Executive Summary : | Tea, the world's most popular drink, is cultivated in 58 countries worldwide, with West Bengal being the second largest tea-producing state in India. The sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal is divided into Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars plains, and is rich in biodiversity, with over 30% of higher plants being endemic. Tea plantation in Darjeeling began in 1840-1841 and in the foothills from 1860. The climate of Darjeeling is favorable for tea cultivation, supporting an increased number of diverse native flora and fauna. The varied climate conditions in the region are expected to result in a rich floristic diversity of Cryptogams and Phanerogams, as most tea plantations are over 150 years old and not subject to sudden changes in microclimatic conditions. The high species richness of pteridophytes, bryophytes, and lichens is expected due to the shade tree canopy and density of vegetation. Bryophytes and lichens are outstanding bioindicators for habitat characterization. The tea growing landscape creates long-term suitable conditions for the survival, development, and distribution of rare, critically endangered, endemic plants in otherwise changed environments. A good number of new taxa will be expected from this region, making these habitats an important hotspot for biodiversity conservation. However, there is limited information recorded on vascular Cryptogams and Phanerogams from tea plantations in this region and the importance of tea as host plants for epiphytic bryophytes and lichens. This proposal aims to prepare a detailed assessment of floristic diversity, vertical distribution of epiphytes, usefulness, RET and botanically interesting species, native shade trees, vegetation analysis, statistical analysis, soil status, environmental conditions, and ecological indicators for better management of tea growing landscapes in the sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal. |