Diversity and Conservation Significance of Angiosperm Climbers in Bhadrak District of Odisha, India

Abstract

The present study seeks to investigate the distribution patterns of angiosperm climbers within the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India, along with an assessment of the ecosystem services they provide. The ongoing inquiry into climbing plant species within the Bhadrak district reflects the diversity of 103 species distributed across 71 genera and 33 families. The three most diverse families are Convolvulaceae (22), Cucurbitaceae (15), and Fabaceae (14). Out of 103 climbing plant species, 72 species are herbaceous vines and 31 species are woody vines representing 69.9%, and 30.1%, respectively.  The most common climbing method in the studied sites is stem twining, accounting for 70 species or 68% of the total, the second most common is tendril climbing (22 species, 21.4%), and the least, root climber (2 species, 1.9%). Local communities use these climbers for various purposes. It has been observed that out of 103 species, 61 species have medicinal properties (59.2%), 16 species have ornamental value (15.5%), 17 species are edible (16.5%), and the remaining 8 species have other uses (8.8%). These results indicate the importance of climber communities to plant diversity of Bhadrak district, enhancing the regional diversity and the conservation value of these forest remnants. Habitat degradation because of rapid development activities with limitation of the supporting tree species is found to be a serious threat to climbing plants. Employing a multifaceted strategy such as securing their habitats through protection, restoration, managing invasive species and promoting collaboration among local stakeholders and organizations, ensures the preservation of these vital plants, sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem health for the future.