secondary moist mixed deciduous forest & 

c/2S1 – Dry bamboo brakes 

3. 5B – Northern Tropical dry deciduous forest 

5B – c1 Dry Sal bearing forests 

5B – 2c – Northern dry mixed deciduous forests 

4. 5B BDS I – Dry deciduous scrub 

5. 5B E9 – Dry Bamboo brake 

6. Orissa semi evergreen forests (2BC3): This type of forest occurs over limited areas where 

elevation is more than 1000 meter above MSL. This is confined to moist valley of

Mahendragiri hill ranges, Deomali, Baphlimali, Niyamgiri and Khandualmali. The important 

species mate with is Mangifera indica, Markanda, Diospyrous melanoxylon, Dillenia aurea, 

Messua ferrera, Syzygium cumini, Mallotus philippensis, Macaranga peltata, Terminalia 

paniculata, Treama aurientalis, Diospyrous malabarica, Ficus recimosa, Michelia champaka, 

Anogeissus acuminata, Barringtonia acutangula, Trewia nudiflora, Malotus phillipensis etc. 

Regeneration of important species is in adequate. 

7. Moist peninsular high-level Sal (3C/C2 e): This sub type is met on high hills and plateau in 

Mahendragiri, Baphlimali, Karlapat, etc. Quality of Sal varies between III – IV. The trees are 

well formed and Sal tends to become purest high elevation. The important associates of Sal 

are Pterocarpus marsupium, Terminalia alata, Haldinia cordifolia, Myrtagyna parviflora, 

Bridelia retusa, Terminalia tomentosa etc. Bamboo of poor quality also occurs. Natural 

regeneration is adequate. 

8. Moist peninsular low-level Sal (3C/2C e): This sub-type is found in the hill slopes and plain 

forest of Kutrumali, Kodingamali and Panchpatmali. Top canopy is almost of pure Sal varying 

from quality III to IV. Regeneration of Sal is profuse. Terminalia tomentosa, Pterocarpus 

marsupium, Haldinia cordifolia, Myrtagyna parviflora, Dalbergia sisso, Buchnania lanzan, 

Cleistanthus collinus are common associates. 

9. Northern Secondary moist mixed deciduous forest (3c/2 S1): Considerable areas of 

Rayagada Forest Division where the soil cover is poor and dry has resulted in this type of 

forests on hill slopes. Conditions are not suitable for the growth and establishment of Sal. 

The common species found are Anogeisus latifolia, Madhuca indica, Pterocarpus 

marsupium, Haldinia cordifolia, Lagerstromia parviflora, etc. The original forest has been 

destroyed at some point of time by shifting cultivation resulting in this type of forest. Siali and 

Atundi are the main climbers. Natural regeneration of important species is wanting. 

10. Dry bamboo Brakes (Edaphic and Seral Type (3c/2S1): Dominant by only one species of 

Salia bamboo, this type of forest is met with in parts of Karlapat. Salia bamboo forms dense 

patches with or without sprinkling of trees. The ground floor is clean with average number of 

bamboo clumps per Ha. Coming upto 1500 clumps at places. 

11. Dry Sal bearing Forest (5B-C1): This type of forest is met with in areas having shallow soil 

where quality of Sal is poor. Dry miscellaneous species are common associates. Canopy is 

less open. Regeneration of Sal is deficient. Mostly seen in and around Maharajapeta, 

Sialiloti forest blocks. 

12. Northern Dry mixed Deciduous Forest (5B-C2): This occurs around higher slopes, mostly 

along southern aspect, where soil is dry and shallow. Condition doesn’t favour growth of Sal.

This type tends to be moist in Western part and becomes dry towards East. It is seen around 

Maliparbat, Kutrumali, Khandualmali, Krishnamali etc. Bija, Dhoura, Sahaj, Mundi are 

important species with poor regeneration. 

13. Dry Deciduous Scrub (5BDS1): Due to repeated tree loses its vigor resulting in dense under 

growth of thorny species. The area has been exploited beyond silvicultural and regenerative 

capacity. Eupatorium, Lantana species seems to be invading the area. Mainly found in 

Kodingamali, Balda, Mandibisi forest block. 

14. Artificially introduced species: Teak is the single largest species, which has been planted 

over the years in different forest blocks of South Orissa. The other common species that has 

been artificially introduced are Red sander, Ghambar, Simaroba and Cashew etc. 

15. DRY DECIDUOUS FOREST: Anogeissus latifolia, Lannea coromandelica and 

Lagerstroemia parviflora. The moist deciduous forest represents a transitional type from dry 

deciduous to semi evergreen vegetation. Thus, they have intermediate values of density, 

diversity and hospitality. The high variance of density and diversity parameters reflect 

considerable variation in the environmental parameters such as altitude, rainfall and influence 

of species from neighboring vegetation types. Ubiquity is high as most of the species are 

widespread. Some of the characteristic species of this type include Terminalia crenulata, 

Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Grewia tiliaefolia, Dillenia pentagyna, Careya arborea and Xylia 

xylocarpa. 

FLORAL DIVERSITY OF SOUTH ORISSA 

KALAHANDI: 

KHANDUALMALI (83°, 10′, 02.47″ E and 19″, 29′, 01.11″ N): 

It is situated along the boundary line of Karlapat wildlife 

Sanctuary of Kalahandi district between 83°, 10′, 02.47″ 

E and 19″, 29′, 01.11″ N. Nearly 20 hill streams are 

descending from the hills serve as the lifeline for wildlife 

as well as for millions of people of the area. The 

Khandualmali come across the migratory path of 

elephants. The contiguous forest across Devagiri of 

Rayagada district and Niyamgiri of Kalahandi district 

makes it an important migratory path for elephants, tigers and other mega herbivores. Apart from one of a 

wealthy reservoir of natural resources like bauxite, the area is home for a large number of endangered plants 

and animals. During a short field visit to the area, it was observed to be a biodiversity rich place. The

vegetation of the hill range falls under the category of tropical deciduous forests but depending on the biotic 

and abiotic factors, there is occurrence of semi evergreen, moist deciduous, moist peninsular sal type and 

grasslands in different parts of the hill. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The survey reveals the occurrence of about 300 plant species including 4 

species of rare, threatened and conservation dependent plant species. Other salient feature of the study 

includes more than 45 species of medicinal plants and 35species of Pteridophytes of medicinal importance, 

16 species of orchids, 12 species of Bryophytes, 10 species of Fungi, 4 species of Lichens. The ethnobotanical 

data in respect of 40 plant species were collected and compiled deserve merit as it provides new 

sources of herbal drugs/ edible plants or other aspect of plant utilization, which may serve as guide to the 

practitioners of Ayurvedic /Unani medicines. 

KRISHNAMALI (19°, 41′, 12.53″N and 83°, 4’, 28.97″E): 

It is also situated along the boundary line of Karlapat wildlife Sanctuary of Kalahandi district between 19°, 41′, 

12.53″N and 83°, 4’, 28.97″E. The 

vegetation of the hill comes under different 

forest types depending upon the 

microhabitat, geographical location, 

topography and altitudinal extension. 

Tropical semi-evergreen forests are found 

along the hill streams. Moist deciduous, 

mixed dry deciduous, moist peninsular Sal 

forest was also observed in different 

patches. The preliminary study reveals the 

occurrence of 344 species of angiosperms, 

40 species of pteridophytes, 28 species of 

bryophytes, 15 species of fungi, 12 species of lichens and 15 species of orchids including some 

rare/endangered/threatened taxa. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: One species belonging to family Gesneriaceae was identified during the field 

survey from the hill. It is also a Himalayan species which is a new record for the Eatern Ghats. Occurrence of 

60 species of medicinal plants for different ailments and diseases used by the tribal is another interesting 

finding from the hill. 5 rare terrestrial as well as ground orchids were found in the hill top some of which are 

endemic to the State and are conservation dependent.

NIYAMGIRI (19º 26’ to 19º 43’ N and 83º 18’ to 83 º 28’ E): 

Niyamgiri hill ranges lying between 19º 26’ to 19º 43’ N latitude and 83º 18’ to 83 º 28’ E longitudes within the 

districts of Rayagada and Kalahandi in NE-SW direction is a part of the Eastern Ghats of India. The 

vegetation of the hill range, in general falls under the category of tropical deciduous forests but depending on 

the local microclimate, plant density, species association and composition and effect of biotic and edaphic 

factors, the vegetation of the region can be divided into 8 distinct types were observed. The flora of the hill 

range exhibits a very rich and varied assemblage of plant species owing to its diversified topography with 

high mountain peaks and flat plateaus, innumerable deep valleys and gorges, abundant springs and diverse 

vegetation resources. It remains unexplored or explored with very little sporadic surveys, but there is no 

detailed flora to assess the plant wealth of the region. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The preliminary floristic survey reveals the occurrence of 

vascular plants distributed over 117 

families of angiosperms, gymnosperms 

and pteridophytes. The study has been 

able to yield 15 plant species appearing 

to be rare / endangered/ conservation 

dependent though they occur in 

neighboring geographical region. More 

than 70 species of important medicinal 

and potentially economic plants were 

recorded. 31 species (19 epiphytic, 12 

terrestrial) of orchids were recorded from 

the hill. 

KORAPUT 

602 species of 

MALIPARBAT (18°, 37′, 48.43″N and 82°, 54′, 11.87″E): 

It is situated between 18°, 37′, 48.43″N and 82°, 54′, 11.87″E with highest elevation of 3136 ft above msl. The 

vegetation of Maliparvat is in general tropical deciduous forest type, however there is existence of different 

microclimates depending upon the edaphic, geological and orientation of the hill. There are perennial hill 

streams, gorges, water falls etc., which harbours tropical semi evergreen species, some evergreen species, 

moist deciduous species and peninsular Sal forests. 

The vegetation of the hill ranges exhibit a very rich and varied assemblage of plants. The preliminary floristic 

survey reveals the occurrence of 450 species of vascular plants including angiosperms, pteridophytes, 

gymnosperms, 25 species orchids (both epiphytic and terrestrial), 10 species of bryophytes (mosses,

hornworts and liverworts), 12 species of fungi and 08 species of lichens. The study has been able to yield to 

15 plant species appearing to be rare/endangered/threatened/conservation dependent though they are 

occurring in neighboring geographical region. More than 80 species of medicinal plants, 6 species of fibre 

yielding plants, 16 species of oil yielding plants and 15 species of wild edible plants were found during the 

survey. The ethnobotanical data reveals 60 species of plants which deserve merit as it provides new source 

of herbal drugs/edible plants or other aspect of plant utilization, which may serve as guide to the preparation 

of Ayurvedic/Unani medicines. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The study team has found 2 interesting fungus one of which (Dictyophora 

indusiata) occurring in the foothill is an 

indicator of rainforest and might be a new 

record to India. 2 new species of plants which 

are new record for Eastern Ghats, 35 

bryophytes which are first report to the State. 

Some rare and endangered orchids which are 

conservation dependent and needs utmost 

attention. Salvia elegans (Lamiaceae) and an 

aquatic plant, Limnanthimum parviflora in the 

top of the hill of Mali Parvat are two new 

reports for the Eastern Ghats, India and new 

addition to the flora of Orissa. 

POTANGI: (18° 36’ N, 82° 58’ E): 

The forest vegetation of 

Pottangi is broadly divided into 

three categories viz. semievergreen, 

moist deciduous 

and bushy type. Along the 

stream courses, many patches 

of evergreen trees were 

observed which indicate a 

healthy ecosystem. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The vegetation of the hill harbours some evergreen species including 244 

species of angiosperms, 40 species of pteridophytes, 30 species of bryophytes, 12 species of fungi, 10 

species of lichens and 12 species of orchids, some of them are endemic to the state. There is one aquatic 

Limnanthimum parviflora belongs to family Menyanthacea is a new record to the State. This species was

eported earlier in flora of Madras. Coleus barbatus of family Lamiaceae is abundantly occurring in the hill 

top. This species is used by the tribals to cure malaria. There are almost 20 species of medicinal plants found 

in the hill top are reported to be used for different phototherapeutic claims by the tribal of the region. 

DEOMALI (18°40'32"N 82°58'55"E) : 

Deomali Peak, with an elevation of about 

1,672 m, is the highest peak in Orissa and 

the tallest in the whole of the Eastern Ghats. 

It is situated near Doodhari village, which is 

35 km from Koraput. Surrounded by deep 

green forest, the peak is rich in flora and 

fauna. This hill range is rich in mineral 

resources such as bauxite, limestone and 

gemstones. Deomali is dotted with brooks 

and deep valleys, and inhabited by tribes 

such Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis and Bhotras.Though the lower hills have taller trees, the upper ones 

are completely devoid of arboreal species. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: Species specific to these hills but not found elsewhere in the state are: 

Habenaria grandifloriformis, Emilia zeylanica, Gynuura lycopersicifolia. Healthy population of Piperomia 

quadrifolia and Coleus barbatus, a widely used medicinal plant was recorded in the hill top. Similarly Exacum 

bicolor, a rare medicinal herb was also growing luxuriantly is another noticeable finding. 

PANCHPATMALI (83°1'24"E and 18°51'11"N): 

The vegetation of the hill range falls under the category of tropical deciduous forests but depending on the 

biotic and abiotic factors, there is occurrence of moist deciduous, moist peninsular sal type and grasslands in

different parts of the hill. The plateau top is covered with grasses, phoenix (date palm) and weeds such as 

lantana and Eupatorium. Open forest and moderately dense forest are seen along eastern side slope of the 

hill. Common species found in the hill slopes are Amla, Kendu, Piasal, & Mango etc. The already mined out 

and reclaimed areas show good growth of vegetation of indigenous species. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The floral diversity of Panchpatmali hills consists of 160 plant species 

including 8 species of rare, threatened and conservation dependent plant species. Other salient feature of 

the study includes more than 25 species of medicinal plants and 12 species of Pteridophytes of medicinal 

importance, 12 species of orchids, 4 species of Bryophytes, 5 species of Fungi, 2 species of Lichens and 5 

species of algae. Similarly the faunal diversity of the hills consists of 11 species of mammals, 8 species of 

amphibians, 20 species of reptiles, 10 species of herpetofauna and 25 species of birds. 

RAYGADA 

KUTRUMALI (83° 11’ 23.89” E, 19° 34’ 14.86” N): 

The vegetation of the hill range falls under the category of tropical deciduous forests but depending on the 

biotic and abiotic factors, there is occurrence of semi evergreen, moist deciduous, moist peninsular sal type 

and grasslands in different parts of the hill. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The preliminary report reveals the occurrence of about 180 plant species 

including 2 rare, threatened and conservation dependent plant species. Other salient feature of the study 

includes more than 35 species 

of medicinal plants and 

15species of Pteridophytes of 

medicinal importance, 11 

species of orchids, 13 species 

of Bryophytes, 5 species of 

Fungi, 3 species of Lichens. 

The ethno-botanical data in 

respect of 13 plant species 

were collected and compiled 

deserve merit as it provides 

new sources of herbal drugs/ 

edible plants or other aspects 

of plant utilization, which may 

serve as guide to the practitioners of Ayurvedic / Unani medicines.

BAPHLIMALI (82° 57’ 54.65” E, 19° 20’ 58.51” N): 

Baphlaimali is situated in the southwestern part of Orissa, falls in the Eastern Ghats belt in the peninsular 

shield with the highest peak of 1056 m above msl. The location is situated at 19° 18’ to 19° 22’ N longitude 

and 82° 56’ to 82° 59’ E latitude and comes under Rayagada and Koraput districts of Orissa. The major part 

of the hill falls under Kashipur block of 

Rayagada district and the rest in the 

Kalahandi district. Baphlimali is among the 

rich bauxite deposit mines in the Eastern 

ghat, came in to limelight in 1977 by the 

publication of GSI report and is taken up by 

MECL for bauxite extraction. The forest 

type constitutes of dry mixed deciduous 

forest, patchy bamboo thickets, degraded 

forest, agricultural slops and shrub forest. 

The slopes of the hill is encroached and 

cultivated by different crops, legumes, oil 

seeds, pulses etc by the local villagers. There are no surface water bodies on the top of the plateau but many 

of the hill streams are originated from the top storey of the hill. Apart from the perennial hill streams many 

rainfed water channels descend from the hill. The hill “Baphlimali” is surrounded by the villages like Udri, 

Kendumundi, Chirka, Durmusi in three sides and Indravati irrigation project on other side. (Full report is 

available at http://www.vasundharaorissa.org/Research). 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The floral diversity of Baphlimali hills consists of 200 plant species including 8 

species of rare, threatened and conservation dependent plant species. Other salient feature of the study 

includes more than 40 species of medicinal plants and 12 species of Pteridophytes of medicinal importance, 

32 species of orchids, 8 species of Bryophytes, 10 species of Fungi, 8 species of Lichens and 10 species of 

algae. The ethno-botanical data in respect of 40 plant species were collected and compiled deserve merit as 

it provides new sources of herbal drugs/ edible plants or other aspects of plant utilization, which may serve as 

guide to the practitioners of Ayurvedic / Unani medicines. Similarly the faunal diversity of the hills consists of 

21 species of mammals, 12 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles, 12 species of herpetofauna and 

15 species of birds. 

MANDIABISI (19° 23’ 34” N and 83° 09’ 53” E): 

Mandibisi is situated at 19 23 34 N and 83 09 53 E at an altitude of 675 meters at MSL near to Baphlimali. 

