Status, threats and conservation strategies for orchids of western Himalaya, India

The present study is an attempt to give an account of the current status of orchids based on recent surveys since 2002 to 2010 in various parts of western Himalaya. Based on rarity Index of species, orchids are categorised in four groups,—very rare, sparse, occasional and common. Results show that 40% of orchid species are very rare, 26% are sparse, 19% are occasional and 15% are common in western Himalaya. For the conservation of orchids, two orchid conservation areas are identified in Gori Valley and Mandal Valley