A new distributional record of Ficus altissima Blume (Moraceae) in Tripura: an occasionally confused fig species with Ficus benghalensis L.

Abstract

The present communication is the first report of new distributional record of Ficus altissima Blume (Moraceae) in Tripura. F. altissima was found to be an important feeding and nesting habitat for forest frugivores, since the genus is very rich in diversity and is considered as a keystone species. This also possesses huge scope to understand the mechanism of interactions especially for conservation of rich avifaunal diversity. Brief description and field photographs are presented for facilitating easy identification of the species.