We visited the Bagha Dangar coming under Mandibisi V. S. S., which is one of the good forest patches of the

area. As the name suggest, the area was earlier inhabited by Royal Bengal Tiger before five to ten years. 

Now people could occasionally hear the roaring of tiger. After discussion with the local villagers we could 

figure out that recently during September to October 2006 there was a leopard killed by the poachers of the 

nearby area. But the forest staffs denied to the statement. In Mandibisi, we visited the area with a traditional 

healer named Duryodhan Gopal, who is a renowned man of the area. He has vast experience on ethnobotany, 

which is his ancestral practice. We devoted a total of 23 hours in the field area in two days. We 

searched the caves, the plateau, the hill streams and the forest area and gained lots of experience and came 

across good diversity of plants and animals. There are 34 V. S. S. under Mandibisi, among which we visited 

Mandibisi, Putesh and Nalachuan V.S.S. 

KODINGAMALI (83° 00’ 48.14” E, 18° 50’ 30.26” N): 

Apart of the Eastern Ghat range stretching 22 Km lies in Laxmipur block of Koraput District and extends to 

some parts of Tikiri range of Rayagada District. This forest has nourished the life and culture of the local 

Kondh tribes and acted as a bridge between Kondha and Damba. The forest contains woody species and 

shrubs. In addition, the dense forest has several streams which act as a lifeline to the local inhabitants. Some 

of the streams are Jhilimili, Badamanguli, Pitua Jhola, Patapenu and Mundajhola. Masaninala receives water 

from these streams. The plateau is around 1,276 metres above sea level and its general ground level is 900 

metres above sea level. The total mine area leased to the project is 447.25 hectare. It falls under the Kodinga 

Reserve Forest. Till date forest clearance has not been received. The life of the mining project is 20 years. 

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: Four 

species of Bryophytes, 4 species of 

Fungi, two species of lichens, 30 

species of medicinal plants 

including healthy population of 

some of the important medicinal 

plants like Stachytarpheta indica, 

Kalanchoe pinnata, Habenaria 

plantaginea, Gloriosa superb, 

Acalypha indica, Curculigo 

orchiodes, Centella asiatica, Abrus 

precatorius, Andrographis 

paniculata and Heliotropium 

indicum were observed in and 

around the hill.

GANJAM 

MAHENDRAGIRI (18°58'28"N 84°22'5"E) : 

Mahendragiri hills are situated in the 

Ganjam district of Orissa between 18° 

58’ N latitude and 84° 24’ E longitude. 

The hills are roughly 25 km away from 

Bay of Bengal. The highest summit is 

1500 m (4973 ft) above mean sea 

level. As per Gamble (1892), 

Mahendragiri is the amalgamation of 

biodiversity with specoes from both 

north and south, the Himalayas and 

the Nilgiris. Mahendratanya, the chief 

river of the hill rises in the peak and 

flows down into two streams- one 

southwards into the Paralakhemundi division joining the river Vansadhara and the other through Mandasa, 

entering Bay of Bengal near Barua in Andhra Pradesh. The hills are mede up of gneisses, charanockites and 

khondalites. The annual rainfsall is 1551.6 mm. Spread over an area of over 2,000 sq km bordering Andhra 

Pradesh, this majestic micro-environmental terrain is dotted with over 25 small and big hills among which 

Singaraj (1516 meters), Mahendragiri (1601 meters) and Devagiri (1392 meters) are the highest peaks in the 

region forming a golden triangle symbolizing the area's immense ecological asset. As per Champion and 

Seth (1968), the forest of Mahendragiri falls mainly under (a) Tropical moist deciduous and (b) Tropical dry 

deciduous type. The vegetation can be classified broadly into four types- Sal forest. Mixed deciduous forest, 

grasslands and scrub forests. 

Table. 1: ANGIOSPERMS OF SOUTH ORISSA 

Sl. no. Class Families Genera Species 

1 Gymnospermae 2 2 2 

2 Angiosprmae 

Dicotyledonae 99 359 516 

Monocotyledonae 17 86 124 

Total 118 447 642

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS: The floral diversity of the hill includes 642 species of plants which is 35% of the 

flora of Orissa. The 10 most dominant families of Mahendragiri are Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, 

Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, 

Rubiaceae, Lamiaceae, Cyperaceae, 

Apocynaceae and Orchidaceae The 

characteristic Himalayan species 

occurring on Mahendragiri are Moutia 

puya, Viola serpens, Viola betonicifolia, 

Clematis roylei, Rhamnus nepalensis, 

Anotos calycina, Ajuga macrosperma, 

Thalictrum foliolosum, Rubus ellipticus, 

Rubia corditolis, Sarcococca trinervia, 

Zanthoxylum armatum, Ophiopogon 

intermedius etc. The important south 

Indian species represented in the hills are Taphrosia rosburghiana, Sida rumbifolia ssp. Retusa, Todalia 

asiatica var. obtusifolia, Sophora interrupta, Wendelandia gamble, Pavetta brevifolia, Anaphalis lawii, 

Sanecia candicans, Diospyros candolleuna, Peperomia portulacoides, Neolitsea zylenica, Molineria 

finlaysoniana, Clausena heptaphylla etc. It is interesting to note that some North Eastern species like 

Syzygium cuneatum, Linociera macrophylla, Litsea laeta etc. and some species of Burma and Java such as 

Psychoteria fulva, Ophiorhiza trichocarpos etc. were also observed in Mahendragiri. Except Poaceae, 

Cyperaceae and Orchidaceae other monocots are poorly represented. Gymnosperm represented by 2 

indigenous species such as Cycas circinalis and Gnetum ula. Varied plant and animal species still survive in 

the wilds of the region. Out of 32 plant species in the country identified for conservation, cultivation and 

sustainable commercial exploitation by the National Medicinal Plants Board under the Ministry of Health and 

Family Welfare, botanists have identified at least 15 species available in the Mahendragiri eco-system. 

Ecologically, the Mahendragiri terrain is in a very bad shape today as the vegetation cover has become very 

thin except in the valleys and towards the lower regions which still have patches of dense forest. 

Mahendragiri represents the transitional flora between southern peninsular India and the Himalayas making 

the region an ecological estuary of genetic diversities. There are three temples on the top of the mountain. 

They are Kunti Temple, Yudhisthira temple and Bhima temple. It is most popular for its Fauna like Elephants, 

Spotted Deer, Leopards, Peacock, Flying Squirrels, and Talking Mynas. The Mahendra Tanaya rivulet 

wends its way through the forest which abounds in peacocks, flying squirrels and even the talking mynas. 

The extravagant beauty of the forested hill is quite breathtaking.

KEY OBSERVATIONS/FINDINGS 

Discovery of Corallodiscus lanuginosus from Krishnumali hills 

Corallodiscus lanuginosus, a medicinal herb 

belonging to family Gesneriaceae is an endemic 

plant, was reported to grow in North Eastern India 

and China between altitudes of 1000-4000 m msl. 

Recently discovery of the plant from Krishnamali hills 

of Similipadar village (19°41′12.53″N, 83°4′28.97″E) 

between altitudes of 600-800 m msl from Karlapat hill 

ranges of Kalahandi District, Orissa has extended its 

distribution to peninsular India. According to 

Himalayan doctors and healing herbs, a traditional 

medicinal magazine, the species is used for Kidney 

disorder in many parts of the world and shown 

promising result in ailments. This provide ample opportunities for scientists and researchers to explore the 

area for some more novel findings which may provide helping hands to our ongoing search for the modern 

drugs of herbal origin. The checklist of angiosperms of southern Orissa is given in Appendix-1.1 

Discovery of Nymphoides parvifolia from Maliparbat and Krishnumali hills 

Nymphoides parvifolia belongs to family Menyanthaceae is an aquatic angiosperm reported to occur in 

Malyasia, Australia, Srilanka and India. 

According to Flora of British India and 

Flora of Madras Presidency, in India the 

species is distributed in Western Deccan 

peninsula, Sillong, Konkon coast and in 

most part of Gujurat in plane land, rice 

fields and water tanks at mean see level. 

The species was collected from 

Krishnamali hills in Karlapat range of 

Kalahandi district and Maliparbat of 

Koraput district of Orissa from an altitude 

of 950 to 1000m above mean see level. 

Interestingly, this is the first report of the species from the Eastern Ghats of India. The recent discovery of the 

species extends its distribution to peninsular India.

Discovery of Dictyophora indusiata from Kutrumali hills and Morchella 

esculanta/Morchella crassipes from Baphlimali hills 

The mushroom fungus Dictyophora indusiata or 

Phallus indusiatus commonly called long net 

stinkhorn is a macrofungus that belongs to the order 

Phallales in the fungal phylum Basidiomycotina. The 

fungus has been reported to grow at a temperature 

between 21°C to 25°C, in moist bamboo thickets at 

300–600 m amsl and relative humidity of 45–85% 

from tropical areas including Mexico, South 

America, Malaysia, southern China and Japan. 

Recent discovery of this fungus from the Western 

Ghats and the Eastern Ghats extends its distribution 

to peninsular India. The fungus was found to grow 

at an altitude of 420 m amsl in a bamboo thicket 

near the foot of Kuturmali hill of Koraput district of Orissa during post rainy season. As per the local 

inhabitants, the species has multipurpose 

medicinal applications for different ailments and 

diseases and is a sign of good luck for those who 

saw this species at least once in his lifetime and is 

rare to the State of Orissa. The checklist of fungi 

of southern Orissa is given in Appendix-1 

Morchella esculenta is an important edible 

mushroom belonging to the family Helvellaceae 

and found in the Himalayan forest between 1800 

and 3600 masl and is locally sold to middlemen 

and traders at Rs 5000 per kg. It is cooked as food 

and used in medicine and health care system by 

the traditional societies and also considered 

important for clinical use. Six species, namely 

Morchella esculenta, M. conica, M. deliciosa, M. 

angusticeps, M. arassipes and M. hybrid (M. semilibera) have been reported from India. The discovery of 

M.esculanta from Baphlimali extends its distribution to peninsular India.

Discovery of Pancriatum parvum from Karlapat 

Pancratium parvum belong to family Amaryllidaceae is 

reported to grow in Western Ghats (Maharastra, Tamil 

Nadu, Kerla and Karnataka) and Noprthern India 

(Himalayas) in most deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. 

The smell of the bulb is inhaled to cure Epilepsy by Pawra 

tribe of Satpura Hills, Maharashtra, India. The recent 

discovery of this species from Karlapat wildlife sanctuary 

extends its distribution to Eastern Ghats of India. 

Healthy population of Radermanchera xylocarpa from Karlapat 

Radermachera xylocarpa (Padri Tree) is a large 

deciduous tree belong to family Bignoniaceae, growing 

up to 5-10 m tall. It is usually found in dry deciduous 

forests of Central India. It is a rare species in the 

Central Indian region with very thin and scattered 

population. A healthy population of almost 100 trees 

was encountered within Karlapat. This report has 

extended the range of this species to Orissa. As per 

the local inhabitants, the fruits of this species are 

consumed by the Samber inside the sanctuary. 

Discovery of Ophioglossum reticulatum from 

Krishnamali hills 

The genus Ophioglossum L. commonly known as Adder’s 

tongue or Snake tongue fern of eusporangiate belonging to 

family Ophioglossaceae. About 40 species under the genus 

Ophioglossum are known so far worldwide, but in India the 

genus is represented by 12 species. Ophioglossum 

reticulatum is reported to be distributed in Western Ghats, 

Southern India, Central India and Northern India. The 

discovery of this species from Krishnamali hills of Karlapat 

has extended its distribution to Eastern Ghats of India. The 

checklist of pteridophytes of southern Orissa is given in Appendix-1.1.

First report of Lichens from Orissa state 

The occurrence of Heterodermia diademata in Baphlimali, 

Niyamgiri and Mahendragiri is an indication of mixture of flora 

of Northern and Southern elements. The species was earlier 

reported from North-east and Western Ghats of India. 

Parmelia saxatilis and Parmelia sulcata, the two most 

common indicator species were observed during the survey 

shows the richness and diversity in Lichens of south Orissa. 

Healthy population and first report of 

Bryophytes from Orissa state 

Twenty three species of Bryophytes were collected during the 

survey belongs to 13 family and 17 genera from different 

forest types of south Orissa. Bryum argenteum, Funaria 

hygrometrica, Marchantia palmate, Phaeoceros laevis, 

Plagiochasma appendiculatum, Riccardia levierii were most 

common in their occurrence while, Targionia hypophylla, 

Asterella angusta and Riccia gangetica, Pallavicinea lyeli, 

Pellia epiphylla were observed in only near semi-evergreen 

forest patches of Khandualmali, Niyamgiri, Baphlimali, 

Mahendragiri and Deomali hills. Since there is no available 

literatures on Bryoflora of Eastern Ghats in general and Orissa in particular, all the Bryophytes reported 

during this study are treated as new distributional record of their corresponding occurrence to Orissa. 

The checklist of bryophytes and lichens of southern Orissa is given in Appendix-1.3 and 1.4.

THREATS TO FLORAL DIVERSITY OF SOUTH ORISSA: 

However, short-cycled shifting cultivation, reclamation of forestland for agriculture, removal of timber, 

firewood and over-collection of minor forest produce, indiscriminate vegetation clearance and loss of 

biodiversity, stone quarrying, cattle grazing, reduced flow of water in the streams, loss of fertile top soil, loss 

of soil moisture and lowering of the water table are some of the causes of eco-degradation of the 

Mahendragiri hill complex. The checklist of threatened plants of south Orissa is given in Appendix-1.2. 

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF SOUTH ORISSA 

DEOMALI (18°40'32"N 82°58'55"E) : 

The avifauna of Deomali comprised of more than 50 species. The raptors like Peregrine Falcon, Common 

Kestrel, Black- shouldered kite and pheasants like Peafowl, Red jungle fowl and Grey Jungle fowl were 

observed here and there in the forest. Different species of Bee-eater, Cuckoos, Swifts, Swallows, Bulbul and 

many species of small to medium seized bush birds were also encountered during the survey. The checklist 

of the avifauna is provided in Appendix-2. 

The herpetofauna include ore than 20 species of snakes that were encountered during the survey 

including discovery of a snake species earlier not reported from Orissa. The Sri Lankan Stripe-necked snake 

or Liopeltis calamaria was earlier recorded from Western Ghats of Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu 

(Tinnevelly Hills), Karnataka (Mysore and Bangalore) and Madhya Pradesh; and outside India in Bangladesh 

(?) and Sri Lanka. During the winter survey, three specimens were encountered at the top plateau of 

Deomali. The snakes were found in dry zones of the plateau, bellow rock boulders preferably near Phoenix 

bush at an altitude of 1505m above msl. We observed three specimens after searching for 20 hours by 4 

people and uplifting >500 rock boulders of 5” to 15” size. The other interesting herpetofauna of the area was 

Mabuya beddomei, which was also recorded for the first time in Orissa. Earlier, the species was recorded 

from Karnataka (Mysore), Kerala (Malappuram, Sivagiri Hills, Silent Valley and New Amarambalam Reserve 

Forest) and Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli and Salem); and outside India in Sri Lanka. After the discovery of the 

species from Deomali its range extends to the Eastern Ghat ranges of Orissa. This species of skink prefer to 

live in the same type of habitat as the Srilankan stripe-necked snake and in Deomali they were found bellow 

rock boulders at an altitude of 1500-1600m above msl. We also recorded a good population of bush frogs 

(Philautus sp) from the area. The checklist of the faunal diversity of south Orissa is provided in appendix-2. 

The invertebrate fauna was diverse and among the observed species most of the species photographed 

were unidentified.

Surveillance of some of the key mammals of Deomali 

SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Melursus ursinus 

Canis lupus pallipes 

Canis aureus 

Sus scrofa 

Muntiacus muntjak 

Hysterix indica 

REMARK 

Sloth bears, popularly known as Bhalu, are occasionally seen in Deomali proper but are 

common in the adjacent hill ranges. They take shelter in the caves and are active just 

before dusk for foraging whole night and retire by dawn. As a part of their daily routine 

they work hard in search for food to support their bulky body. 

Wolves, which is popularly known as Kug. The wolf may live in forest but are common in 

bare and open region. They prefer to live in thickets of shrub, thorn forest, lying up in open 

fields and some times take shelter in caves during rainy season. They hunt by day and 

night and near human habitation they are believed to be cattle and goat lifters. The wolves 

are occasionally encountered in the forest and we were fortunate enough to sight a single 

individual near Deomali during early morning. 

Deomali and its hill ranges are inhabited by a small population of Jackals or the Maluas (in 

traditional language) and are frequently sighted at the foot hills during dusk. They are 

smaller than wolf and perhaps the most adaptable canid and can live in almost any kind of 

habitat. They are mostly found in lowlands, inside holes near agricultural field, among 

dense grasses and scrub thicket. They are occasionally seen in groups except during 

breeding period. 

The wild boar herds are also uncommon in Deomali, which are always hearted by the 

farmers for their crop raiding activities in the agricultural fields situated near the forest 

land. They are often victimized by the poachers for meat and use of their jaw bone in 

traditional healing of tonsillitis 

In the forest Barking deer is found along the hill tracts. 

