Page 655 - e-Book

Fig.M. Satyrium nepalense

CONCLUSION

The orchids are habitat specific and their characteristic interdependence often of very specific

nature with their ecosystem makes them more vulnerable to destruction than any other group
of plants. Heavy pressures of commercial collection and habitat destruction have

detrimentally affected the size and frequency of their natural populations. As of now, the
entire orchid family figures prominently in the appendix II of the list of endangered plant

(CITES-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

and their international trade is strictly controlled and monitored. An action plan including
mass propagation was launched in 1996 by IUCN to conserve the world’s orchids.

The expansion of agriculture and other biotic pressure have taken a heavy toll of natural
habitat of large number of orchids. The removal of forest cover has not only affected the

epiphytic species, but has also exposed the terrestrial species to environmental rigors. Despite
the fact that the government of India has banned collection and trade in orchids from wild,

and protected their natural habitat by establishing biosphere reserves and sanctuaries, natural

populations in these plants are far from alleviated. These plants are generally collected in an
unorganized and unscientific manner and used in the state mostly in herbal formulations. In

view of fast growing demand for the medicinal plants for the use in PHARMACEUTICALS,
NEUTRACEUTICALS, COSMATOLOGICALS, DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS etc. both at

National as well as International level, implementation of the projects and the schemes meant

for cultivation, collection, R&D, awareness, commercial supply of the medicinal plants for
generation of income and employment while ensuring conservation of endemic and

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