Ecology and Conservation Status of Threatened Orchid <i>Dactylorhiza hatagirea</i> (D. Don) Soo in Manaslu Conservation Area, Central Nepal

Abstract

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo, commonly known as "Panchaunle", is an important medicinal plant species distributed throughout the Himalaya region. The present work was conducted in order to assess its availability in natural habitats because of its medicinal properties, cultural significance and declining population density. The work focused primarily on its ecological features and conservation status. The density of D. hatagirea was found to be 2.18 individuals•m −2 with frequency and abundance being 81.81% and 2.67 individuals•m −2 , respectively. We considered grazing, trampling, number of cattle and distance to settlement as anthropogenic factors. While grazing and trampling were shown to have a significant, negative impact on population density, we observed no significant change in the number of the species with respect to number of cattle and distance to settlement. We conclude that the species is threatened and that anthropogenic factors have a significant effect on its habitation in the study area.

Peoples’ Perception and Conservation of <i>Dactylorhiza hatagirea</i> (D. Don) Soó in Manaslu Conservation Area, Central Nepal

“…Quoting peoples' knowledge, popular press has reported the presence of D. hatagirea in Manaslu Conservation Area [2] and its uses as aphrodisiac and medicine [19] [23] [24]. The present study has attempted to highlight the use of D. hatagirea being practiced for many generations by the local people and the unfortunate failure of management authorities to capitalize on such tradition to achieve conservation goals in MCAP.…”

“…Citing the perception of the respondents, the abundance of D. hatagirea in Nepal [2] [27] and various protected areas of India is declining [13] [25] [28] [30]. The local inhabitant of Samagaun has more idea regarding the abundance of this threatened orchid in the natural habitat.…”

“…Over grazing, over harvesting and lack of awareness is perceived to be the main cause of decline by the inhabitants. Similarly, some other scientific studies revealed that frequent extraction and increase grazing pressure were mainly responsible for decline of D. hatagirea in Central Himalaya [2] [13] [21]. One of the most important causes of loss of plant diversity is habitat fragmentation cause by grazing [13] [30] [40].…”

“…Apart from this, the tuber is used as farinaceous food and nerve tonic [22] [23]. The paste is also considered nutritive and is used in treating weaknesses in children and women [2] [21]. Root powder is also applied on cuts and wounds to stop bleeding [19] [22]- [24].…”

“…The population of D. hatagirea is in declining [2] [13] [25] that not only resulted due to anthropogenic activities [2] but also because they are naturally very rare [28] and shows high habitat specificity [29] [30].…”