The Indian porcupine is relatively common in Deomali. They occasionally venture at the 

top plateau, which was evident from the 

MALIPARBAT (18°, 37′, 48.43″N and 82°, 54′, 11.87″E): 

Surveillance of some of the key mammals of Mali Parvat 

The faunal diversity of Maliparavat includes 27 species of mammals, 63 species of birds, 25 species of 

snakes, 8 species of lizards, 14 species of frogs, 3 species of scorpions and 31 species of butterflies. The 

Mali parvat hill ranges were found to be a good habitat for Sloth bear, Wolves, Barking deer, Wild boars, 

Jackals, Civetys, Pangolin, percupines and many other species of mammals. The presence of some of the 

important species of mammal is presented in tabular form as follows and the complete checklist is given in 

Appendix---. The avifauna of Mali parvat documented during the survey comprised of more than 63 species. 

The raptors sighted were Peregrine Falcon, Common Kestrel, Black- shouldered kite, Shickra, Sparrow 

hawk, Hunny buzzard and one unidentified species. Pheasants like Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Grey Jungle 

fowl are also abundantly in the forest. Different species of Bee-eaters, Cuckoos, Swifts, Swallows, Bulbul and 

many species of small to medium seized bush birds were encountered during the survey.


Panthera pardus 


Canis lupus pallipes 

Hyaena hyaena 

Canis aureus 

Sus scrofa 

REMARK 

According to the secondary information collected, Leopards found in the Mali Parvet 

and is uncommon. They are rarely sighted by the live stock herders and they are 

occasionally sighted near the villages. 

Sloth bears, popularly known as Bhalu, are common in the Mali parvat and the 

adjacent hill ranges. They take shelter in numerous caves and bush thickets. Sloth 

bears are very often encountered by the villagers and they avoid disturbing them 

inside forest. They are active just before dusk for foraging whole night and retire by 

dawn and sometimes raid in the crop field for Maize, Jack fruit etc. 

Wolves, locally known as Kug are relatively common in the area. They are common 

in bare and open region. They hunt by day and night and near human habitation they 

are believed to be cattle and goat lifters. The wolves are sometimes sighted in the 

forest as per the secondary information sources. 

Hyaena or Gadha bagh are rarely encountered in the area. 

Jackals or locally known as the Maluas are frequently sighted at the foot hills during 

dusk. We had direct sighting of more than 5 individuals during one night in that area. 

The Jackals are smaller than wolf and perhaps one of the most adaptable canid. 

They are mostly found in lowlands, inside holes near agricultural field, among dense 

grasses and scrub thicket. They are occasionally seen in groups except during 

breeding period. 

The wild boar herds are also uncommon in Mali parvat, which are always hearted by 

the farmers for their crop raiding activities in the agricultural fields situated near the 

forest land. They are often victimized by the poachers for meat and use of their jaw 

bone in traditional healing of tonsillitis. 

The encounter rate of herpetofaunal diversity of the area was quite high in the sense that we encountered 11 

species of snakes and 7 species of lizards and 7 species of frogs during two days field survey. Observation 

of some of the herpetofauna, altitudinal variation in species distribution and their habitat specification is 

provided in the following table. The checklist of herpetofauna is provided in Appendix_. 

NIYAMGIRI (19º 26’ to 19º 43’ N and 83º 18’ to 83 º 28’ E): 

The Niyamgiri hill ranges come across the migratory path of elephants and in 2004 the State Wildlife 

Department brought a proposal for declaration of certain parts as elephant reserve, which comes under 

Phulbani- Gajapati and Kalahandi Elephant reserve. The area has been recommended for creation of 

Niyamgiri wildlife sanctuary in the revised working plan for the reserve forest and proposed R.F. of Kalahandi 

Forest Division for the period of 1997-1998 to 2006-2007 comprising an area of 9129.19 hectors. The area 

was declared as Nature conservation / game sanctuary by the Raja of Kalahandi in pre independence era, 

which shows the rich biodiversity. The contiguous forest across Devagiri of Rayagada district, Niyamgiri and 

Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary of Kalahandi district makes it an important migratory path for elephants, tigers 

and other mega herbivores.

Surveillance of some of the key mammals of Niyamgiri 


Panthera tigris 

Panthera pardus 

Prionailurus bengalensis 

Elephas maximus 


Bos gaurus 

Cervus unicolor 

Tetracerus quadricornis 

Moschiola meminna 

Manis crassicaudata 

Cuon alpanius 

Petaurista philippensis 

Ratufa indica 

Mellivora capensis 

Anoyx cinerius 

REMARK 

Rarely sighed near Khambeshi and Jarpa area of Khambesi R.F. 

Leopard sighting is common in the forests of Lanjigarh Forest Range, Niyamgiri and 

they were also frequently seen on the top plateau. Scats of leopards were collected 

from many places of the forest, which signifies their abundance in Khambesi, Niyam 

Dongar and at the foot hills. Scat analysis of the Leopards from Niyamgiri revels they 

were feeding predominantly on Barking deer, Hare and Languor. Just before our visit 

to the study area one Leopard had ventured in to the Lanjigarh town on June, 2005 

Sometimes sighted inside forest. We encounter two individuals during our night survey 

in the forest. 

Niyamgiri forest comes under the migratory route of Elephants passing from Karlapat 

Wildlife Sanctuary to Korgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to large scale of human 

disturbances, elephants take shelter in the undisturbed forest patch of Niyamgiri. We 

located elephant dung at several places near Khambesi and Jarapa Village 

Commonly sighted in the forest. We sighted one individual at the foot-hill. 

According to the local forest dwellers Gaurs are sometimes sighted inside Niyamgiri 

forest. 

Commonly sighted throughout the forest 

Observed scat at many places on the hill top 

Sometimes sighted in the forest. We had one sighting near Khambesi 

According the forest dwellers, sometimes sighted inside the forest 

According to the forest dwellers Wild dog packs are sometimes found in the forest 

Common in the Niyamgiri forest. We observed some of the Flying Squirrel nests on 

Jamun tree near the foot hill 

Very common in the Niyamgiri Forest. Frequently sighted near the hill streams. 

Rattles are sighted throughout the Niyamgiri Forest. Occasionally they venture near 

Human habitation. 

It is quite possible that the hill streams of Niyamgiri and other hill tracts of South Orissa 

are inhabited by the Clawless Otter. The Otters are found to be common in all the 

major hill streams of Niyamgiri. 

The herpetofaunal diversity of Niyamgiri observed during the last field trip was consisting of 20 species of 

amphibians, 19 species of lizards and 22 species of snakes. Numerous hill streams and the vegetation are 

suitable for holding such a high diversity of herpetofauna. Discovery of two new species of frogs of the genus 

Bufo (Family: Bufonidae) and Philautus (Family: Rachophoridae) are new to science. Range extension of the 

frog species Rana malabaricus (Family Ranidae) is very much interesting from the biogeography point of 

view. The species was thought to be endemic to the Western Ghats and after its discovery in the Eastern 

Ghats from the Niyamgiri forest; it emphasizes the theory of landmass link between the two geographic 

regions of India. Apart from the frogs we found a skink of genus Scincella sp., which was not recorded from 

Orissa. The skink lives near the hill streams and mostly found bellow rocks or in leaf litter. Niyamgiri forest

havens a very good population golden gecko; the endangered species of gecko is placed under Schedule I 

of WPA. Presence of golden gecko is characterized by the typical microclimate with high humidity, dark and 

cool place. During the 5 days of field survey in Niyamgiri we came across 20 species of snakes, which shows 

a very good diversity of snake fauna. Finding of the Cantor’s black-headed snake (Sibynophis sagitaria) and 

St Johns keel back (Xenocrophis sanctijohanis) are first reports from Orissa. Rediscovery of Travancore Wolf 

Snake (Lycodon travancoricus) from the area has confirmed its distribution in the Eastern Ghats. Another 

most important discovery of the survey was the cat snake (Boiga sp.), which deserves another species 

status. This shows Niyamgiri is one of the least studied habitats from herpetofaunal point of view. A detail 

survey may reveal many additional species of herpetofauna from the area. 

COMPARISION OF SIGHTING OF KEY MAMMALS IN DIFFERENT HILLS OF SOUTHERN 

ORISSA. 

Sl. 

no. 

Common 

name 

Scientific 

name 

PPM PTN MHG MLP KDM KLP NMG KTM KSM WPA status 

1 Tiger Panthera tigris Sch-I 

2 Leopard Panthera 

pardus 

3 Leopard cat Prionailurus 

bengalensis 

Sch-I 

Sch-I 

4 Jungle cat Felis chaus Sch-II 

5 Elephant Elephas 

maximus 

Sch-I 

6 Wolf Canis lupus Sch-I 

7 Jackal Canis aureus Sch-II 

8 Striped hyena Hyaena Sch-III 

hyaena 

9 Nilgai Boselaphus 

tragocameus 

10 Sambar Cervus unicolor Sch-III 

11 Chital Axis axis Sch-III 

12 Barking Deer Muntiacus Sch-III 

muntjak 

13 Hare Lepus 

Sch-IV 

nigricollis 

14 Porcupine Hystrix indica Sch-IV 

15 Indian 

Pangolin 

Manis 

crassicaudata 

Sch-I 

16 Wild Dog Cuon alpanius Sch-II 

17 Small Indian 

civet 

Vivericula 

indica 

Sch-II

Sl. Common 

no. name 

18 Common 

palm civet 

Scientific name PPM PTN MHG MLP KDM KLP NMG KTM KSM WPA status 

Paradoxurus 

hermophroditus 

Sch-II 

19 Grey 

mongoose 

20 Ruddy 

mongoose 

Herpestes 

edwardsii 

Herpestes 

smithii 

Sch-II 

Sch-II 

21 Indian giant 

flying squirrel 

Petaurista 

philippensis 

Sch-II 

22 Indian giant 

squirrel 

Ratufa indica Sch-II 

23 Honey badger 

(Ratel) 

Mellivora 

capensis 

Sch-I 

24 Rhesus Macaca Sch-II 

monkey mulatta 

25 Wild pig Sus scrofa Sch-III 

26 Hanuman 

langur 

27 Clawless 

Otter 

Semnopithecus 

entellus 

Sch-II 

Aonix cinerea Sch-II 

: Present,: Absent 

PPM - Panchpatmali, PTN -Patangi, MLP - Maliparvat, KDM - Kodingamali, KLP - Karlapat, NMG - 

Niyamgiri, SJM - Sijimali, KTM - Kutrumali, KSM – Krishnamali, KHML- Khandualmali, MHNG- 

Mahendragiri. 

KEY FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS 

Elephant habitats: 

The past history of elephant habitat revels that elephants are not frequently available in the area south of 

river Mahanadi until 1907 (Cobdon Ramsay, 1910). The report mentions that few numbers of elephants 

occasionally strayed across Mahanadi in to the undivided Boudh and during 1907 a few number of elephants 

strayed the undivided Kalahandi district for a few days but the movement was unusual. However, now 

Kalahndi district is home for more than 40 elephants so also the Baudh and Rayagada districts, which are 

some of the examples of newly established elephant habitats in early twentieth century and is the common 

phenomenon of migration observed in many mega animals. There are also past report of migration of 

elephants in other states of India, and the cause is only because of anthropogenic pressure.

During the rapid biodiversity 

survey we came across all the 

major Elephant habitats of the 

South Orissa elephant reserve, 

namely Bhanjanagar, Kotgarh, 

Chandrapur, Karlapat, Lakhari 

valley and Mahendragiri. 

According to the 2002 

Elephant census the proposed 

elephant reserve is of 7713 sq. 

km. area having 185 

elephants. In our study area 

except for Koraput the rest 

districts are the elephant 

habitats. It is quite interesting to note that though Koraput is having the similar type of topography, vegetation 

and geo-morphology as compared to the adjacent elephant habitats in Kalahandi and Rayagada still there is 

absence of elephants. This might be attributed due to rampant practice of shifting cultivation in the past and 

ongoing mining activities.The checklist of mammals of south Orissa is given in Appendix 2.6. 

Herpetofaunal diversity of South Orissa 

The herpetofauna of south Orissa is represented by 22 species of lizards, 3 species of crocodilians, more 

than 45 species of snakes and 12 species of fresh water turtles and tortoises. This excludes the sea turtles 

and sea snakes. However detailed field studies, specifically in the unexplored forest areas reveals several 

species of frogs, snakes, lizards and turtles new to sciences or were not recorded earlier. Some of these taxa 

includes lizards: Ophisops sp, Hemidactylus subtriedrus, Geckoella sp, Calodactylodes aureus; frogs; 

Philautus similipalenissi, Fejerverya orissaensis, Fejerverya sp, Rana malabaricus, Microhyla sp, 

Polypedates teraiersis and Chirixalus sp; snakes:Boiga forsteni, Boiga orchracea, Oligodon affinis, 

Sybnophis sagittarus, Lycodon striatus, Lycodon sp, Elepha helna monticolaries, Trimmeresurus gramineus, 

Ahetulla pulverunlentus. Several of these species are found either in the Western Ghat ranges or in North 

East India. Their presence and discovery in south Orissa indicate that similar climatic and habitat features are 

also found in some areas of Orissa. Hence we consider these as indicator species of both climatic and 

physiographic factors. It is suspected that additional survey in Orissa will yield more such species, which will 

add new dimension to the existing knowledge on the herpetofauna of India. The checklist of herpetofaunal 

diversity of southern Orissa is given in Appendix 2.2, 2.3,2.4.

KEY OBSERVATIONS/FINDINGS 

Discovery of Ahaetulla rhodogastor, Ahaetulla 

annomalus and Ahaetulla sp. from Ganjam 

During the study we came across a good population of Vine 

snake species along the Coast line of Ganjam. The species 

looks close to Ahaetulla nasuta, but differs in some of the typical 

characters. After careful examination of the species and 

consultation with the Vine snake experts from different museums 

the species was considered as a long forgotten species, 

described by some workers during 1912. The snake is found on 

trees and bushes and has the similar life style like Ahaetulla 

nasuta. The discovery of the species from Orissa, added a new 

insight to taxonomy of Vine snakes and detail study is being 

Ahaetulla rhodogastor 

undertaken to know more about the taxonomy and biology of the 

snake. Similarly Ahaetulla rhodogastor, Ahaetulla annomalus 

were discovered from Mahendragiri, Chandragiri and Baphlimali 

hills of south Orissa. 

Discovery of Gerarda prevostiana from Rushikulya 

river mouth 

The snake is well known as crab eating snake and is specialized 

on feeding the recently molted crabs. The species is reported for 

the first time from Orissa from Rushikulya river 

mouth. The snake was observed during 

afternoon, when it was resting near a crick. This 

species is generally found in the mangrove 

swamps, but occurrence of the species in the 

Rushikulya River Mouth is quite surprising. The 

snake is characterized by smooth scales, short 

tail; body colour grey, lower part of dorsum cream 

coloured with median dark streaks. This is a little 

known species, earlier reported from Gulf of 

Ahaetulla annomalus 

Mannar, as well as isolated localities in South East Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand and Malay Peninsula.

Discovery of Lycodon sp. from Ganjam 

An odd looking Wolf snake (Lycodon sp.) was observed 

in Mahendragiri, Ganjam, which differs from the usual 

Lycodon aulicus. The snake species observed is 

smaller than the previous species with a typical colour 

pattern. More study is needed to validate the species 

status. Now we are working on the molecular level to 

know the authentic identity of the species. 

Discovery of Trimeruserus sp. from Ganjam 

Recently we added the name of Bamboo pit viper to the 

snake list of Orissa and soon after we encountered 

another pit viper, which looks close to the bamboo pit 

viper but completely differs in its colouration and head 

scale count. We came across a single specimen from a 

height of 20 ft from ground on a bamboo tree. The 

animal was located with the help of search light and 

after observing the snake, we were very much excited 

for the surprising result. More work is going on to 

describe the species. 

Discovery of Black headed snake from Deomali 

The colubrid snake genus Sibynophis 

comprises some nine species distributed in 

southern and south-eastern Asia. Up to three 

species are known from mainland India, S. 

collaris, S. subpunctatus, and S. sagittarius 

Cantor’s Black headed snake, Sibynophis 

saggitarius is one of the common species that 

we had encountered during our study. The 

finding has extended its authentic record to 

Orissa. The similar species was also recorded 

from other 17 locations of Orissa. The 

Cantor’s Black headed snake 

checklist of snakes of south Orissa is given in 

Appendix 2.4

Discovery of Green pit viper, wolf snakes and Ophisops sp. from Niyamgiri and 

Mahendragiri hills 

During a brief herpetological survey of three days a green Pit viper 

was found which could be a new species or sub species of pit viper 

from India, since this could not be matched with existing pit viper 

records of India, further studies on this species are in progress to 

conform its authenticity. The Travancore wolf snake which was last 

reported from Orissa by the British herpetologists in pre independence 

era has also been rediscovered from here recently. A species of skink 

which was hitherto unreported in any published literature could be a 

new report. An interesting species of wolf snake was discovered from 

Koraput and might be a new species of wolf snake from Orissa. Two 

species of Ophisps were recorded from Baphlimali and Niyamgiri hills 

and a viable population of skink was observed during the study period. 

