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Endangered Rhododendron wattii Found in Dzukou Valley

Why in the news?

A recent study highlights the endangered status of Rhododendron wattii, a rare and endemic species of Nagaland’s Dzukou Valley, threatened by habitat destruction, poor regeneration, and climate change, necessitating urgent conservation measures.

Key Characteristics:

• Endemic species found in Dzukou Valley of Nagaland and Manipur.
• A small evergreen tree growing up to 25 feet
• Renowned for its vibrant pink flowers with purplish basal blotches, blooming from February to April, with fruiting from April to December.
• First documented by Sir George Watt (1882-85) in the Japfu Hill range, Nagaland.

Pollination and Regeneration

• Flowers appear in trusses of 18-25 blooms.
• Pollinated by Fire-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga ignicauda) and bumblebees.
• Despite numerous seed productions, natural regeneration is alarmingly low.

Threats and Conservation Measures:

• Primary threats: Poor seedling survivability, habitat destruction, and frequent wildfires.
• Deforestation and climate change further endanger its survival.
• Essential conservation efforts:
  • Habitat protection
  • Controlled propagation initiatives
  • Wildfire management strategies
• Protecting Rhododendron wattii is critical for sustaining the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayan ecosystem.

About Rhododendron wattii:

• Shrub or small tree growing up to 25 feet, primarily in the temperate biome.
• Endemic to Nagaland and Manipur, especially in Dzukou Valley.
• First collected by Sir George Watt (1882-85) from Japfu Hill, Nagaland.

Characteristics

• Evergreen plant with year-round leaf renewal.
• Flowering: February to April; Fruiting: April to December.
• Flowers: Pink with purplish basal blotches, in trusses of 18-25 blooms.
• Pollinators: Fire-tailed Sunbird and bumblebees.

Issues

• Low natural regeneration despite high seed production.
• Threats: Poor seedling survivability, anthropogenic activities, and wildfires.