In the remote and pristine Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, a team of researchers has made a remarkable discovery: a newly discovered species of flowering plant as Begonia neisti. This discovery shows that there is still much of the region left to discover and develop and especially concerning plant life and species in this part of the world.
The functionality of the plant was revealed by a team of researchers from the North East Institute of Science and Technology. The plant was found during the floristic survey carried out in 2023 and belongs to the Begonia sect platycentrum. The species was described as Begonia neisti as a token of gratitude to NEIST after it has celebrated its 60th anniversary, for the development of science and technology in the north eastern part of India.
Begonia neisti has especially patterned leaves, with white-silver circular blotches and dark brownish-red blotches at the vein intersection. From other Begonia species, it can be identified by its sizeable and broad leaves and white crescent streak on its stems and petioles. The plant grows in the foothills of moist area between Hunlili and Anini and it blooms during November to January.
Molecular differentiation employing the ITS2 marker supports the species identity and its comparative phylogenetic position with other Begonia species of the Indian subcontinent. The details of the studies conducted are reported in the Nordic Journal of Botany while contributing to the knowledge in the Begonia genus.
Begonia neisti has been introduced quite recently but even now it is endangered because of threats that threaten its habitat. This beautiful species is in more danger from the expanding roads and motorways that continue to be constructed in the area. Often labelled as Data Deficient (DD) by the IUCN Red List, more efforts are required to save the plant from the boundary of extinction.
The discovery of Begonia neisti is a clear evidence of the diverse biological resources of the Dibang Valley and more exploration in such area is still warranted. In terms of bio diversity Arunachal Pradesh is even now the paradise for botanist because of its variation in climatic zones, territorial height and structural set up. Flora and fauna of the area are of significant importance in understanding processes of evolution and succession in the region.
Similarly the researchers involved in the present discovery point out that the discovery is just the tip of the iceberg and there is a lot to discover about the bio-diverse Dibang Valley and other parts of India untouched by research. There are also appeals for the shared stewardship of resources by local peoples, government departments and academics to protect these natural assets.
Arunachal’s Dibang Valley
Arunachal Pradesh, the state also famously known as the ‘Land of the Dawn-lit mountains’ is a paradise for lovers of nature and anthropology. One of those astonishing plenitudes with underscore the country’s charm, the Dibang Valley is one of the least explored areas and, at the same time, one of the richest in bio-diversity in India. Also called the valley of Dibang River, it is home to a true wildlife, a treasury of biological diversity, and a undertake to many struggling indigenous cultures.
Geography and Climate
The Dibang Valley is one in the far north-eastern region of the Arunachal Pradesh state, surrounded by the international border with Tibet to the north and east. The valley falls in the region of Eastern Himalaya which characterized by huge mountains and wide gorges. The locality is pictorially described as where the Dibang River, a tributary of the great Brahmaputra River, flows through the area to feed the lush forests and systems.
Regarding the climate in Dibang Valley it can be noted that it changes with altitude. The coastal areas particularly the Teesta valley has a pre-monsoon tropical monsoon climate with high amount of rain fall, whereas, the higher altitude is sub-tropical with snow in the winter season. These vary climatic conditions are suitable for growth of a very many plant and animal species hence qualifying the valley as a biome.
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Dibang Valley is one of the richest zones of bio-diversity in India, with many types of plants and animals; the latter including may endemic varieties. The valley contains tropical ever green and subtropical broad leaf forest mixed with some temperate coniferous forest which are home to many Species.
- Flora: There is a list of hundreds of plant species in the valley of which seventy-five are categorized as threatened species. The recent discovery of a new species of flowering plant known as Begonia neisti is evidence of the unexplored botanical resource potential of the region. Other plant species that are of importance include the Rhododendrons, Orchids, and Medicinal plants which as well serve ethno-botanical importance to the indigenous people.
- Fauna: Dibang Valley habitat is one of the richest in terms of fauna and encompasses some of the most famous and endangered species of India. This region is inhabited by large ungulate such as the Mishmi takin. Some of the other wild animals found here include the red panda; clouded leopard; and snow leopard. The valley is also home to several genres of bird species and thus of great benefit to bird watchers. Some of the avifauna pretty includes Sclater’s monal, Blyth’s tragopan, Himalayan griffon etc.
Indigenous Cultures
The Dibang Valley is home to few tribes including the Idu Mishmi, the Adi and the Digaru Mishmi. These communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, their cultures deeply intertwined with the natural environment.
- Idu Mishmi: The Idu Mishmi is well known for their weaving skills and language, they also seem to have close communion with the land. They are involved in conservation agriculture, hunting and fishing that allows them to preserve their resources. The Idu Mishmi people have a great amount of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and wild animals that would aid in the conservation of the species.
- Cultural Practices: The tribal systems have different festivals recognised to be cultural-adherence and worship of nature. The Reh festival of the Idu Mishmi community is a neonatal festival, which showcases music, dance and ceremonies with traditional flam, such festivals are an important way through which they retain their cultural practises and also enhance on togetherness.
Challenges and Pro-actions to Conservation
Even though Dibang Valley is one of the most promising places in terms of ecological protection, it has several problems on its way to becoming an efficient preserve. Other limiting factors include and infrastructure development, illicit Matters such as: Illegal logging, Poaching. Climate change also has consequences in the disruption of other ecosystems in the valley and change in the possibility of species living in those ecosystems.
To overcome these challenges, collaborative conservation approaches are already in place. These are some of the reasons why the Wildlife Wing has proposed the setting up of the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. Both private and governmental wildlife organizations, agencies, and cultures work together towards conservation, awareness and ecotourism development.
CSIR North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST)
CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) is situated at Jorhat, Assam, which one of the premier research institutions recognized under the banner of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, the largest R & D organization in India. Born in the year 1961, the CSIR- NEIST has indeed been pioneering the nation through scientific research and technological interventions in the field of development of indigenous technologies and optimization exploitation of natural endowments.
Research area and contribution
CSIR-NEIST believes in development of the scientists and researchers of the future. Some of the programs provided by the institute are Doctorate programs, summer research training, and an opportunity for economically challenged students to work under the mentorship of an experienced member. These initiatives seek to develop Human Resources Development and scientific research in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. During COVID-19, CSIR-NEIST conducted S RTP program through web-based mode and has trained more than 16000 candidates.
Community engagement
Involving locals is the one of the strategic areas of advance operation, where CSIR-NEIST interacts with the local populace. Common Facility Centre (CFC) has already been set up at the institute level under Science and Technological Intervention in North East India (STINER) project implemented by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The CFC seeks to avail relevant technologies to the population of NER especially the farming and relevant contracting professionals seeking to improve on their trades through scientific and technical inputs.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Instruments and infrastructures are well equipped for modern research work in the institute. This comprise of sophisticated laboratories, research laboratory and a conducive environment of the university compound for research and innovation. Consequently, the institute has exhibited its devotion to a top-notch standard of R&D through continuously enhancing and enlarging its amenities.
Impact and Achievements
CSIR-NEIST has a number of accomplishments in a various field of science and technology. These technological interventions were specifically identified and developed based on research conducted by the institute and are commercially viable; they have been implemented and applied to benefit industries and communities throughout India. More, the institute has graduated more than two hundred doctoral students who have distinguished themselves in both research and practice.