Authentic record of Banded Racer: 

Argyorgena fasciolata or Banded Racer is distributed in western 

Ghats and Northern India but its distribution in Orissa was 

uncertain. After the discovery of a road killed specimen from 

Baghamari of Khurdha district, the distributional record of the 

species in Orissa is authenticated. It was a juvenile snake, found 

road killed near a canal surrounded with paddy fields. From 

published literatures and looking at the habitat from where the 

specimen was obtained, it can be presumed that the snake lives 

in open forest, in agricultural fields and near human habitation. 

The same species was also recorded at Niyamgiri hills during the 

survey. This is the first authentic record of the Banded Racer from 

Orissa state.The herpetofauna of the hills has indicated a healthy 

nature of the forest as some of the species are found in Western 

Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. The presence of all the above 

species has extended their distribution to Eastern ghats of Orissa, 

India. 

Mabuya dossumeri from Kashipur, Rayagada 

Ophisops sp. from Baphlimali

Discovery of Liopeltis calamaria from Baphlimali and Deomali 

While venturing in the mountain platue of Baphlimali and 

Deomali, we came across a tiny snake found bellow medium 

sized rock boulders. The snake species was identified as 

Liopeltis calamaria or the Sri Lankan Stripe snake. During 

winter the snakes are some times found in pairs living in the 

same habitat with Mabuya dissimilis. We observed five 

specimens after searching for 20 hours in Baphlimali and 

uplifting more than 500 rock boulders of 5” to 15” size. The 

animal lives bellow boulders, preferably near the root of 

Cycas plants, which is typical to any Bouxite deposited area. The snakes are found on the top plaque above 

1500 meters height from MSL. We also observed a single individual of the same snake species in 

Baphlimali. 

Discovery of Boiga forsteni from Karlapat 

The species is polymorphic in nature and is represented 

by four morphotypes in the eastern Indian State of Orissa, 

India. Based on available specimens, published 

distribution records and recent collections, the taxonomic 

status of the species is established. This species is purely 

nocturnal and found in dense forest patches along with 

tree holes and reported in Karlapat wildlife sanctuary and 

Niyamgiri hills. 

Discovery of Coelognathus monticolaris from Koraput 

Coelognathus monticolaris, the entire Indian subcontinent 

is their widespread, the range is currently not precisely 

known, particularly from the central region of India lacks 

precise localities. Coelognathus helenus inhabited mainly 

the elevated plains and low mountain ranges between sea 

level and 900 m above sea level. Preferred habitats of 

these snakes are the bush areas of the semi evergreen 

forest edges, rice fields, plantations, meadow edges, and 

especially near water. The Indian jewelry snake lives 

Coelognathus monticolaris 

largely on the ground, sometimes sighted in the tree

anches. This species was observed at Deomali, Baphlimali and Mahendragiri hills are also a new record 

for the state. 

Range extension of Golden gecko 

(Calodactyloeds aureas) 

The Golden Gecko (Calodactyloeds aureas) is said to be 

endemic to Eastern Ghats of India and is a schedule-I 

species under the wildlife protection act, 1970. A viable but 

small population of the species were recorded in most part 

of south Orissa (Karlapat, Niyamgiri, Mahendragiri) 

extending its distribution to Orissa. 

Range extension of Rana malabaricus 

The Fungicoid frog (Rana malabaricus) is said to be 

endemic to Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas in caves 

and moist environment of India and is a schedule-I species 

under the wildlife protection act, 1970. A viable but small 

population of the species were recorded in most part of 

south Orissa (Karlapat, Maliparbat and Kutrumali hills) 

extending its distribution to Orissa. 

Discovery of many species of amphibians from south Orissa: 

Discovery of different populations of Philautus spp., Fejervarya sp. from Mahendragiri and Pottangi, 

Taptapani and Karlapat whose identities are so far not known is a good indicator of the status of forest in 

southern Orissa. Since the amphibians are very good environmental indicators, the finding needs further 

research on amphibians of the southern Orissa. The checklist of amphibians is given in Appendix 2.2. 

Apart from all these interesting findings the study also yields some more new records of herpetofauna from 

southern Orissa that includes,

• A new species of cat snake was discovered from the area, which was found inside a Sal tree hole at 

a height of 27’ from the Niyam Donger. 

• A new species of Wolf snale (Lycodon sp.) discovered from 

Koraput. 

• A new species of Bamboo pit viper from Ganjam. 

• Rediscovery of Travancore wolf snake from Niyamgiri. 

• Range extension of Bamboo pit viper Trimeroserus 

gramineus from Orissa 

• Range extension of Foresten’s cat snake 

• Range extension of St. Johns Keelback. 

• Rediscovery of Pygmy shrew (Suncus etruscus) from 

Southern Orissa 

• Observed a good population of Crocodylus palustris at Upper 

Kolab 

• Discovery of a Ophisops sp. (Lacertidae) from Baphlimali 

Pigmy screw, observed in many 

forests of Orissa 

Close up of marsh crocodile basking on the mud flat 

• Discovery of a scorpion species of family Scorpiopsidae from Chandragiri 

Documentation of several species of butterflies from southern Orissa, with possibility of some 

new records of species from Orissa 

Healthy population of Indian Giant Squirrel: 

Along with 36 species of mammals, including some of the 

endangered species, like Royal Bengal tiger, Leopard, 

Striped Hyena, Elephant, Sloth bear, Gaur, Sambar, Nilgai, 

Rattel, Indian Pangolin and Wolf, we have encountered a 

healthy population of Ratufa indica in almost all the hills of 

south Orissa. The maximum population of Ratufa indica was 

observed at Niyamgiri hills and Karlapat wildlife sanctuary. 

Geckoella nebulosus from Karlapat

However, flying squirrel could not be sighted on spot even though the local people stressed their 

presence in few part of southern Orissa. 

First authentic record of Small clawed Otters from Orissa: 

A key species in wetland environment, otters are recognized as one of the top predators of 

freshwater ecosystem and there are 13 species distributed worldwide. There are three species of 

otters found in Indian subcontinent, viz. the Eurasian otter (Lutra Lutra L.), the Smooth-coated otter 

(Lutra perspecillata Geoffrey) and the Oriental small-clawed otter (Anonyx cinerea Illiger). All three 

species of otters found in India are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas and are 

threatened in many locations by a reduction in prey biomass, poaching and loss of habitat. The 

otters, at the apex of food web are good indicators of healthy riverine ecosystem In India. Aonyx 

cinereus is seen from Himachal Pradesh to Assam hill ranges and in some parts of Tamil Nadu and 

Kerala down south. As per the recommendations of the First otter Action Plan, they were restricted 

to the foothills of Himalayas, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and in southern India. Very little 

information is available on the status of otters from from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, 

Orissa and Northeast Indian states. Being enlisted as insufficiently known taxa in the IUCN red data 

book and as a Schedule II species in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the smooth-coated 

otter is one of the least studied species in Eastern Ghats of India. During the preliminary field visit, 

the study team observed foot marks and scats/droppings of the Otters in the banks of all most all 

the perennial hill streams of Sothern Orissa. This spesis has recorded for the first time form Orissa.

Butterflies of South OrissaA total of 45 species of butterflies were identified during the 

survey with maximum population recorded at Baphlimali hills. The short preliminary work on 

Butterflies has shown some interesting features of the butterfly fauna of southern Orissa and it 

should be continued for more sampling occasions. If such is possible, the present faunal list is likely 

to be extended and many more species could be discovered as new records for the state. The 

checklist of butterflies of southern Orissa is given in Appendix 2.1 

Banded peacock 

Avifaunal diversity of South Orissa: BIRDS are ideal bio-indicators and useful models for 

studying a variety of environmental problems (Newton, 1995). As increasingly more attention is now 

being given to conservation monitoring and ecological studies of bioindicators, avifauna warrants a 

closer examination in forest ecosystems. Out of the 9,000 species of birds under 75 families found 

globally, India accounts for more than 1300 species under 48 families in 10 bio-geographic zones 

(Ali and Ripley, 1987). There are 479 species of birds found in Orissa (Dev, 1997). From the survey 

it is found that, the hills are potential hot spot for the birds due to its geographical location in the hill 

ranges of Eastern Ghats of India that provides a wide range of habitat for many vulnerable and 

threatened birds that are not found in many parts of the state which makes it a unique place for the 

point of species conservation. Apart from healthy population of common birds we encountered 

many threatened birds like, Golden Orioles, Indian grey horn bills, lesser kestrels, Hill mynas, 

Green avadavat etc. in large numbers during our survey at Baphlimali, Niyamgiri, Mahendragiri, 

Khandualmali and Krishnamali. The checklist of birds of southern Orissa is given in Appendix 2.5.

Kestrel at Deomali Platue 

Ethnobotanical status of South Orissa 

During the study more than 160 species of plants are recorded from South Orissa, which are used 

by different ethnic groups for treatment of different aliments. The traditional healers or the Jani/ 

Dohari/ Disri/ Majhi use the plant products to treat more than fifty diseases or disease complexes. 

The ethno-medicinal plants were identified under more than 130 genera and 68 families. The 

identified plants comprise 80 herbs, 21 shrubs, 27 climbers and some epiphytic groups. 

Saxena and Brahrnam (1983) have done an assessment of the rare plants of Eastern Ghats and 

Orissa respectively. Analyzing the flora of south Orissa, after consulting major Indian Herbaria and 

local communities, it is found that there is no true endemic species in the region, some new or 

apparent endemic species have, however, been reported. Such species are Egostemma 

verticillaturn, Lavendula bipinnata, Cassine albens, Eulophia herbacea, Mucuna minima, 

Lasiococca cornberi and Cynodon barberi found in isolated habitats only and need adequate

protection. The species like Impatiens kleinii, Elatostema surculosum, Argosternma verticillatum, 

Lecanthus wightii etc. have not been collected 

from the region after the first collection by 

Mooney. Major biotic factors such as overexploitation, 

fire and shifting cultivation seem to 

be responsible for disappearance and rarity of the 

species. Plants like Cayratia auriculata, Gloriosa 

superba, Gymnema sylvestre, Melasma 

thomsonii, Pueraria tuberosa, Raderrnachera 

xylocarpa, Rauvolfia serpentina, Tectaria 

cicutaria, Tylophora fasciculata have been badly depleted due to over-exploitation for medicinal 

uses. All these plants deserve special attention for their conservation on account of their rarity, 

phytogeographic importance and to preserve their natural heritage. The checklist of medicinal 

plants of south Orissa and its applications is given in Appendix 1.6. 

Threats to the biodiversity: Mining and industrialization 

The state’s biodiversity is at stake due to the rapid 

growth of mining and industrialization activities. We 

need development and we also want the Biodiversity to 

be conserved for our future generation, is it possible! 

The debate has no conclusion, as we understand. If we 

give priority to the development processes, then why 

there are laws to protect the biodiversity? There should 

be sustainable utilization of the natural resources, but 

not like the way it is going on. It is quite evident from the past experiences that mushrooming of 

mining projects and other developmental activities are nothing but ruthless exploitation of 

biodiversity of the area. The catastrophic impacts are directly observed as loss of water, global 

warming, desertification etc. or will be observed very soon in the near future. 

Poaching: 

Poaching is another big threat to wildlife next to the developmental processes, which causes direct 

elimination of a species from wild. In Orissa, rampant poaching is going on causing an irreversible 

loss to the ecosystem of some areas. The network of poachers is some times unnoticed by the

wildlife managers. During our survey we came across evidences of skins of leopards, Otters, Giant 

squirrels, pangolins, Percupines etc. from most parts of southern Orissa. 

Large scale shifting cultivation and encroachment in the past: 

Large scale of slash and burn/ shifting cultivation/ practiced by various ethnic groups, living inside 

and out side the protected areas has harsh impact on the wildlife habitat. The cultivation practice is 

well pronounced in many parts of Southern Orissa, such as Nayagarh, Phulbani, Ganjam, Gajapati, 

Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput and Malakanagiri districts, where Lanjia Saora, Saora, Kandha, 

Kutia Kondh, Dongria Kondh, Koya, Paraja and Gadaba tribes are still dependant on this type of 

cultivation. Though very little studies has been undertaken to quantify the impact of shifting 

cultivation on wildlife, in general the impact is negative. Now-a-days due to shortage of forest land 

the practice is no longer a good concept, when it is the time to think for wildlife habitat restoration. 

Community conservation initiatives of landscape and species: 

During the study period we came across many sacred grooves and community conserved 

landscapes that need legal recognision and support from different stake holders and policy makers. 

There are good reasons to support, and not to dismantle, community forest management. First, the 

diversity of arrangements with community forestry provides a rich reservoir of experiences from 

which to learn. Second, local problem solving has the potential to be more responsive to local 

needs, as in the choice of species for replanting. Third, there are a number of operational 

advantages to community-based management. For example, community forest management 

seems to result in better monitoring than does JFM. By building on the existing strengths of India’s 

diverse and vibrant community-based resource management traditions, JFM can contribute to 

increasing the set of viable options rather than decreasing them. 

Sacred groves are remnants of natural vegetation, protected and conserved by the spiritual 

beliefs of local people. Since these sacred groves are free from disturbances, they reflect the 

original vegetation of that area. A number of human societies in Asia, Africa, Europe, America and 

Australia have preserved sections of their natural environment as sacred groves. Besides catering 

to the spiritual and cultural needs of the host community, they also play an important role in 

conserving biodiversity by facilitating the conservation of medicinal as well as endangered flora and 

fauna and hence of great ecological value.

In the predominantly tribal Koraput and Rayagada districts, forests play a pivotal role in the cultural 

and economic status of the tribal communities. Forests and wildlife have a great influence on their 

lives. Though the tribal communities are fierce defendants of the forests, large-scale timber 

exploitation and the pressure exerted on these communities by the mining, hydroelectric and 

defense establishments have led to massive deforestation. A significant portion of the forest cover 

is either conserved by the local people as Community Protected Forests or in the form of sacred 

groves. 

Cultural and Ecological Importance of Sacred Groves of Kondhs: Sacred groves 

of the Kondhs generally fall under two categories viz., the Jakeyr and the Nishanimunda. The 

Jakeyr is the formal sacred grove while the Nishani munda is a sacred grove established prior to 

the setting up of the village. Hence there can be as many Jakeyr while there can be only one 

Nishanimunda for each village. The Earth God, Darni Depta, usually represented by a small cavelike 

structure made of stones is the deity that is worshipped by the community. Four festivals take 

place in the sacred groves viz., bicha porav, maha porav, taku porav and dealli porav. Animals 

such as goat, chicken, buffalo and cow are sacrificed during the festivals and as individual offerings. 

Along with the sacrificial meat, rice and liquor are given as offerings, and also served as community 

feast. The Dishari (astrologer) assists the Jani in conducting the rituals. The Jani is mostly the 

custodian of the sacred groves and is responsible for the well being of the groves and indirectly of 

the village. One characteristic feature of the Kondh spiritual set up is the participation of women in 

the rituals. Women irrespective of their age are allowed to enter the sacred groves. There are 

specialist women priests known by a collective term ‘Bijeni’ who chant and actively take part in the

ituals. They are at times chant for hours together. The role of Bijeni is non-hereditary. The elder 

Bijeni chooses a new Bijeni as disciple and teaches her the traditional chants and skills. The sacred 

groves are well managed by a set of unwritten oral laws with which all the villagers are familiar. 

Hunting of birds and animals are prohibited. While medicinal plants and fruits can be collected in a 

non-destructive manner, felling of trees is a taboo. Even dead wood is allowed only to rot. However, 

this practice is changing slowly. There are no punishments for the offender and it is left to be 

punished by God himself. Though the sacred grove by itself may not cover an impressible land 

area, in many cases, they facilitate the protection of their background vegetation. 

The Kondh sacred groves support a good biodiversity. Some of the major plant species 

recorded from Kondh sacred groves include, Lannea coromandelica, Mangifera indica, Syzygium 

cumini, Mallotus philippensis, Costus speciosus, Ficus religiosa, Michelia champaca, Garuga 

pinnata and Bauhinia semla. Wild populations of threatened medicinal plants like Rauvolfia 

serpentina are still conserved in the sacred groves of Kondhs. Some of the tree species present in 

the sacred groves such as Ficus religiosa, Syzygium cumini and Mangifera indica attract a large 

number of birds and insects. Garuga pinnata is given prominence in cultural and religious 

ceremonies. For example, a branch of Garuga is given to the newly-elected community shepherd 

as a mark of transfer of authority and responsibility. Since the Kondh sacred groves conserve 

several tree species belonging to dry deciduous forests and play an important role in their culture, 

special efforts need to be taken to conserve them in the changing cultural scenario. 

Sacred grooves were identified at the top of Niyamgiri and Mahendragiri. Niyamaraja lives in 

the dense forests and on the top of a mountain named Niyamagiri. Niyamaraja is the presiding deity 

of the Dongaria Kondhas. He is the sprit of their ancestors and he protects all inhabitants of the 

forests. The Kondha tribes believe it is through his miracle alone that numerous streams flow 

perennially. The Dongaria Kondhas are also known as Jharnia Kondhas, as they base their villages 

along the ‘jharana’ which means streams. They are excellent fruit growers. At the top of the hill is 

the sacred grove of Niyamaraja, where many rare medicinal plants and herbs are found. 

CONCLUSION: The biodiversity assessment in some of the important hill forests of southern 

Orissa has revealed many interesting and new findings some of which are new to Eastern Ghats of 

Orissa, and also to peninsular India. The authentic identification of some species could not be 

completed due to non availability of desired information and other characterstics as we got single 

species of those groups.

