India has a rich biological diversity of flora and fauna. Over six per cent of global species are found in India. It is estimated that India ranks 10th among the plant rich countries of the world. Out of total 25 bio-diversity hot-spots in the world, India possesses two, one in Western Ghats and one in the North East.

The North East is a geographically distinct region and is well known for its unique bio-diversity. As an extension of the Himalayan range, the region is marked with hills, mountains, valleys, a range of elevations, platforms as well as depressions. It is one of the ten bio-geographical zones of the country. Sixty four per cent of total geographical area of the region is covered with various types of forests, especially, moist deciduous and alpine forests. Though the region embodies 7% – 8% of the total geographical area of the country it contributes 26% to total forests cover of the nation. It is one of the major orchid habitats. India accounts for about 1300 species of orchid of which nearly 50 per cent are available in the North East. Parrot orchid, Dove orchid, Golden shower, Ladies Slipper are some of the luxuriant orchids of the North Eastern Region. Business of these orchids has expanded tremendously in USA, Europe, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Conservation of these orchids not only helps to preserve our natural resources but also can help to boast the economy of our region.

The North East is not only rich in floral wealth and endemic species of plants, but also one horned rhino, greater adjutant stork, Gangetic river dolphin, vulture and many other mammals. Greater adjutant stork or Bortokola or Hargila is a very important globally endangered bird that is now on the verge of extinction. Asom provides a very good ecological habitat to the species and now our State has the largest population of greater adjutant stork. The killing of nestling is the most prominent reason of the species getting endangered. The trees on which this bird nests must be conserved at all costs and that near by wetlands to the nestling sites should be preserved. They clean the environment by eating rotten or dead foods from the garbage. Ornithologists noticed that another carrion eating bird vulture is now on the brink of extinction. Their population had declined by 95 per cent or worse since the early 1990 making the species critically endangered. The sharp decline in the number of vultures has an enormous implication for the eco-system.

One major aquatic animal lending colour, variety, richness and charm to wild life and nature in Asom is the purpoise or river dolphin, known as Shihu. Once found in abundance in the Brahmaputra and several or its tributaries, this lovely aquatic animal is fast disappearing. The poachers are killing the endangered species generally for oil. Asiatic wild buffalo or water buffalo adds another feather to Asom’s rich fauna. The grassland swampy areas dotted with numerous beels and wetlands of Asom provides an ideal habitat to this harvivorous animal. The world’s largest population of this creature is basically concentrated in Asom. The practice of killing wild buffalo for meat, horn, hoof and skin-business needs to be discarded.

Around the globe, animals and their habitats are being threatened and most often the danger comes as a result of human behaviour. Illegal trade of wildlife products by killing prohibited endangered animals i.e. poaching is a serious threat to wildlife. Despite international ban on trade in products from endangered species, smuggling of wildlife items like furs, hides, horns, tusks, live specimens and herbal products worth millions of dollars per year continues. Therefore, on this particular day of Biological Diversity everyone should take an oath of not purchasing for coat, purse or bags or items made of crocodile skin or phython skin. The process of extinction has become fast. Pollution, global warming, deforestation, fishing practices, all play a part in endangering our wildlife. To create awareness among people about ‘bio-diversity’, we should celebrate the day by organising meetings and lectures. Environmentalists and NGOs should organise street rallies, bicycle parades, green concert, essay and poster competitions in educational institutions.

(The writer teaches Economics in MDKG College, Dibrugarh).