Have barely scratched the surface of Arunachal’s biodiversity: Researchers

Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh is located within the Eastern Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot, recognised as one of the 36 global mega biodiversity hotspots and is among the 200 globally important eco-regions.

The state possesses India’s second-highest level of genetic diversity. Although occupying only 2.5% of India’s geographical area, it holds significant importance in terms of floral and faunal biodiversity as well as endemism.

It is home to 85 species of terrestrial mammals, 650 species of birds, 5,192 species of angiosperms, and 678 species of orchids. In 1995, the International World Conservation Union recognised Arunachal Pradesh as one of the major centers of plant diversity.

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The state represents Indo-Chinese, Indo-Malayan, Indo-Burmese, and Indian biotic components. The biological diversity of Arunachal Pradesh is further enriched by varied climatic conditions ranging from temperate to alpine or tundra climates, as well as the prevalence of different micro-habitats due to wide variations in altitude.

How much of it has been explored?

The State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP) 2025-2035 states that the biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh remains largely unexplored. Frequent new records and discoveries of both flora and fauna from the state highlight the need for further research. The plan notes that over 95% of livestock in the state is non-descript, the highest among all Indian states and significantly above the national average of 54%.

Additionally, there is inadequate documentation of indigenous traditional knowledge related to animal genetic resources, particularly in specialised ecological and production systems. Released recently by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the SBSAP emphasises that Arunachal Pradesh is still being explored, with taxonomic information on plant and animal species being frequently updated based on surveys, explorations, and new discoveries.

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The SBSAP 2025-2035 serves as a comprehensive roadmap aimed at conserving the state’s rich biodiversity while ensuring sustainable development. Many confined water bodies remain unexplored or inadequately studied, making it difficult to assess existing fish diversity. This lack of research hinders the prospects for sustainable management of fish populations, particularly threatened and endangered species.

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The SBSAP stresses the urgent need for systematic and long-term faunal surveys in the state, as the rate of new species discoveries and new records in the last decade indicates that large geographical areas remain unexplored. Systematic research and documentation are required to fully understand the ecological value of Arunachal Pradesh and the free services it provides to its people and the country.

For the year 2022, seven new seeded plant species, one new sub-species, two new varieties, and eight new country records—including one genus, five species, and one variety—were reported from Arunachal Pradesh. In 2023, 14 new seeded plant species and eight new country records were reported.

The state ranked second among all Indian states in terms of maximum discoveries and new records during both years.

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The Arunachal Pradesh government has outlined a multi-pronged approach in the SBSAP 2025-2035 to ensure effective conservation and sustainable utilisation of its biodiversity. The SBSAP operates within a 10-year framework consisting of three goals and 15 targets, which are further elaborated through specific actions.

Developed by the Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board in collaboration with WWF-India, the plan provides guidance on balancing development with nature conservation.

The strategy includes strengthening and expanding the network of protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biodiversity heritage sites. Large-scale afforestation programs, habitat restoration projects, and river conservation initiatives will be implemented to restore degraded landscapes.

Indigenous communities will be empowered to manage and protect biodiversity through Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and community-conserved areas (CCAs). Efforts will be made to enhance anti-poaching measures, strengthen wildlife crime control units, and improve the enforcement of biodiversity protection laws. The plan also emphasises promoting sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and eco-friendly tourism to balance conservation with economic growth.

Financial resources will be mobilised through green credits, wildlife conservation bonds, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding for biodiversity projects. Additionally, climate-resilient conservation models will be developed to mitigate the impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems.

Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, underscored the significance of the strategy, stating, “Nature is the backbone of our state’s culture and economy. This plan provides a people-centric approach to conservation while ensuring economic growth through sustainable practices.”

The SBSAP also includes district-wise biodiversity action plans that integrate local conservation priorities with state and national policies. Experts highlight that successful implementation will require coordinated efforts between government departments, scientific institutions, and community stakeholders.

Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO of WWF-India, who was present at the launch, said, “The Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan will be a springboard for future conservation actions for the state. It provides targets and actions to conserve biodiversity while addressing challenges. The new Action Plan is also a good repository of information on Arunachal Pradesh’s biodiversity, including agrobiodiversity, highlighting some key ecologically rich sites.”

Koj Rinya, Member Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board, emphasised the need for a new SBSAP to enhance recognition of “Nature Free Services.” She stated that the state is privileged to uphold its strong cultural and traditional practices of preserving and protecting nature, as upheld by local communities.

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She added that the “Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan: People’s Plan” is the first SBSAP to include district-level action plans for each district, highlighting key sites and species for conservation and outlining specific actions. The plan aligns with the State Action Plan on Climate Change and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), contributing to India’s National Biodiversity Targets.

A key feature of this plan is its inclusive and participatory development process, with consultations held across all districts. Insights from community members, Zilla Parishad members, village elders, and other stakeholders were incorporated, promoting a sense of ownership and community-led conservation.

With clear action points, the plan will help strengthen community-led conservation and support the empowerment and capacity enhancement of the 1,806 Biodiversity Management Committees in the state. It also proposes innovative funding mechanisms, such as conservation-themed license plates, local nature funds, payments for ecosystem services, wildlife conservation bonds, and conservation easements, to enhance resource mobilisation for conservation efforts.

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