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APPENDIX-1: CHECKLIST OF FLORA OF SOUTH ORISSA 

APPENDIX-1.1: ANGIOSPERMS 

Sl. 

No. 

Species Family Morphological 

form 

1 Abelmoschus moschatus Medic. Malvaceae Herb 

2 Abrus precatorious L. Fabaceae Shrub 

3 Abutilon hirta (Lam.) Sweet Malvaceae Shrub 

4 Abutilon persicum (Burm.f.) Merr. Malvaceae Shrub 

5 Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. Mimosaceae Tree 

6 Acacia lenticularis Buch.- Ham. Mimosaceae Tree 

7 Acacia leucocephala (Roxb.) Willd. Mimosaceae Tree 

8 Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Mimosaceae Tree 

9 Acacia odoratissima (L.f.) Benth. Mimosaceae Tree 

10 Acacia procera (Roxb.) Benth. Mimosaceae Tree 

11 Acacia sinuate (Lour.) Merr. Fabaceae Tree 

12 Acampe carinata (Griff.) Panig. Orchidaceae Herb 

13 Acrocephalus hispidus (L.)Nicolson Lamiaceae Herb 

14 Acros calamus L. Arecaceae Herb 

15 Acrostichum coastatum (wall. ex hook.) ching Lomariopsidaceae Herb 

16 Actinopteris radiata (SW.) link. Actiniopteridaceae Herb 

17 Adiantum caudatum L. Pteridaceae Herb 

18 Adiantum phillipanse L. Pteridaceae Herb 

19 Adina cordifolia (Roxb.) Hook.f Rubiaceae Tree 

20 Aegle marmelos (L.) Lorr. Rutaceae Tree 

21 Aerides maculosum Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

22 Aeschynomene americana L. Fabaceae Herb 

23 Aganosma caryophyllata G.Don Apocyanaceae Shrub 

24 Aglaia elaegnoides (Juss.) Benth. Meliaceae Tree 

25 Aglaia spectabilis (Wall. Ex voigt) DC. Meliaceae Tree 

26 Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Simarobaceae Tree 

27 Ajuga macrosperma Wall. Ex Benth. Lamiaceae Herb 

28 Alangium salvifolium (L.f.) Wang. Alangiaceae Tree 

29 Albizia chinensis (Osbell) Merr. Mimosaceae Tree 

30 Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Mimosaceae Tree 

31 Albizia marginata (Lam.) Mer. Mimosaceae Tree 

32 Albizia odoratissima (L.f) benth Mimosaceae Tree 

33 Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. Mimosaceae Tree 

34 Alchornea mollis Muell.-Arg Euphorbiaceae Tree 

35 Aleuritopteris albomarginata (C.B.Clark) Pteridaceae Herb 

36 Alloteropsis cimicina (L.) stapf Poaceae Herb

37 Alocasia fornicata (Roxb.) Schott Araceac Herb 

38 Alsophila Spinulosa wall Hymenophyllaceae Herb 

39 Alsophilla gigantean Wall. ex Hook. Cyatheaceae Herb 

40 Alstonia scholaris (L.) Apocyanaceae Tree 

41 Alstonia venenata R.Br. Apocyanaceae Tree 

42 Amorphophalus bulbifera (Roxb.) BI Araceac Herb 

43 Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae Tree 

44 Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Bromaniaceae Tree 

45 Andodendron paniculatum A.DC. Apocyanaceae Climber 

46 Andrographis paniculata (Bedd.) C.B.Cl. Acanthaceae. Herb 

47 Angiopteris electa. (Forst.) Hoffm Angiopteridaceae Herb 

48 Annona reticulata L. Anonaceae Tree 

49 Annona squamosa L. Anonaceae Tree 

50 Anogeissus accuminata (Rox.ex Dc.) Wall. Combretaceae Tree 

51 Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex Dc.) Wall. Combretaceae Tree 

52 Anthocephalus chinensis (Lam.) A. Rubiaceae Tree 

53 Antidesma acidum Retz. Fabaceae Tree 

54 Antidesma bunius L. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

55 Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn. Fabaceae Tree 

56 Aporusa octandra (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Vick. Fabaceae Tree 

57 Ardisia depressa C.B.Cl. Myrsinaceae Tree 

58 Argyreia setosa (Roxb.) Choisy Convolvulaceae Climber 

59 Arisaema tortuosum (wall.) Schott Araceac Herb 

60 Aristida setacea Retz. Poaceae herb 

61 Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Moraceae Tree 

62 Artocarpus lacucha Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham Moraceae Tree 

63 Arundinella holcoides (Kunth) Trin Poaceae Herb 

64 Arundinella pumila (Hochst. ex A. Rich) Stend. Poaceae Herb 

65 Arundinella benghalensis (Spreng.)Oruce Poaceae Herb 

66 Arundinella setosa Trin. Poaceae Herb 

67 Asparagus racemosus L. Liliaceae Herb 

68 Asplenium erectum Bory ex Willd. Aspleniaceae Herb 

69 Asplenium formosum Willd. Aspleniaceae Herb 

70 Asplenium lunulatum Sw Aspleniaceae Herb 

71 Asplenium obscurum Bl. Aspleniaceae Herb 

72 Asplenium unillaterale Lam. Aspleniaceae Herb 

73 Asplenium yoshinagae Makino var. plnicauleMorton. Aspleniaceae Herb 

74 Asplenium. unilaterale lam Aspleniaceae Herb 

75 Athyrium hohenackerianum (Kunze) Moore Athyriaceae Herb 

76 Athyrium anisopterum Christ. Athyriaceae Herb 

77 Athyrium falcatum Bedd Athyriaceae Herb 

78 Athyrium parasanathese (C. B. Clarke) Chiang Athyriaceae Herb 

79 Atlantia monophylla (L.) Corr. Rutaceae Tree 

80 Atylosia cajanifolia Haines. Fabaceae Shrub 

81 Azadirachta indica A. Juss Meliaceae Tree 

82 Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. Baringtoniaceae Tree 

83 Bauhinia malabarica Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

84 Bauhinia retusa Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

85 Bauhinia semla Wounderl Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

86 Bauhinia vahlii Wight. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

87 Baunihia purpurea L. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

88 Baunihia variegata L. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

89 Begonia picta Sm. Begoniaceae Herb 

90 Bergia ammannioids Roxb. Elatinaceae Herb

91 Blechnum orientale L. Blechnaceae Herb 

92 Blepharispermum subsessile DC. Asteraceae Shrub 

93 Bolbitis appendiculata (Willd.) K. Iwats. Lomariopsidaceae Herb 

94 Bolbitis bipinnatifida (J. Sm.) K. Iwats. Lomariopsidaceae Herb 

95 Bolbitis contaminans (Wall.) Ching Lomariopsidaceae Herb 

96 Bolbitis virens (Wall ex. Hook. et Grev) Schoot. Lomariopsidaceae Herb 

97 Bombax ceiba L. Bombacaceae Tree 

98 Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Burseraceae Tree 

99 Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston Euphorbiaceae Shrub 

100 Bridelia pubescens Kurz. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

101 Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

102 Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Anacardiaceae Tree 

104 Buchneria hispida Buch. - Ham. Scrophulariaceae Herb 

105 Bulbophyllum guttalatum Wall. Ex. Lindl Orchidaceae Epiphytes 

106 Bulbostylis densa (wall.) Hand. Mazz Cyperaceae Herb 

107 Bursera serrata Wall.ex Colebr. Burseraceae Tree 

108 Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Fabaceae Tree 

109 Butea parviflora Roxb Fabaceae Tree 

110 Butea superba Roxb. Fabaceae Climber 

111 Caesalpinia cuculata Roxb. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 

112 Calamus guruba Buch. - Ham. Arecaceae Tree 

113 Callicarpa tomentosa (L.) Murr. Verbenaceae Tree 

114 Calliearpa tomentosa (L.) Murr Verbenaceae Tree 

115 Calycopteris floribunda Lam. Dioscoreaceae Shrub 

116 Cannabis sativa L. Ulmaceae Herb 

117 Canscora diffusa (Vahl.) R. Br. Gentianaceae Herb 

118 Capillipedium assimile (steud.) A. Poaceae Herb 

119 Capparis olacifolia Hook. f. Capparaceae Shrub 

120 Capparis zeylanica L. Capparidaceae Liana 

121 Carex bacans Nees. Cyperaceae Herb 

122 Carex cruciata Wahlenb Cyperaceae Herb 

123 Carex phacota Spreng Cyperaceae Herb 

124 Careya arborea Roxb. Lecythidaceae Tree 

125 Carisa carandus L. Apocyanaceae Shrub 

126 Caryota urens L. Arecaceae Tree 

127 Casearia elliptica Willd. Flacourtiaceae Tree 

128 Casearia graveolens Dalz. Flacourtiaceae Tree 

129 Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

130 Cassia siamea L. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

131 Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin. Vitaceae Climber 

132 Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Celastraceae Herb 

133 Celtis tetrandra Roxb. Ulmaceae Tree 

134 Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn Adiantaceae Herb 

135 Cheilanthus concolor (Langed. ex. Fisth.) R.Tryon Aspleniaceae Herb 

136 Cheilanthus dalhousiae Hook Cheilanthaceae Herb 

137 Cheilanthus swartzii Web et. Berth Aspleniaceae Herb 

138 Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Chenopodiaceae Herb 

139 Cherita haemosa L. Gesneriaceae Herb 

140 Chionanthus intermeditus (Wight) Oleaceae Tree 

141 Chloris dolichostaihya Lagasca Poaceae Herb 

142 Chlorophytum laxum R.Br. Liliaceae Herb 

143 Choroxylon swietiana DC. Rutaceae Tree 

144 Chrozophora prostrata Dalz Euphorbiaceae Herb 

145 Chrysopogon montatus L. Poaceae Herb

146 Chynchospora longisetis R. Br. Cyperaceae Herb 

147 Cipadessa baccifera (Roth.) Miq. Meliaceae Tree 

148 Cissampelos pareira Menispermaceae Climber 

149 Citrus aurantium L. Rutaceae Tree 

150 Clausena heptaphylla (Roxb.) Wight. Rutaceae Shrub 

151 Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.) Benth. ex Hook.f. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

152 Clematis gouriana Roxb. Ranunculaceae Climber 

153 Clematis roylei Rehder Ranunculaceae Climber 

154 Clematis smilacifolia Wall. Ranunculaceae Climber 

155 Cleome chelidonii L.f. Capparaceae Herb 

156 Clerodendrum indieum (L.) Kuntze Acanthaceae. Herb 

157 Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston Flacourtiaceae Tree 

158 Coelachne simpliciuscula (wight & Arn. ex steud) Munro Poaceae Herb 

159 Combretum decandrum Roxb. Combretaceae Shrub 

160 Combretum roxburghii Combretaceae Shrub 

161 Corallodiscus lanuginosus (Wallich ex R.Br.) B. L. Burtt Gesneriaceae Herb 

162 Cordia macleodii (Griff.) Hook.f. & Thoms. Cordiaceae Herb 

163 Cordia oblica Cordiaceae Shrub 

164 Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC. Capparidaceae Tree 

165 Crateva religiosa Capparidaceae Tree 

166 Crinum defixum Ker-Gawl. Amaryllidaceae Herb 

167 Crotolaria ferruginea Grab. Fabaceae Herb 

168 Croton roxburghii Balak. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

169 Curculigo orchoides (Lour.) Kuntze Hypoxidaceae Herb 

171 Curculigo trichocarpa (Wight.) Bennett. Hypoxidaceae Herb 

172 Cyanotis fasciculata (Roth)Schult & Schult Commelinaceae Herb 

173 Cyanotis tuberosa (Roxb.)Schult & Schult Commelinaceae Herb 

174 Cycas circinalis L. Cycadaceae Tree 

175 Cyclosorrus interruptus (Willd.) H. Thelypteridaceae Herb 

176 Cyclosorus calcaratus (Bl.) Panigr. Thelypteridaceae Herb 

177 Cyclosorus dentatus (Forrsk.) Ching. Thelypteridaceae Herb 

178 Cyclosorus falcilobus (Hook,) Panigr. Thelypteridaceae Herb 

179 Cyclosorus nudatus (Roxb.) Nayar & Kaur. Thelypteridaceae Herb 

180 Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees exsteud) Wats Poaceae Herb 

181 Cynodon arcuatus J.S. Presl Poaceae Herb 

182 Cynodon dactylon L. Cyperaceae Herb 

183 Cyperus distance L. Cyperaceae Herb 

184 Cyperus flaridus Retz Cyperaceae Herb 

185 Cyperus melanospermum (Nees) Valcken Cyperaceae Herb 

186 Cyperus pilosus Vahl Cyperaceae Herb 

187 Cyperus platistylis R. Br. Cyperaceae Herb 

188 Cyperus sesquiflorus (Torr.) Mattf Cyperaceae Herb 

189 Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. Cyperaceae Herb 

190 Cyperus compressus L. Cyperaceae Herb 

191 Cyperus diffuses Vabl. Cyperaceae Herb 

192 Cyperus exattatus Retz. Cyperaceae Herb 

193 Cyperus triceps Endl. Cyperaceae Herb 

194 Cyrtococcum oxyphyllum, (Steud.) stapf Poaceae Herb 

195 Dalbergia lanceolaria L.f. Fabaceae Tree 

196 Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. Fabaceae Tree 

197 Dalbergia paniculata Roxb. Fabaceae Tree 

198 Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Fabaceae Tree 

199 Dendrobium aphyllum (Roxb.) Fischer Orchidaceae Herb 

200 Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl. Orchidaceae Epiphytes

201 Dendrobium regium Prain Orchidaceae Epiphytes 

202 Dendrobium transparens Wall.ex Lindl. Orchidaceae Epiphytes 

203 Dendrocalamus strictus Nees. Poaceae shrub 

204 Dendrophthoe falcata (L. f.) Ettingsh Loranthaceae Epiphyte 

205 Deparia petersenii (Kunze.) M Dryopteridaceae Herb 

206 Desmodium giganticum (L.) DC. Fabaceae Herb 

207 Desmodium laxifolium DC. Fabaceae Shrub 

208 Desmodium oojeinensis (Roxb.) Ohashi Fabaceae Tree 

209 Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) stapf Poaceae Herb 

210 Dicanthium carricossum Poaceae Herb 

211 Dicliptera suffruticosus (Roxb.)Voigt. Acanthaceae. Herb 

212 Dicliptera verticillata (Forsk) Christen Acanthaceae. Herb 

213 Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.) Underw. Glelchenlaceae Herb 

