Orchid Diversity and Conservation through Agro-Ecotourism in Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya

Esther Naorem, Premi Mayengbam

Meghalaya supports rich orchid diversity because of its varied elevation, humid monsoon climate, and forest ecosystems. Ri-Bhoi district, including the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai (COA-K) campus, offers opportunities to document and conserve both epiphytic and terrestrial orchids. This paper brings together published information on orchid diversity and distribution in Meghalaya with observations and conservation activities associated with the COA-K agro-ecotourism site and mini-orchid conservatory units. Selected orchids are described by their identifying features, flowering periods, and reported distributions. Habitat loss, unsustainable collection, and development pressures remain important concerns. The paper highlights the value of in situ and ex situ conservation, community participation, education, and responsible agro-ecotourism in supporting orchid conservation. Species records and distributions are based on the cited sources and should be interpreted in that context