Begonia Narahari

Source-This post on Begonia Narahari is based on the article “New Begonia Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh by USTM and CSIR-NEIST Researchers” published in “bnn” on 5th March 2024.

Why in the News?

A new flowering plant species named Begonia Narahari was recently discovered by researchers in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Begonia Narahari

1. Discovery and Identification:
a. It is a newly discovered flowering plant species belonging to the Begonia genus within the Begoniaceae family.
b. The species, named ‘Narahari,’ is a tribute to Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry for his contributions to the well-being of the region and the establishment of the Germplasm Conservation Centre for the bio-resources of Northeast India.

2. Characteristics:
a. Begonia Narahari is known for its vibrant blue iridescence when exposed to direct light, a unique characteristic that helps distinguish it from related species during identification.
b. Currently, Begonia naraharii is only found in the Demwe area within the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.

3. Conservation Status:
a. Due to limited information about its global population, the species is temporarily labeled as Data Deficient (DD) per the IUCN species assessment guidelines.
b. The limited habitat and possible threats like agricultural expansion, fires, and timber extraction highlight the importance of focused conservation efforts.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)