214 Digitaria longifolia (Retz.) Pers. Poaceae Herb 

215 Dillenia aurea L. Dilleniaceae Tree 

216 Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Magnoliaceae Tree 

217 Dimeria ornithopoda, Trin Poaceae Herb 

218 Dioscorea alata L. Dioscoreaceae Twinner 

219 Dioscorea anguina L. Dioscoreaceae Twinner 

220 Dioscorea bulbifera L. Dioscorreaceae Twinner 

221 Dioscorea oppositifolia L. Dioscoreaceae Twinner 

222 Dioscorea pentaphyla L. Dioscoreaceae Twinner 

223 Dioscorea walichii L. Dioscoreaceae Twinner 

224 Diospyros ebenum Koenig. Ebenaceae Tree 

225 Diospyros embryopteris Pers. Ebenaceae Tree 

226 Diospyros malabarica (Desv.) Kostl. Ebenaceae Tree 

227 Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Ebenaceae Tree 

228 Diospyros paniculata Roxb. Ebenaceae Tree 

229 Diospyros sylvatica Roxb. Ebenaceae Tree 

230 Diospyros.montana Roxb. Ebenaceae Tree 

231 Dipcadi montanum (Dalz.) Baker Liliaceae Herb 

232 Diplazium esculentum (Retz) Sw Athyriaceae Herb 

233 Dolichondrone falcata (Wall.ex DC.) Seem Bignoniaceae Tree 

234 Dopatrium junceum (Roxb.) Buch.- Ham. Scrophulariaceae Herb 

235 Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. Caryophyllaceae Herb 

236 Dryopteris cochleata (D. Don) c.chr. Dryopteridaceae Herb 

237 Dryopteris cochleata (Ham. ex D. Don) C.Chr Dryopteridaceae Herb 

238 Dryopteris oteria (Kunze) O.Ktze Dryopteridaceae Herb 

239 Dryopteris sparsa (D. Don) Kuntze Dryopteridaceae Herb 

240 Ehretia acuminata R.Br. Var .serata (Roxb.)John. Ehretiaceae Tree 

241 Ehretia laevis Roxb. Ehretiaceae Tree 

242 Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poir. Tiliaceae Tree 

243 Elatostema cuneatum Wight. Urticaceae Herb 

244 Eleocharis congesta D.Ron Cyperaceae Herb 

245 Elephantapus scaber L. Asteraceae Herb 

246 Elytrophorus spicatus (Wild) A. camus Poaceae Herb 

247 Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr. Mimosaceae Climber 

248 Equisetum debile Roxb. Seleginellaceae Herb 

249 Equisetum ramossissimum Desf. Seleginellaceae Herb 

250 Eragrostiella bifaria (Vahl.) Bor Poaceae Herb 

251 Eragrostis Japonica (Thunb.) Trin Poaceae Herb 

252 Eragrostis aspera (Jaeq.) Nees Poaceae Herb 

253 Erigeron subleyratus DC. Asteraceae Herb 

254 Eriolaena hookeriana Wight & Arn. Sterculiaceae Tree

255 Eryngium foetidium L. Apiaceae Herb 

256 Erythrina suberosa Roxb. Fabaceae Tree 

257 Erythrina variegate L. Fabaceae Tree 

258 Eulophia explanata Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

259 Eulophia herbacea Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

260 Eulophia ochreata Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

261 Eusteralis crassicaulis (Benth.) Paing. Lamiaceae Herb 

262 Eusteralis stellata (Lour.) Paing. Lamiaceae Herb 

263 Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae Tree 

264 Ficus hispida L Moraceae Tree 

265 Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Tree 

266 Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Tree 

267 Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. Moraceae Tree 

268 Ficus auriculata Lour. Moraceae Tree 

269 Ficus benjamina L. Moraceae Tree 

270 Ficus cunia Buch.- Ham.ex Roxb. Moraceae Tree 

271 Ficus heterophylla L. Moraceae Tree 

272 Ficus hispida L. Moraceae Tree 

273 Ficus lutescens Desf. Moraceae Tree 

274 Ficus microcarpa L. Moraceae Tree 

275 Ficus mollis Vahl. Moraceae Tree 

276 Ficus palmata Forrsk. Moraceae Tree 

277 Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Tree 

278 Ficus rumphii Bl. Moraceae Tree 

279 Ficus virens Ait. Moraceae Tree 

280 Ficus virens var. glabella (Bl.) Corner Moraceae Tree 

281 Fimbristylis cinnamometorum (vahl.) kunth. Cyperaceae Herb 

282 Fimbristylis falcata (Vahl.) Kunth Cyperaceae Herb 

283 Fimbristylis fusca (Nees.) C.B.cl. Cyperaceae Herb 

284 Fimbristylis tormentosa Vahl Cyperaceae Herb 

285 Fimbristylis bisumbellata (Forssk) Bubani Cyperaceae Herb 

286 Fimbristylis complanata (Retz.) Link Cyperaceae Herb 

287 Fioria vitifolia (L.) Mattei Malvaceae Shrub 

288 Firmiana colorata (Roxb.) R.Br. Moraceae Tree 

289 Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch. Flacourtiaceae Tree 

290 Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr Flacourtiaceae Tree 

291 Flemingia involucrata Benth. Fabaceae Shrub 

292 Flemingia lineata (L.) Roxb. Fabaceae Shrub 

293 Floscopa scandens Lour. Commelinaceae Herb 

294 Galactia longifolia Benth. Fabaceae Herb 

295 Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.f. Clusiaceae Tree 

296 Gardenia gummifera L.f. Rubiaceae Shrub 

297 Gardenia latifolia Ait. Rubiaceae Tree 

298 Gardenia turgida Roxb. Rubiaceae Shrub 

299 Garuga pinnata Roxb. Burseraceae Tree 

300 Glochidion lanceolarium (Roxb.) Voigt. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

301 Glochidion velutinum Wight Euphorbiaceae Tree 

302 Glochidion zeylanicum (Gaertn.) Juss. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

303 Gloriosa superba L. Colchicaceae Climber 

304 Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. Rutaceae Tree 

305 Gmelina arborea Roxb. verbenaceae Tree 

306 Gnetum ula Bromgn. Gnetaceae Tree 

307 Gounia tiliaefolia L. Acoraceae Shrub 

308 Grewia elastica Royle. Tiliaceae Tree

309 Grewia rothii DC. Tiliaceae Shrub 

310 Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl. Tiliaceae Tree 

311 Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Sterculiaceae Tree 

312 Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Climber 

313 Gynura aurantica (Bl.) DC. Asteraceae Herb 

314 Gynura lycopersicifolia DC. Asteraceae Herb 

315 Habenaria commelinifolia Wall. Orchidaceae Herb 

316 Habenaria foliosa A. Rich. Orchidaceae Herb 

317 Habenaria furcifera Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

318 Habenaria grandifloriformis Blatter Orchidaceae Herb 

319 Habenaria longicorniculata Graham Orchidaceae Herb 

320 Habenaria panigrahiana Orchidaceae Herb 

321 Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd. Rubiaceae Tree 

322 Haplanthades verticillatus (Roxb.)Nees. Acanthaceae. Herb 

323 Hedychium coronarium Koenig Zingiberaceae Herb 

324 Helianthus lanceolatus Brondis Rhamnaceae Shrub 

325 Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. Ophioglossaceae Herb 

326 Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. Periploaceae Climber 

327 Hemiedelphis polysperma (Roxb.) Nees Acanthaceae. Herb 

328 Hemionitis arifolia (Burm. F. )Moore Hemionitidaceae Herb 

329 Herpullia arborea (Blanco) Radlk. Sapindaceae Tree 

330 Heteropogon contortus L. Poaceae Herb 

331 Heteropogon melanocarpus (Ell) Benth Poaceae Herb 

332 Hibiscus aculeatus Roxb. Malvaceae Herb 

333 Hibiscus platanifolius (Willd.) Sweet. Malvaceae Tree 

334 Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz. Malpighiaceae Climber 

335 Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. ex A.DC. Apocyanaceae Tree 

336 Holarrhena pubescens (Buch.-Ham.) Wall Apocyanaceae Shrub 

337 Homalium nepalense Benth. Rubiaceae Tree 

338 Hygrophila salicifolia (Vahi) Nees. Acanthaceae. Herb 

339 Hygrophila heinei Sreemadh Acanthaceae. Herb 

340 Hymenachne acutigluma (Steud) Gilliand Poaceae Herb 

341 Hymenodictyon excelsum (Roxb.) Wall. Rubiaceae Tree 

342 Hymenodictyon orixense (Roxb.) Mabb. Rubiaceae Tree 

343 Hypoxis auria Lour. Hypoxidaceae Herb 

344 Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R.Br. Apocyanaceae Shrub 

345 Impatiense chinensis L. Balsminaceae Herb 

346 Impatiense kheinii Wight. Balsminaceae Herb 

347 Indigofera cassiodies Rottl.ex DC. Fabaceae Shrub 

348 Indocourtoisia cyperoides (Roxb) Bennet & Raizada Cyperaceae Herb 

349 Indoneesiella echioides (L.) sreemadh. Acanthaceae. Herb 

350 Ipomoea barleriodies (Choisy) Benth. Convolvulaceae Climber 

351 Ischne globosa (Thunb.) Kuntze Poaceae Herb 

352 Iseilema anthephoroides, Hack Poaceae Herb 

353 Jasminum grandiflorum L. Oleaceae Tree 

354 Justicia japonica Thunb. Acanthaceae. Herb 

355 Kydia calycina Roxb. Malvaceae Tree 

356 Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. Lythraceae Tree 

357 Lannea coromondelica (Houtt.) Merr. Anacardiaceae Tree 

358 Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. Enum. Araceac Herb 

359 Launaea acaulis (Roxb.) Babc. Asteraceae Herb 

360 Lavandula bipinnata Kuntze. Lamiaceae Herb 

361 Leea indica (Burm.f.) Merr. Vitaceae Shrub 

362 Leea macrophylla Roxb. Vitaceae Shrub

363 Leersia hexandra Sw. Poaceae Herb 

364 Leonotis nipitifolia (L.) R.Br. Lamiaceae Herb 

365 Lepidagathis fasciculate (Retz.) Nees. Acanthaceae. Herb 

366 Lepidagathis incurve Buch - Ham Acanthaceae. Herb 

367 Lepidagathis cuspidate Nees. Acanthaceae. Herb 

368 Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees Poaceae Herb 

369 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Lamiaceae Herb 

370 Leucas clarkei Hook. Lamiaceae Herb 

371 Leucas indica (L.) R.Br. Lamiaceae Herb 

372 Liculata Peltata Roxb. Araceac Tree 

373 Limonia acidissima L. Rutaceae Tree 

374 Lippia javanica (Burm. F) spreng Acanthaceae. Herb 

375 Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) Robins. Lauraceae Tree 

376 Litsea monopetala (Roxb) Poir. Lauraceae Tree 

377 Lycopodiella cernua (L.) pichi sermolli Lycopodiaceae Herb 

378 Lygodium flexiosum (L.) Sw. Lycopodiaceae Herb 

379 Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell. Arg. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

380 Macrothelypteris ornate (Wall. ex Bedd.) Ching Thelypteridaceae Herb 

381 Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaud.)ching Thelypteridaceae Herb 

382 Macrothylipteris setigera (Bl.) Ching Thelypteridaceae Herb 

383 Macrothylipteris torresiana (Gaud.) ching Thelypteridaceae Herb 

384 Madhuca indica Gmel Sapotaceae Tree 

385 Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) Macbr. Sapotaceae Tree 

386 Malaxis mackinonii (Duthie) Ames Orchidaceae Herb 

387 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell.- Arg. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

388 Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke Malvaceae Shrub 

389 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Tree 

390 Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.)Dubard Sapotaceae Tree 

391 Margaritaria indica (Dalz.) Airyshaw Euphorbiaceae Tree 

392 Maytenus bailadillena (Narayanan & Mooney) Raju Celastraceae Tree 

393 Maytenus emarginatus (Willd.) Ding Hou. Celastraceae Tree 

394 Maytenus hookerii Loes. Celastraceae Tree 

395 Melastoma malbathricum L. Melastomaceae Shrub 

396 Melia azadirachta L. Meliaceae Tree 

397 Melia composite Willd. Meliaceae Tree 

398 Memecylon umbellatum Burm.f. Melastomataceae Tree 

399 Mesua ferrea Linn. Clusiaceae Tree 

400 Michelia champaca L. Anonaceae Tree 

401 Microchloa Indica (L.f.) P. Beauv Poaceae Herb 

402 Microlepia palatiphylla (D. Don) smith Dennstaedtiaceae Herb 

403 Microlepia speluncea (L.) Moore. Dennstaedtiaceae Herb 

404 Microlepia spelunceae (L.). Moore Dennstaedtiaceae Herb 

405 Micromelum minutum (Forst.f.) Wight. Rutaceae Tree 

406 Microstegium cillatum (Trin). A. Camus Poaceae Herb 

407 Miliusa tomentosa (Roxb.) Sinclair Annonaceae Tree 

408 Miliusa velutina Hook. f. & Thoms Anonaceae Tree 

409 Millettia extensa Fabaceae Shrub 

410 Mimusops elengi L. Sapotaceae Tree 

411 Mitragyna parviflora (Roxb.) Korth. Rubiaceae Tree 

412 Mnesithea laevis (Retz) Kunth Poaceae Herb 

413 Morinda pubescens Sm. Rubiaceae Tree 

414 Morus australis Poir. Moraceae Tree 

415 Mucuna pruriens Fabaceae Climber 

416 Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden Commelinaceae Herb

417 Murdannia pauciflora Brueck. Commelinaceae Herb 

418 Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Rutaceae Tree 

419 Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq. Rutaceae Shrub 

420 Musa prnata Roxb. Musaceae Herb 

421 Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. Ranunculaceae Climber 

422 Naringi crenulate (Roxb.) Nicolson Rutaceae Tree 

423 Neocinnamomum caudatum Lauraceae Tree 

424 Neolitsea foliosa (Nees) Gambel Lauraceae Tree 

425 Nephrolepis auriculata (L.) Trimen Oleandraceae Herb 

426 Nephrolepis bisserata (Sw.) Schott. Oleandraceae Herb 

427 Nervilia aragoana Gaud. Orchidaceae Herb 

428 Nervilia crocoformis L. Orchidaceae Herb 

429 Nervilia infundibulifolia Blatt & Mc. Cann Orchidaceae Herb 

430 Nervilia prainiana (King & prantl)Seiden Orchidaceae Herb 

431 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. Oleaceae Tree 

432 Oberonia falconeri Hook. f. Orchidaceae Epiphytes 

433 Ochna obtusata DC. Ochnaceae Tree 

434 Operculina turpethum (L.) S. Manso Convolvulaceae Herb 

435 Ophioglossum reticulatum L. Ophioglossaceae Herb 

436 Opilia mentacea L. Opiliaceae Shrub 

437 Oplismenus compositus (L.) P. Beauv Poaceae Herb 

438 Oplismenus neyeriana (Zoll & Mor.) Baill Poaceae Herb 

439 Oplismenus burmanii (Retz) P. Beauv Poaceae Herb 

440 Oreocnide frutiscens (Thunb.) Miq. Urticaceae Shrub 

441 Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud.)Miq. Urticaceae Tree 

442 Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. Bignoniaceae Tree 

443 Osbeckia chinensis L. Melastomataceae Herb 

444 Osbeckia stellata Buch. Melastomataceae Herb 

445 Paederia foetida L. Rubiaceae Shrub 

446 Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. Rubiaceae Shrub 

447 Pancratium triflorum Roxb. Amaryllidaceae Herb 

448 Paniuim pedicillatum Trin Poaceae Herb 

449 Paniuim polystachyon (L.) Schult Poaceae Herb 

450 Paniuim Psilopodium Trin. Poaceae Herb 

451 Paniuim repens L. Poaceae Herb 

452 Paniuim pakidosum Roxb. Poaceae Herb 

453 Parabaena sagittata Miers. Menispermaceae Climber 

454 Parahemionitis arifolia (N. Burm.) Panigr. Adiantaceae Herb 

455 Paraleptochilus decurrens (Bi.) copel Polypodiaceae Herb 

456 Paramignya scandens (Griff.) Craib. Rutaceae Climber 

457 Paspalidium germinatam (Forssk.) stapf Poaceae Herb 

458 Paspalum canarae (steud.) veldk Poaceae Herb 

459 Pavonia repanda (J.E.Sm.)Spreng Malvaceae Herb 

460 Pecteilis trifoliat (Sm.) Rafin. Orchidaceae Herb 

461 Penisetum persinatum L. Poaceae Herb 

462 Pennisetum honenackeri Hochst. Poaceae Herb 

463 Peperomia tetraphylla (Forst.) Hook. Piperaceae Herb 

464 Peristylus constrictus (Lindl.) Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

465 Peristylus goodyeroides (D. Don) Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

466 Peristylus lawii Wight. Orchidaceae Herb 

467 Peristylus plantgenius (Lindl.) Lindl. Orchidaceae Herb 

468 Persia macrantha (Ness) Kosterm. Lauraceae Tree 

469 Persia villosa (Roxb.) Kostrm Lauraceae Tree 

470 Peucedanum dhana Buch. Apiaceae Herb

471 Phaius tankervilleae (Banks & l’Herit.) Bl. Orchedaceae Herb 

472 Phalopsis imbricate (Forssk) Sw. Acanthaceae. Herb 

473 Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. Arecaceae Tree 

474 Phragonites karka (Retz.) Trin Poaceae Herb 

475 Phrynium placentarium (Lour.) Merr. Marantaceae Herb 

476 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Acanthaceae. Herb 

477 Phylanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

478 Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn Euphorbiaceae Herb 

479 Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

480 Picrasma javanica Bl. Simarobaceae Tree 

481 Pilea scripta Wedd. Urticaceae Herb 

482 Pimpinella bracteata Haines Apiaceae Herb 

483 Pimpinella heyneanum (Wall.ex DC.) Kurz. Apiaceae Herb 

484 Piper longum L. Piperaceae Herb 

485 Pittosporum wightii A.k. mukherjee Pittosporaceae Tree 

486 Platostoma africanum Beauv. Lamiaceae Herb 

487 Plecospermum spinosum Trecul Moraceae Shrub 

488 Plectranthus barbatus Andr. Lamiaceae Herb 

489 Plectranthus japonicus (Burn.f.)Koidz Lamiaceae Shrub 

490 Pleopeltis asciopndaria (Ham. Ex D. Don) Polypodiaceae Herb 

491 Pogonatherum crinitum (Thunb) kunth Poaceae Herb 

492 Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thw. Anonaceae Tree 

493 Polyalthia simiarum (Buch.-Ham.) Hook.f. & Thoms. Anonaceae Tree 

494 Polygala elongata Klein ex Willd. Polygalaceae Herb 

495 Polygonum glabrum Willd Polygonaceae Herb 

496 Polygonum serrulatum Lagase. Polygonaceae Herb 

497 Polystachya concerta L. Orchidaceae Herb 

498 Pongamia pinnata L. Fabaceae Tree 

499 Pouzolzia pentandra (Roxb.) Bennett Urticaceae Shrub 

500 Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Bennett Urticaceae Herb 

501 Premna latifolia Roxb. Verbenaceae Tree 

502 Premna tomentosa Willd. Verbenaceae Tree 

523 Pronephrium nudatum (Roxb. Ex Griff.) Holttum Thelypteridaceae Herb 

504 Protium serratum (Wall ex Colebr.) Engl. Fabaceae Tree 

505 Prunus ceylanica (Wight.) Miq. Rosaceae Tree 

506 Pseudoraphis brunoniana, Griff Poaceae Herb 

507 Psilotum nudum (L.) P Beauv Psilotaceae Herb 

508 Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn Pteridiaceae Herb 

509 Pteris vittata L. Pteridaceae Herb 

510 Pteris biaurifa L. Pteridaceae Herb 

511 Pteris heteromorpha Fee, Gen Fil. Pteridaceae Herb 

512 Pteris linearis Poir. Pteridaceae Herb 

513 Pteris quadriaurita Retz. Pteridaceae Herb 

514 Pteris vensuta Pteridaceae Herb 

515 Pteris vittata L. Pteridaceae Herb 

516 Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Fabaceae Tree 

517 Pterospermum xylocarpum (Gaertn) Sant &Wagh Sterculiaceae Tree 

518 Pueraria belophylla Dioscoreaceae Climber 

519 Pureria trifolia (Willd.) DC. Fabaceae Climber 

520 Pyrrosia lanceolata (L.) Farwell. Polypodiaceae Herb 

521 Pyrrosia mannii (Gies.) Chiang. Polypodiaceae Herb 

522 Pyrrosia nayariana Chiang. Polypodiaceae Herb 

523 Pyrrosia nuda (Giesenh) Ching Polypodiaceae Herb 

524 R. wightiana (Nees) steud. Cyperaceae Herb

525 Randia dumetorum Rubiaceae Shrub 

526 Raphidophora hookeri Schott. Araceac Climber 

527 Rauvolfia rifoliate (L.) Benth. Apocyanaceae Shrub 

528 Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. Apocyanaceae Shrub 

529 Reinwardtia indica Dumort. Linaceae Shrub 

530 Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Bl. Orchidaceae Epiphytes 

