GUPTESWAR FOREST AS BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE

1. According to a recent government notification, the ancient Gupteshwar Forest adjacent to the Gupteshwar Shiva Temple in Odisha's Koraput district has been declared the 4th Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of the state.
2. This site is spread over a demarcated area of 350 hectares.
3. Odisha now has 4 BHS with prior declaration of biodiversity-rich areas like Mandsaru, Mahendragiri, and Gandhamardan.

What is Biodiversity-Heritage Sites (BHS)

1. Under Section 37 of India's Biological Diversity Act 2002, state governments, in consultation with local governing bodies, can designate unique and fragile ecosystems as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).

1. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) advices the State Government in the selection and management of heritage sites under section 37.
2. NBA is an Autonomous and Statutory Body of MoEFCC. NBA (Headquartered in Chennai) was established in 2003 by Central Government to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
3. As per National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), India has a total of 45 BHS as of February 2024.

2. BHS can be terrestrial, coastal, inland waters, or marine areas that exhibit rich biodiversity, including:
   1. abundance of wild and domesticated species
   2. high endemism
   3. rare and endangered species
   4. keystone or evolutionarily important species
   5. wild ancestors of cultivated varieties
   6. fossil beds reflect past biological importance
   7. significant cultural, ethical, or aesthetic values
3. In some cases, BHS retain a long history of human habitation as well as cultural diversity

Biodiversity of Gupteswar Forest

1. The biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board shows the presence of rich flora and fauna in the area.

2. This includes at least 608 faunal species such as:

   1. 28 mammal species
   2. 188 bird species
   3. 18 amphibian species
   4. 48 reptile species
   5. 45 fish species
   6. 141 butterfly species

3. Significant faunal species documented here include:

   1. Mugger crocodile
   2. Kanger Valley rock gecko
   3. Sacred grove bush frog
   4. Black baza
   5. Jerdon's baza
   6. Malabar trogon
   7. White-bellied woodpecker
4. The limestone caves of Gupteshwar provide shelter to 8 of the total 16 bat species found in southern Odisha.
5. Two species - Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii - are classified as near-threatened.

6. The site has abundant floral diversity as well with:

   1. 182 tree species
   2. 76 shrub species
   3. 177 herb species
   4. 69 climber species
   5. 14 orchid species and
   6. threatened medicinal plants
7. Many agriculturally and industrially important microorganisms also exist in this ecosystem

Conservation and Development

1. Declaring Gupteshwar as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) will promote the conservation of biodiversity and strengthen the cultural ties of local communities.
2. The Government of Odisha has allocated Rs 35 lakh for the preparation of a conservation action plan and community awareness activities.
3. Eco-tourism and non-timber forest products can support local livelihoods.

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