Research Paper

Contribution to the Flora of Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, India-II

Manas Bhaumik, Gopal Krishna

Published on: 22 September 2026

Page: 715 - 720

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.715

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    Abstract

    The Dihang–Dibang Biosphere Reserve (DDBR), one of India's important protected areas, was designated as a Biosphere Reserve and comprises distinct core and buffer zones. To document its phytodiversity, eighteen extensive field expeditions were conducted across different habitats. Detailed taxonomic examination of the collected specimens revealed several noteworthy findings, including novel taxa, endemic species, unique habitat preferences, and new distributional records. This paper presents significant observations on members of the family Gentianaceae recorded from the DDBR. The study includes the description of two new species, Kuepferia dibangensis Bhaumik & G. Krishna and Swertia dihangensis Bhaumik & G. Krishna, as well as the first report of Kuepferia otophoroides (Harry Sm.) Adr. Favre from India. Although these taxa occur within a protected landscape, their conservation status was assessed following IUCN guidelines. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, illustrations, photographic plates, and habitat information are provided to facilitate future research and conservation efforts.

    Keyword: Conservation, Gentianaceae, Kuepferia otophoroides, India, new species, Swertia, taxonomy

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