Nagaland University unearths critically endangered plant

Researchers from Nagaland University (NU) have discovered a new plant species in the high-altitude forests of Nagaland, underscoring the State’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot and the role of community-led forest conservation.
The species, named Hoya nagaensis, was identified during systematic botanical surveys of under-explored forest areas. Large parts of Nagaland’s forests remain scientifically undocumented, limiting accurate biodiversity assessment and conservation planning.
The study was led by Dr. Gyati Yam, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, along with researchers Vieneite-o Koza and Joynath Pegu, funded under NU’s Start-Up Project for Young Faculty (SUPYF).
The findings were published in Kew Bulletin, an internationally peer-reviewed journal on plant taxonomy and global biodiversity.
NU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik lauded the discovery, noting it highlights Northeast India’s extraordinary biodiversity and affirms the importance of community-protected forests as refuges for rare and endemic species.
Dr. Yam explained that the research focused on exploring high-altitude forests, identifying unknown plant species, documenting biodiversity, and assessing the conservation status of rare flora. Future work will include monitoring Hoya nagaensis in the wild, studying its ecology, pollination biology, ornamental potential, and exploring nearby forests for additional undocumented species.
Koza highlighted that Hoya nagaensis exhibits unique leaf shapes and floral traits distinguishing it from other species in the genus. Pegu added that it is currently known only from the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest in Phek district. Due to its extremely restricted range and threats like shifting cultivation and forest disturbance, the species has been provisionally classified as Critically Endangered.
The discovery not only enriches India’s botanical records but also provides valuable data for global plant science, conservation efforts, and understanding of the Eastern Himalaya’s temperate forest ecosystems.