Gupteswar Forest Declared Fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva temple in Dhondrakhol reserve forest under Jeypore Forest Division of Koraput district, has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of Odisha. This announcement comes as the State Government issued a notification, highlighting the ecological importance of the area.
Spread over 350 hectares of demarcated land, the Gupteswar Forest is not only revered for its sacred groves, traditionally worshipped by the local community, but also for its rich biodiversity. A comprehensive biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board revealed the presence of a diverse array of flora and fauna within the forest.
The survey documented at least 608 faunal species, including 28 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 18 species of amphibians, 48 species of reptiles, 45 species of pisces, 141 species of butterflies, 43 species of moths, 41 species of odonates, 30 species of spiders, six species of scorpions, and 20 species of lower invertebrates. Notable faunal species such as the mugger crocodile, Kanger valley rock gecko, sacred Grove Bush Frog, and various avifauna have been recorded in the area.
The limestone caves of Gupteswar are home to eight species of bats, out of the total 16 species found in southern Odisha. Two of these species, Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii, are categorized as near threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Furthermore, the forest boasts a rich floral diversity, with 182 species of trees, 76 species of shrubs, 177 species of herbs, 69 species of climbers, and 14 species of orchids. Threatened medicinal plants such as Indian trumpet tree, Indian snake root, and Cumbi gum tree, among others, contribute to the botanical wealth of the area.
The declaration of Gupteswar as a BHS not only strengthens the cultural significance of the forest but also underscores the importance of conserving its precious biodiversity. With this declaration, Odisha now has four BHSs, including Mandasaru BHS in Kandhamala district, Mahendragiri BHS in Gajpati district, and Gandhamardan BHS in Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
In light of this designation, the State Government has tasked the Odisha Biodiversity Board with preparing a long-term plan for the intensive conservation and development of these sites, with direct participation from local communities. An allocation of Rs. 35 lakhs has been earmarked for the preparation of an action plan and awareness-building activities in the surrounding areas.
The decision to declare Gupteswar Forest as a BHS has been met with widespread appreciation from nature lovers, intellectuals, and the local populace. It is believed that this initiative will not only contribute to the conservation of biodiversity but also enhance livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism and the sustainable harvest of minor forest produce. Chairperson of the Board, Dr. Meeta Biswal, and Member Secretary, Dr. Nihar Ranjan Nayak, congratulated the biodiversity management committee of Haladikunda (Gupteswar) Gram Panchayat, as well as scientists and researchers of the Board, for their contribution to this achievement.