531 Rodermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) K. Bignoniaceae Tree 

532 Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern Brassicaceae Herb 

533 Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour) clayton Poaceae Herb 

534 Rungia repens (L.) Nees. Acanthaceae. Herb 

535 Saccharum narenga (Nees exsteud) Hack Poaceae Herb 

536 Sacciolepis myosuroides (R. Br) a. camus. Poaceae Herb 

537 Salix tetrasperma Roxb. Salicaceae Tree 

538 Salvia tifolia R.Br. Lamiaceae Herb 

539 Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. Mimosaceae Tree 

540 Santalum album L. Santalaceae Tree 

541 Saraca asoca ((Roxb.) de Wilde. Caesalpineaceae Tree 

542 Sarcococca saligna (D. Don) Muell-Arg Buxaceae Shrub 

543 Sauropus quadrangularis (Willd.) Muell.-Arg. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 

544 Schizachyrium brevifolium (Sw) Nees ex Buese in miq. Poaceae Herb 

545 Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken Sapindaceae Tree 

546 Scilla tifoliate (Roth.) Macbr. Liliaceae Herb 

547 Scirpus juncoides Roxb. Cyperaceae Herb 

548 Scleria terrestris (L.) Fassett. Cyperaceae Herb 

549 Securinega virosa (Roxb.ex Willd.) Baill Selaginellaceae Tree 

550 Selaginella cataractrum Alston Selaginellaceae Herb 

551 Selaginella cillaris (Retz.) Spring. Selaginellaceae Herb 

552 Selaginella indica (Milde) Tryon Selaginellaceae Herb 

553 Selaginella kurzii Barker Selaginellaceae Herb 

554 Selaginella nairii Dixit Selaginellaceae Herb 

555 Selaginella repanda (Desv.) Spring. Selaginellaceae Herb 

556 Selaginella vaginata Spring. Selaginellaceae Herb 

557 Semecarpus anacardium L.f. Anacardiaceae Tree 

558 Setaria palmifolia (Koenig) stapf Poaceae Herb 

559 Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. Dipterocarpaceae Tree 

560 Sida rhombifolia L. Malvaceae Herb 

561 Simarouba glauca DC. Simarubaceae Tree 

562 Smilax ovalifolia Smilacaceae Climber 

631 Smilax perfoliata Smilacaceae Climber 

563 Solanum viarum Dunal Solanaceae Shrub 

564 Sorghum tremulus (Wild.) Kunth Poaceae Herb 

565 Sorghum halepense (L) Pers Poaceae Herb 

566 Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss. Meliaceae Tree 

567 Stemona tifolia Lour. Stemonaceae Herb 

568 Sterculia villosa Roxb. Ex DC. Sterculiaceae Tree 

569 Sterculia urens Roxb. Sterculiaceae Tree 

570 Stereospermum angustifolium Bignoniaceae Tree 

571 Stereospermum colais (Buch.-Ham.ex Dillw) Mab. Bignoniaceae Tree 

572 Stereospermum personatum (Hassk.) Chatterjee Bignoniaceae Tree 

573 Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. Bignoniaceae Tree 

574 Streblus asper Lour. Moraceae Tree 

575 Streblus taxoids (Heynexroth.) Kunz. Moraceae Tree 

576 Strobilanthes circorensis Gamble Acanthaceae. Herb 

577 Strobilanthes cuspidatus (benth) T. Anders. Acanthaceae. Herb

578 Strobilanthes jeyporensis Bedd. Acanthaceae. Herb 

579 Strobilanthes lithosperma (L.) Sw. Cyperaceae Herb 

581 Strobilanthes neglectus T. Andors Acanthaceae. Herb 

582 Strobilanthes pulneyensis C.B.Cl Acanthaceae. Herb 

580 Strobilanthes lupulinus Nees. Acanthaceae. Herb 

583 Strychnos nux-vomica L. Strychnaceae Tree 

584 Strychnos potatorum L.f. Strychnaceae Tree 

585 Stylanthus hamata Myrtaceae Tree 

586 Symphorema polyandrum Wight Verbenaceae Shrub 

587 Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Symplocaceae Tree 

588 Symplocos racemosa Roxb. Symplocaceae Tree 

589 Syzygium cerasoides (Roxb.) Chatt. & Kanjilal Myrtaceae Tree 

590 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Tree 

591 Syzygium cuminii Linn. Myrtaceae Tree 

592 Syzygium operculatum Myrtaceae Tree 

593 Tamarindus indica L. Caesalpiniaceae Tree 

594 Tamarix dioica Roxb. Tamaricaceae Tree 

595 Tectaria cicutaria (L.) copel Aspidiaceae Herb 

596 Tectaria griffithii (Bak.) C. Chr. Aspidiaceae Herb 

597 Tectona grandis L. Verbenaceae Tree 

598 Tephrosia tinctoria Pers. Fabaceae Shrub 

599 Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth Combretaceae Tree 

600 Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.ex DC.) Wight. Combretaceae Tree 

601 Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Combretaceae Tree 

602 Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretaceae Tree 

603 Thalictrum foliolosum DC. Ranunculaceae Herb 

604 Thelypteris confluence (Thumb.) C. Morton Thelypteridaceae Herb 

605 Themeda laxa (Anderss) A. camus Poaceae Herb 

606 Themeda triandra Forssk Poaceae Herb 

607 Themeda Candata (Nees) A. Camus Poaceae Herb 

608 Themeda saxicola Bor. Poaceae Herb 

609 Theriophonum minutum (willd.) Baillon Araceac Herb 

610 Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze. Poaceae Herb 

611 Toona trifoli Roem. Meliaceae Tree 

612 Trachyspermum stictocarpus (C.B.Cl.) Wlf. Apiaceae Herb 

613 Tragia plukenetii Euphorbiaceae Climber 

614 Trema orientalis (L.) Bl. Ulmaceae Tree 

615 Trema politoria Planch. Ulmaceae Tree 

616 Trewia nudiflora L. Euphorbiaceae Tree 

617 Trichilia connaroides (Wight & Arn.) Bentv. Meliaceae Tree 

618 Trichosanthes curumerina Cucurbitaceae Climber 

619 Trichosanthes tricuspidata Blanco. Cucurbitaceae Climber 

620 Tripogon capillatus Jaub. & Spach Poaceae Herb 

621 Tripogon jaequemontii Stapf Poaceae Herb 

622 Tripogon roxburghianus (Stend) Bhide Poaceae Herb 

623 Tripogon bromoides Roem & Schult Poaceae Herb 

624 Triumfeta annua L. Tiliaceae Herb 

625 Triumfeta pilosa Roth. Tiliaceae Shrub 

626 Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth Liliaceae Herb 

627 Urochloa panicoides P. Beaur. Poaceae Herb 

628 Uvaria lurida Hook. f & Thoms. Anonaceae Tree 

629 Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. Ex G.Don. Orchidaceae Epiphytes 

630 Vanda testacea (Lindl.) Reichb. Orchidaceae Herb 

631 Vernicia trifoli Lour. Euphorbiaceae Tree

632 Vernonia cineria (L.) Less. Asteraceae Herb 

633 Vetiveria zizanioides (L) Nabh in Smal Poaceae Herb 

634 Viscum album L. Loranthaceae Epiphyte 

635 Viscum articulatum L. Loranthaceae Epiphyte 

636 Vitex leucoxylon L. Verbenaceae Shrub 

637 Vitex peduncularis Verbenaceae Shrub 

638 Vitex quinata (Lour.) F.n Verbenaceae Shrub 

639 Vitis heyneana Roem. Vitaceae Climber 

640 Walsura trifoliate (A. Juss.) Harms Meliaceae Tree 

641 Wattakaka volubilis (L.f.) Stapf Asclepiadaceae Climber 

642 Weddia utricifolia DC. Asteraceae Herb 

643 Wendlandia exerta (Roxb.) Dc. Rubiaceae Tree 

644 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. Lythraceae Shrub 

645 Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Apocyanaceae Tree 

646 Wrightia arborea (Dennst.) Mabb. Apocyanaceae Tree 

647 Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.)Taub. Mimosaceae Tree 

648 Xylosma longifolium Clos. Flacourtiaceae Tree 

649 Zanthoxylum armatum DC. Rutaceae Tree 

650 Ziziphus rugosa Lam. Rhamnaceae Tree 

651 Ziziphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. Rhamnaceae Tree 

652 Ziziphus glaberima Heyne ex Roth. Rhamnaceae Shrub 

653 Ziziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae Shrub 

634 Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wight & Arn. Rhamnaceae Tree 

655 Ziziphus oenoplea Mill. Rhamnaceae Tree 

656 Zizyphus funiculosa Buch.-Ham. Rhamnaceae Shrub 

APPENDIX-1.2: Threat assessment status on flora of South Orissa (R-Rare, EN- Endangered, 

VU-Vulnerable, CR-Critically endangered, ID- Indeterminate) 

Sl. 

No. 

Name of the Species Family IUCN 

Status 

1 Blepharispermum subsessile DC. VU 

2 Bulbophyllum guttalatum EN 

3 Celastrus paniculatus Willd. VU 

4 Cherita haemosa EN 

5 Cordia macleodii (Griff.) Hook.f. & Thoms. EN 

6 Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC. VU 

7 Cycas circinalis L. VU 

8 Dendrobium crepidatum VU 

19 Dendrobium regium EN 

10 Eulophia herbacea ID 

11 Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.f. VU 

12 Gardenia gummifera L.f. VU 

13 Gloriosa superba EN 

14 Habenaria glandifloriformis VU 

15 Habenaria panigrahiana EN 

16 Hedychium coronarium Koenig VU 

17 Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) Robins. EN 

18 Mesua ferrea L. EN 

19 Mucuna gigantean (Willd.) DC. EN 

20 Neocinnamomum caudatum VU 

21 Nervilia crocoformis EN 

22 Operculina turpethum (L.) S. Manso VU 

23 Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. EN

24 Paederia foetida L. VU 

25 Paramignya scadens CR 

26 Piper longum L. EN 

27 Polyalthia simiarum (Buch.-Ham.) Hook.f. & Thoms. VU 

28 Polystachya concerta R 

29 Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. EN 

30 Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. VU 

31 Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurtz VU 

32 Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde R 

33 Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott VU 

34 Stemona tuberosa Lour. EN 

35 Themeda saxicola R 

36 Vanda teres/Dendrobium teres VU 

37 Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. CR 

38 Symplocos racemosa Roxb. VU 

39 Thalictrum foliolosum DC. VU 

APPENDIX-1.3: BRYOPHYTES 

Sl. Name of the species 

Family 

No. 

1 Asterella angusta (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Aytoniaceae 

2 Bryum argenteum Hedw. var. argenteum Bryaceae 

3 Campylopus gracillis (Griff.) A.Jaeger Dicranaceae 

4 Cyathodium cavernacum Kashyap Targioniaceae 

5 Dumortiera hirsuta (Sw.) Nees Marchantiaceae 

6 Fissidens involutus Mitt. subsp. involutus Fissidentaceae 

7 Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. var. hygrometrica Funariaceae 

8 Herpetineuron toccoae (Sull. & Lesq.) Cardot Thuidiaceae 

9 Heteroscyphus argutus (Reinw. & al.) Schiffn. Geocalycaceae 

10 Isopterygium albescens (Hook.) A. Jaeger Hypnaceae 

11 Marchantia subintegra Kashyap Marchantiaceae 

12 Marchantia linearis Lehm. et. Lindb. Marchantiaceae 

13 Marchantia palmata Nees Marchantiaceae 

14 Phaeoceros carolianus (Michx.) Prosk. Anthocerotaceae 

15 Phaeoceros laevis Prosk. Anthocerotaceae 

16 Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. & Lindenb. Aytoniaceae 

17 Reboulia hemisphaerica (L.) Raddi Aytoniaceae 

18 Riccardia levierii Schiffn. Riccardiaceae 

19 Riccia crystalline L. C Ricciaceae 

20 Riccia discolor Lehm. & Lindenb. Ricciaceae 

21 Riccia fluitans L. Ricciaceae Ricciaceae 

22 Riccia gangetica Ahmad Ricciaceae 

23 Targionia hypophylla L. Targioniaceae 

APPENDIX-1.4: LICHENS 

Sl. Name of the species 

Family 

No. 

1 Caloplaca biatorina (A. Massal.) J. Steiner Teloschistaceae 

2 Cetraria melaloma Kremp. - Wei Parmeliaceae 

3 Cetraria olivetorum Nyl. Parmeliaceae 

4 Evernia mesomorpha Nyl. - Wei Parmeliaceae

5 Heterodermia diademata (Taylor) D.D. Awasthi Physciaceae 

6 Leptogium trichophorum Müll. Arg. - Wei Thelotremataceae 

7 Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. Lobariaceae 

8 Parmelia squarrosa Hale - Wei Parmeliaceae 

9 Parmelia saxatilis (L.) Ach. Parmeliaceae 

10 Parmelia sulcata Taylor. Parmeliaceae 

11 Stereocaulon sp. Steriocaulaceae 

12 Sticta praetextata (Ras) D. D. Awasthi – Sochting Lobariaceae 

13 Sulcaria virens (Taylor Bystr. ex Brodo & D. Hawksw. - Wei Thelotremataceae 

APPENDIX-1.5: FUNGI 

Sl. No. Name of the Species Family 

1 Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Pilat. Agaricaceae 

2 Agaricus nivescens (F.H. Moeller) F.H. Moeller. Agaricaceae 

3 Armillaria cepistipes Velenovsky. Physalacriaceae 

4 Armillaria tabescens (Scop.) Emel Physalacriaceae 

5 Cantharellus subalbidus Smith & Morse Cantharellaceae 

6 Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff. ex Fr.) S. F. Psathyrellaceae 

