Jamshedpur: While the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is globally recognized as a premier elephant reserve, a fascinating discovery has highlighted its botanical richness. Forest officials and researchers have identified rare carnivorous plants thriving deep within the sanctuary.
The discovery has sparked enthusiasm among conservationists as these plants play a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming insects, thereby improving the natural habitat for plants, animals, and microorganisms alike. This significant find was made possible through intensified patrolling and forest conservation efforts, leading the department to initiate immediate protection measures for these rare species.
The Presence of Sundew in Patamda and Baliguma
One of the primary species identified is Drosera burmanni, commonly known as the tropical sundew. This plant has been spotted in the Patamda and Baliguma regions of Dalma. These carnivorous plants typically grow in acidic, moist soils that are poor in nutrients. Because the soil lacks essential elements like nitrogen, the plants have evolved to trap and digest insects to fulfill their nutritional needs. They thrive in marshy, nutrient-deficient environments similar to those found in parts of Australia and Southeast Asia. The sundew uses glistening, sticky droplets on its leaves to ensnare prey, extracting protein and vital nutrients to survive in peat moss or sandy soils where other plants might struggle.
Bladderworts Found in the Wetlands of Konkadasha
Another remarkable discovery occurred in the Konkadasha area, where the carnivorous Utricularia, or bladderwort, was found. This species exists in water or highly saturated soil and utilizes tiny, sac-like structures called bladders to hunt. These bladders function as sophisticated traps with a “trapdoor” mechanism; when a tiny organism like a larva or protozoan brushes against it, the door snaps open, sucking the creature inside with a rush of water. This specialized hunting method allows the plant to flourish in nitrogen-poor environments. Interestingly, this species was also recently documented in Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park, underscoring its importance in maintaining environmental balance across diverse landscapes.
Forest Department Initiates Strict Conservation
Commenting on the discovery, DFO Saba Alam Ansari stated that the presence of such carnivorous plants is a strong indicator of a healthy and developing habitat within Dalma. He emphasized, “The sanctuary is home to several rare species that are now being prioritized for protection under a dedicated strategy by the forest department team.”
Restricting Human Entry to Protect Rare Species
Forest Guard and researcher Raja Ghosh, who was instrumental in identifying the plants, noted that various species of these insectivorous plants have been found across multiple locations in the forest. “Detailed reports have been submitted to senior forest officials to ensure these specific zones are cordoned off,” Ghosh said. By restricting human entry into these sensitive areas, the department aims to provide a safe environment for these rare botanical species to propagate and maintain the ecological integrity of the sanctuary.
