Globally, orchids, especially epiphytic species, are increasingly threatened with extinction due to natural and anthropogenic influences. In order to conserve these species, it is crucial to gain insights into their distribution and the factors influencing it. Presently, patterns of distribution among epiphytic orchids and associated environmental factors were studied in lower Gori Valley, one of the orchid rich localities in the Western Himalayas. Epiphytic orchids and the host trees were quantified within 160 circular plots, along eight transects. Multivariate analyses were carried out to establish relationships with various environmental parameters. In total, 42 orchid species were recorded growing on 30 host species. Species richness, abundance, and composition of orchids varied across transects, forest communities, and host species. Species richness increased significantly with increasing tree height and moss cover, whereas it declined with increasing anthropogenic pressures. The study area exhibits high diversity of epiphytic orchids manifested by rich assemblages of host species and sub-tropical environment. Future investigations are required to study these at a larger spatial scale, to determine the generality of the patterns obtained.
https://doi.org/10.64873/JOSI.v35.i1-2.159-167