Gupteswar Forest in Odisha declared Biodiversity-Heritage Site

February 13, 2024

The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraput district has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of the state as per a recent government notification. The site is spread over 350 hectares of demarcated area.

What are Biodiversity-Heritage Sites (BHS)

Under Section 37 of India’s 2002 Biological Diversity Act, State Governments may designate unique and fragile ecosystems as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) in consultation with local governing bodies. BHS may be terrestrial, coastal, inland water, or marine areas exhibiting rich biodiversity, including: abundance of wild and domesticated species; high endemism; rare and threatened species; keystone or evolutionarily significant species; wild ancestors of cultivated varieties; fossil beds denoting past biological importance; and significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic value. BHS maintain cultural diversity alongside, in some cases, a long history of human habitation.

Biodiversity of Gupteswar Forest

The biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board shows the presence of rich flora and fauna in the area. This includes at least 608 faunal species such as 28 mammal species, 188 bird species, 18 amphibian species, 48 reptile species, 45 fish species, and 141 butterfly species.

Significant faunal species documented here include mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred grove bush frog, black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malabar trogon, and white-bellied woodpecker among others. The limestone caves of Gupteswar harbor eight bat species out of the total 16 found in southern Odisha. Two species – Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii – are classified as near-threatened.

The site has abundant floral diversity as well with 182 tree species, 76 shrub species, 177 herb species, 69 climber species, 14 orchid species and threatened medicinal plants. Many agriculturally and industrially important microorganisms also exist in this ecosystem.

Conservation and Development

Declaration of Gupteswar as a BHS will boost conservation of biodiversity while also strengthening cultural connections of local communities. The Odisha government has allocated Rs 35 lakh for preparing a conservation action plan and community awareness activities. Eco-tourism and non-timber forest products can support local livelihoods.

Overall, this declaration as a BHS will lead to improved conservation of the precious biodiversity of Gupteswar Forest. Odisha now has four BHSs with earlier declarations of biodiversity rich areas like Mandasaru, Mahendragiri and Gandhamardan.

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