7 Coprinus congregatus Bull. ex Fr. Psathyrellaceae 

8 Coprinus pachyspermus P.D. Orton. Psathyrellaceae 

9 Dictyophora indusiata (Vent. ex Pers.) Desv. Phallaceae 

10 Morchella esculenta Fr. Morchellaceae 

11 Phallus impudicus Linn. Phallaceae 

12 Polyporus sp. Polyporaceae 

13 Russula emetica Fr. Russulaceae 

14 Russula xerampelina (Schaeff.) Fr. Russulaceae 

APPENDIX-1.6: MEDICINAL PLANTS AND ITS USES 

Sl. No. Name of the species Local Name Family Diseases 

1 Abutilon indicum Pedipedika Malvaceae Jaundice 

2 Alangium salvifolium Dholanki Alangiaceae Rheumatism 

3 Alternanthera sessilis Madaranga Amaranthaceae Jaundice 

4 Andrographis paniculata Bhuin nimba Acanthaceae Malaria 

5 Anthocephalus chinensis Kadamba Rubiaceae Chronic ulcer 

6 Ardisia solanacea Sahajamari Myrsiniaceae Back pain 

7 Aristolochia indica Pannoari Aristolochiaceae Stomatitis & 

piles bleeding 

8 Azadirachta indica Limba Meliaceae Viral fever 

9 Barleria prionitis Daskerenta Acanthaceae stomach cancer 

10 Capparis brevispina Kontaikoli Capparaceae Backache & joint 

swelling 

11 Caryota urens Salapa Arecaceae Spermatorrhoea 

12 Caryplolepis buchananii Gopakanu Periplocaceae Ottis 

13 Casytha filiformis Nirmuli Lauraceae Ascites. 

14 Catharanthus roseus Sadabihari Apocyanaceae Diabetes 

15 Cissus qudrangularis Hadasinkuda Vitaceae Asthma

16 Dendropthoe falcata Madanga Loranthaceae Leucorrhoea 

17 Desmodium trifolium Luduru Fabaceae Bone fracture 

18 Diplocyclos palmatus Chitachori Cucurbitaceae Snake bite 

19 Ficus hispida Dimiri Moraceae Diarrhoea in infants 

20 Gardenia turgida Kurdu. Rubiaceae Enhancing memory 

power 

21 Glycosmis mauritiana Chauladhua Rutaceae Severe diarrhoea 

22 Gouaniale ptostachya Raktapichuli, Rhamnaceae Body pain due to 

internal injuries 

23 Grewia rothii Homolapata Tiliaceae Oedema 

24 Hiptage benghalensis Madhavilata Malpighiaceae Tuberculosis 

25 Holarrhena pubescens Kurei Apocynaceae Tuberculosis 

26 Ichnocarpus frutescens Dudhi lata Apocynaceae Conjunctivitis 

27 Ludwigia adscendens Jagal Onagraceae Eczema 

28 Millettia extensa Guadhuni Fabaceae Wounds 

29 Moringa oleifera Sajana Moringaceae Rheumatism 

30 Olax scandens Bhad Olacaceae Bone-fracture 

31 Pueraria tuberosa Bhuin kakharu Papilionaceae Tuberculosis 

32 Phyllanthus amarus Badi onla Euphorbiaceae Malaria 

33 Phyllanthus fraternus Badi onla Euphorbiaceae Paralysis 

34 Phyllanthus lawii Jhar Euphorbiaceae Lung cancer 

35 Phyllanthus reticulatus Jandaki Euphorbiaceae Filarial swellings 

36 Pygmaeopremna herbacea Ghantiana Verbenaceae Rheumatism 

37 Smilax zeylanica Muturi Smilacaceae Diarrhoea 

38 Solanum virginianum Bhejibaigan Solanaceae Asthma & cold 

39 Soymida febrifuga Rohini Meliaceae Asthma 

40 Streblus asper Sahada Moraceae Conjunctivitis 

41 Symphorema polyandrum Mahasindu Verbenaceae Rheumatism 

42 Terminalia arjuna Arjuna Combretaceae Blood in Urine 

43 Tragia involucrata Bichuati Euphorbiaceae Tuberculosis 

44 Urginea indica Bona piaja Liliaceae Rheumatism 

45 Vernonia cinerea (L.) Poka sungha Asteraceae Filariasis 

46 Ventilago denticulata Kantamali Rhamnaceae Mumps 

47 Vitex negundo Begunia Verbenaceae Asthma 

48 Vitex pinnata Muria Verbenaceae Nephritis 

49 Zingiber zerumbet Parsu kedar Zingiberaceae Snake bite 

50 Zingiber officinale Sunthi Zingiberaceae Pre-natal diseases and 

labour pain 

51 Ziziphus oenoplia Kantaikoli Rhamnaceae Headache 

APPENDIX 2: CHECKLIST OF FAUNAL DIVERSITY

APPENDIX 2.1: BUTTERFLIES 

Sl No. Scientific names Common names 

1 Hasora badra Common Awl 

2 Tagaides litugiosa Water snow flat 

3 Spialia galba Indian skipper 

4 Iambrix salsala Chertnut bob 

5 Polanthus pseudomaesa Indian Dart 

6 Graphium doson Common jay 

7 Graphium agammemnon Tailed jay 

8 Pachiolpta aristolochia Crimson Rose 

9 Princeps memnon Great mormon 

10 Papilio demoleus Lime Butterfly 

11 Chilasa clytia Common Mime 

12 Leptosia nina Psyche 

13 Papilio polytes Common mormon 

14 Pieris canidia Indian Cabbage White 

15 Pareronia veleria Common gull 

16 Cepora nadina Lesser Gull 

17 Dalias eucharis Common jezebel 

18 Catopsila Pomona Common Emigrant 

19 Eurema bacabe Common Grass Yellow 

20 Appias sp. Puffin 

21 Spindasis vulcanus Common Silverline 

22 Arhopala amantes Large Oakblue 

23 Loxura atymnus Yam Fly 

24 Melanitis leda Evening Brown 

25 Orsothriona medus Nigger 

26 Charaxes polyxena Tawny Rajah 

27 Phalantha phalantha Common Leopard 

28 Precis hierta Yellow Pansy 

29 Precis lemonias Lemon Pancy 

30 Precis almanac Peacock Pancy 

31 Precis atlites Grey Pancy 

32 Hypolymnas misippus Danied Egg Fly 

33 Hypolymnas bolina Great egg fly 

34 Parathyma nefte Colour Sergeant 

35 Parathyma precius Common Sergeant 

36 Moduza procris Commander 

37 Danaus genutia Common Tiger 

38 Thirumala limnacoae Plain Tiger 

39 Euploea core Common Crow 

40 Abisara echerius Plum judy 

Habitat types: HH: human habitation, AG: agricultural field, SC: scrub forest, MF: mesic 

forest Adaptive types: A: arboreal, T: terrestrial, AQ: aquatic, aq: semi aquatic, F: fossoreal

APPENDIX 2.2: AMPHIBIANS 

SPECIES 

Duttaphrynus melanostictus 

Bufo fergusonii 

Fejervarya sihydrensis 

Fejervarya species complex 

Fejervarya orissaensis 

Hoplobatrachus tigerinus 

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis 

Spaerotheca rolandae 

Spaerotheca breviceps 

Microhyla ornata 

Kaloula taprobanica 

Uperodon systoma 

Ramanella variegate 

Polypedates maculates 

Philautus sp. 

Hydrophylax malabaricus 

MICRO-HABITAT 

Human habitation (HH) [T] 

Agricultural fields (AG), [T/F] 

Agricultural fields; swamps, ditches and near hill streams (AG), [AQ/aq) 

Agricultural fields, swamps, ditches and near hill streams (AG); [AQ/aq] 

Swamps, agricultural fields near aquatics margins, ditches and near hill 

streams (AG), [AQ/aq] 

Swamps, agricultural fields near aquatics margins, ditches and near hill 

streams (AG), [AQ/aq] 

Agricultural fields, swamps, ditches and near hill streams (AG, MF); [AQ)/aq] 

Scrub forest, below rock boulders (SC), [F] 

Scrub forest, below rock boulders (SC), [F] 

Agricultural fields, swamps, ditches and near hill streams, during winter 

season (AG, MF); [F/aq] 

On tree holes in scrub land, near human habitation (SC, HH), [A] 

Swamps, ditches, agricultural field near human habitation (AG, HH); [F] 

Agricultural fields (AG), [F/A] 

Scrub forest, on trees, near human habitation (HH, SC), [A] 

Busy forest, on trees and near hill streams (SC, MF), [A/aq] 

Near hill streams, below rocks, on trees (!), (MF), [T/A] 

APPENDIX 2.3: LIZARDS 

Mabuya macularia 

Mabuya carinata 

Lygosoma albopunctata 

Assembllypherus sp 

Sitana ponticeriana 

Calotes versicolor 

Psammophilus blanfordanus 

Chamaeleo zeylanicus 

Geckoella nebulosus 

Geckoella jeyporensis 

Scrub forest, near human habitation, mesic forest (SC, HH,MF), [T] 

Scrub forest, near human habitation, mesic forest (SC, HH, MF), [T] 

Scrub forest, near human habitation, mesic forest (SC, HH, MF), [T] 

Mesic forest. Near hill streams (MF), [T/F] 

Scrub forest (SC). [T] 

Scrub forest, near human habitation (SC, HH), [A] 

Scrub forest (SC), [T/A] 

Mesic forest (MF), [A] 

Below rock boulders, rotten logs, below leaf litters, commonly seen on forest 

floor during evening hours, Mesic forest (SC, MF), [T] 

Below rock boulder, rotten log and sometimes leaf litters, Mesic forest (MF), 

[T]

Eublepharis hardwikii 

Hemidactylus frenatus 

Hemidactylus brookii 

Hemidactylus leschenaultii 

Hemidactylus subtriedrus 

Below rock boulder, rotten log and on forest floor during early evening hours 

in Scrub forest and mesic forest (SC, MF), [T] 

Scrub forest, near human habitation (SC, HH), [T/A] 

Scrub forest, near human habitation (SC, HH), [T] 

Mesic forest, on trees (SC), [A] 

Inside caves, below boulders in mesic forest and scrub forest (SC, MF), [T] 

Varanus bengalensis Near human habitation, in scrub forest (HH,SC), [T, A] 

APPENDIX 2.4: SNAKES 

Ramphotyphlops braminius 

Python molurus 

Gonglyophis conicus 

Ahaetulla nests 

Dendrelaphis tristis 

Amphiesma stolatum 

Xenochropis piscator 

Xenochropis sanctijohnnis 

Macropisthodon plumbicolor 

Lycodon aulicus 

Lycodon striatus 

Lycodon travancoricus 

Boiga trigonata 

Boiga forsteni 

Ptyas mucosa 

Coelognathus helena 

Naja naja 

Forest floor, leaf litter and below rock boulder, near human habitation and in 

scrub forest (HH, SC), [T/F] 

Caves, trees, forest floor in mesic forest (MF), [T/A] 

Inside root holes or below rock boulders in scrub forest and occasionally near 

human habitation (SC), [F] 

On trees near human habitation, in scrub forest and mesic forest (HH, SC, 

MF), [A] 

On trees near human habitation, in scrub forest and mesic forest (HH, SC, 

MF), [A] 

On forest floor, below rock boulders near human habitation, scrub forest (HH, 

SC), [T] 

Water holes, agricultural field, near hill streams in mesic forest (MF), [T] 

Water holes and near hill streams in mesic forest at above 700m asl.(MF), [T] 

Water holes, below rocks and forest floor in mesic forest (MF), [T] 

Forest floor, caves, leaf litter and below rock boulder near human habitation 

and in scrub forest (SC, HH), [T/A] 

Forest floor, caves, leaf litter and below rock boulder near human habitation, 

scrub forest and in mesic forest, (SC, HH, MF), [T/F] 

Forest floor, caves, leaf litter and below rock boulder in mesic forest (MF), 

[T/F] 

Bush and shrub forest, below rocks, (SC), [T] 

Tree holes, mostly in Sal forest (MF), [A] 

Forest floor, termite mound and below rock boulder near human settlement, 

(SC, HH), [T/F] 

Found in scrub forest, in mesic forest and occasionally ventures near human 

habitation, (SC), [T] 

Forest floor, degraded termite mound, near human habitation and in scrub

Bungarus caeruleus 

Daboia russelii 

Bamboo pit Viper 

forest, (SC, HH), [T] 

Forest floor, degraded termite mound, near human habitation and in scrub 


Forest floor, degraded termite mound, near human habitation and in scrub 


Mesic forest, scrub forest, tree holes and caves.(SC, MF), [A] 

APPENDIX 2.5: AVIFAUNA 

Sl. 

no. 

Common name Scientific name Status 

1 Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus Endemic/ common 

2 Pied hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris Resident / fairly common 

3 Indian gray hornbill Ocyceros birostris Endemic/ fairly common 

4 Greater flame back Chrysocolaptes lucidus Resident / Fairly Common 

5 Black rumped flame back Dinopium benghalensis Near endemic/ Common 

6 Coppersmith barbet Megalaima haemocephala Resident / abundant 

7 Common Whoopee Upupa epops Resident / common 

8 Indian roller Coraceous bengalensis Resident / common 

9 Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis Resident / abundant 

10 White throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Resident / abundant 

11 Green bee eater Merops orientalis Resident / abundant 

12 Blue tailed bee eater Merops philippinus Resident / fairly common 

13 Chestnut headed bee eater Merops leschenaulti Resident / fairly common 

14 Pied cuckoo Clamator jacobinus Migratory / uncommon 

15 Common Hawk cuckoo Hierococcyx varius Resident / common 

16 Asian koel Eudynamys scolopacea Resident / abundant 

17 Greater coucal Centropus sinensis Resident / abundant 

18 Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupartia Resident / fairly common 

19 Rose ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri Resident / abundant 

20 Plum headed parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala Endemic/ common 

21 House swift Apus affinis Resident / abundant 

22 Crested tree swift Hemiprocne coronata Resident / fairly common 

23 Barn owl Tyto alba Resident / fairly common 

24 Collared Scops owl Otus bakkamoena Resident / uncommon 

25 Spotted owlet Athene brama Resident / abundant 

26 Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus Resident / abundant 

27 Rock pigeon Columba livia Resident / abundant 

28 Spotted dove Streptopelia chinensis Resident / abundant 

29 Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocta Resident / abundant 

30 Emerald dove Calcophaps indica Resident / common 

31 Yellow footed green pigeon Treron phoenicoptera Resident / common 

32 White breasted water hen Amaurornis phoenicurus Resident / abundant 

33 Red wattle lapwing Venellus indicus Resident / abundant 

34 Yellow wattle lapwing Venellus malabaricus Endemic/ fairly common 

35 Black shouldered kite Elanus caerulens Resident / common 

36 Black kite Milvus migrans Resident / abundant 

37 Shikra Accipiter badius Resident / common 

38 Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus Resident / common 

39 Steppe Eagle Aquila nepalensis Winter/ common 

40 Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela Resident / common

41 Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Resident / common 

42 Little egret Egretta gazzetta Resident / common 

43 Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Resident / abundant 

44 Indian pond heron Ardeola grayii Resident / abundant 

45 Golden fronted leaf bird Chloropsis aurifrons Resident / fairly common 

46 Rufus tree pie Dendrocitta avagavanda Resident / common 

47 House crow Corvus spelndens Resident / abundant 

48 Large billed crow Corvus macrorhyncos Resident / common 

49 Eurasian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus Resident / common 

50 Black hooded oriole Oriolus xanthops Resident / common 

51 Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus flammeus Resident / common 

52 White throated fantail Rhipidura albicollis Resident / common 

53 Black drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Resident / abundant 

54 White bellied drongo Dicrurus caerulescens Endemic / fairly common 

55 Asian paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi Resident / fairly common 

56 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Resident / common 

57 Oriental magpie robin Copsychus saularis Resident / abundant 

58 White rumped shama Copsychus malabaricus Resident / fairly common 

59 Indian robin Saxicoloides fulicata Endemic / abundant 

60 Brahminy starling Sturnus pagodarum Resident / fairly common 

61 Asian pied starling Strurnus contra Resident / common 

62 Common mynah Acridotheres tristis Resident / abundant 

63 Jungle mynah Acridotheres fuscus Resident / abundant 

64 Hill mynah Gracula religiosa Resident / fairly common 

65 Red whiskered bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Resident / abundant 

66 Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Resident / abundant 

67 Plain prinia Prinia inornata Resident / common 

68 Zilting cisticala Cisticala juncidis Resident / common 

69 Common tailor bird Orthotomus sutorius Resident / abundant 

70 Dark necked tailor bird Orthotomus atrogularis Resident / fairly common 

71 Jungle babbler Tordoides striatus Endemic / abundant 

72 Purple rumped sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica Resident / common 

73 Purple sunbird Nectarinia asiatica Resident / abundant 

74 House sparrow Passer domesticus Resident / abundant 

75 Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura Endemic / fairly common 

76 Paddy field pipit Anthus rufulus Resident / fairly common 

77 Baya weaver Ploceus philippinus Resident / common 

78 White rumped munia Lonchura striata Resident / common 

79 Orange headed thrush Zoothera citrina Resident/Fairly common 

80 Scaly breasted munia Lonchura punctulata Resident / common 

81 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Resident/ fairly common 

82 Red jungle fowl Gallus gallus Resident / common

APPENDIX 2.6: MAMMALS 

Sl. No. Scientific name Common name Local name WPA status 

1 Panthera tigris* Tiger Bada bagh Schedule-I 

2 Panthera pardus Leopard Druka Schedule-I 

3 Prionailurus bengalensis* Leopard cat Bana bhuan Schedule-I 

4 Felis chaus Jungle cat Bhuan Schedule-II 

5 Elephas maximus Elephant Hati Schedule-I 

6 Melursus ursinus Sloth Bear Bhalu Schedule-I 

7 Bos gaurus Gaur Gayala Schedule-I 

8 Cervus unicolor Sambar Sambhari Schedule-III 

9 Axis axis Chital Jiada Schedule-III 

10 Muntiacus muntjak Barking Deer Rekad kutura Schedule-III 

11 Tetracerus quadricornis Chousingha Bhutel kutura Schedule-I 

12 Moschiola meminna Mouse Deer Kebada Schedule-I 

13 Lepus nigricollis Hare Khudar Schedule-IV 

14 Hystrix indica Porcupine Sai Schedule-IV 

15 Manis crassicaudata Indian Pangolin Sarakati Schedule-I 

16 Cuon alpanius* Wild Dog Kok Schedule-II 

17 Canis lupus* Wolf Kuliha Schedule-I 

18 Canis aureus Jackal Rama siali Schedule-II 

19 Hyaena hyaena* Striped hyena Gedha Schedule-III 

20 Vivericula indica Small Indian civet Patni musa Schedule-II 

21 Paradoxurus hermophroditus Common palm civet Patni musa Schedule-II 

22 Herpestes edwardsii Grey mongoose Sap katara musa Schedule-II 

23 Herpestes smithii Ruddy mongoose Sap katara musa Schedule-II 

24 Petaurista philippensis Indian giant flying Masana chadhei Schedule-II 

squirrel 

25 Ratufa indica Indian giant squirrel Udanta gunduchi Schedule-II 

26 Mellivora capensis* Honey badger (Ratel) Gada bhalu Schedule-I 

27 Macaca mulatta Rhesus monkey Mankada Schedule-II 

28 Sus scrofa Wild pig Baraha Schedule-III 

29 Semnopithecus entellus Hanuman langur Hanu mankada Schedule-II 

30 Lutra lutra Smooth Indian Otter Pani musa Schedule-II

biodiversity assessment in some selected hill forests of south orissa

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