Mizoram Biodiversity At A Glance

Botanical Studies in Mizoram

The first recorded attempt in floristic study of Mizoram (then Lushai Hills) date back to Colonel AT Gage (1901) – where he listed 317 spp (includes 26 sp of Cryptogams). This was followed by the following:-

• JE Leslie (Dec 1902), Father Godfrey
• Mrs NE Parry (1924-29 Lungleh) – collections along with some propagules sent to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Calcutta
• Rev. WGL Wenger of Baptist Mission, Lungleh (1926-32), Rev. RA Lorrain of Pioneer Mission to the Lakhers at Serkawr and daughter Lorrain Foxall
• Cecil E C Fischer (1938) – Flora of Lushai Hills with 1360 spp including 6 sp of Gymnosperms and 155 sp of Cryptogams
• Flora of Mizoram by Botanical Survey of India is the latest attempt and will comprise of 3 volumes – Vol 1 has been brought out in 2002. The list included 884 sp belonging to 403 genera, 90 families (Ranunculaceae to Asteraceae). Of these, 172 spp have been recorded for the first time
• Volume 2 – under edition
• Orchids – 244 sp under 74 genera – Singh et al (1990)
• Medicinal plants - >500 sp by H Ramnghinglova & Jha
• Bamboos > 20 sp

As per the latest Zoological Survey of India’s FAUNA of MIZORAM (2007),

Birds	370 species	205 genera	59 families
Mammals	84 species	61 genera	29 families
Reptiles	71 species	47 genera	14 families
Amphibians	13 species	8 genera	6 families
Fishes (Fresh water)	89 species	49 genera	20 families
Mollusca	65 species	40 genera	17 families

Crop

Ragi (Finger Millet)

Paddy (Jhum) 48 varieties:

Vuithup, Maubuh, Ngaibuh, Paw-paw roh, Teikhang, Zotawn, Fangsin [Saibiala], Dawn buh, Tialte, Tialpui, Thlarau buh, Chinary, Rawngherh, Kawnglawng, Thangbuang, Kawlkar, Farel, Fazu, Biruchuk, Dumte, Bawngchawm, Kawl Kawnglawng, Chhirthluk, Fangte, Hmawrhang, Zongam, Vuakpui, Phulbuh, Ngokawi, Shillong, Ralbuh, Builukham, Vuibuk, Hmarbuh, Phaingam, Vaibuh,Idaw, Vuakpui, Lalruma, Kungsei, Haflong, Thlanchhuah, VL-206, Fazai, Maibasa, Bawngbuh, America, Heera

Rice (Wetland) 38 varieties:

Aizawng, Pau buh, Tlumtea buh, Khairol, Manipur (Kungtawi), Buhsakei, Pawnbuh, etc

Owing to terrain, the scope for WRC is limited – about 50,000 ha only. Out of this, 22750 ha is under WRC presently.

Vegetables MUSTARD (ANTAM)

Tampui, Tamkawr, Tamthing, Kauphek, Broiler antam (Burma)

Cereals MAIZE (VAIMIM)

Mimban, Mimpui, Puakzo, Liamdiak, Savawm Vaimim, Miria

Oil seeds SESAMUM (CHHAWHCHHI)

Chhibung, Chhiria, Chhiriat, Chhitunglun

Protected Area

National parks	2 (150 Km2)	list
Sanctuaries	8 (1090.75km2)	list
Community Reserves		list
Zoological parks	2
Medicinal Plants Conservation Area	15