Luxami - Researchers from Nagaland University have discovered a new plant species in the high altitude forest of Nagaland, strengthening the region's status far as a major biodiversity hotspot and northeast India. The newly identified species has been named Hoya Nagaensis. It was discovered during systematic botanical survey in under-explored forest areas of state. Large parts of Nagaland's forest remain, scientifically undocumented and this research helps improve biodiversity assessment and conservation planning. 

The study was led by Dr. Gyati Yam, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University, along with researchers Ms. Vieniete-o Koza and Mr. Joynath Pegu. The research was funded by Nagaland University under the Start-Up Project for Young Faculty (SUPYF). The findings were published in the international peer-reviewed journal Kew Bulletin, which focuses on plant and fungal taxonomy, systematics, and global biodiversity.

 Congratulating the team Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jagadish kumar Patnaik said that the discovery highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of Northeast India and proves that community protected forests in Nagaland serve as critical refugees for rare and endemic plant species.The species is currently known from a single location in the Kaviinhou Community Reserved Forest in Phek district. Due to its limited distribution and threats such as shifting cultivation and forest disturbance, the species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered.

The researchers also emphasized the important role of traditional forest stewardship practiced by local Naga community in conserving biodiversity. Future research will focus on monitoring the species in the wild, studying its ecology and pollination biology and exploring nearby forests for  more undocumented plant species.

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