Know about the forest adjudged Odisha’s fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site

Odisha, known for its rich biodiversity, celebrates another milestone as Gupteswar Forest in Koraput district becomes the state's fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS)

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Covering 350 hectares, Gupteswar Forest is an ecological treasure trove with sacred groves and a diverse range of flora and fauna

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The Odisha Biodiversity Board reveals that Gupteswar Forest is a habitat for at least 608 faunal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, moths, spiders, scorpions, and lower invertebrates

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Notable faunal species in Gupteswar Forest include the mugger crocodile, sacred Grove Bush Frog, kanger valley rock gecko, and various avifauna, contributing to its ecological significance

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The forest's limestone caves are home to eight bat species, with two species, Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii, listed as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

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Gupteswar Forest's impressive floral diversity comprises 182 tree species, 177 herbs, 76 shrub species, 69 climbers, and 14 orchid species, along with threatened medicinal plants and agriculturally significant micro-organisms

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Other Biodiversity-Heritage Sites in Odisha include Mandasaru BHS in Kandhamala, Gandhamardan BHS in Bargarh and Bolangir, and Mahendragiri BHS in Gajpati

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The state government allocates Rs 35 lakh for the Odisha Biodiversity Board to develop and preserve these sites, emphasizing the need for a long-term plan and community awareness

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