Scientists from Nagaland University have discovered a new plant species in the high-altitude forests of Nagaland, adding an important entry to India’s botanical records and drawing fresh attention to the ecological value of community-protected forests in the state.The newly identified plant, named Hoya nagaensis, was found during detailed botanical surveys carried out in remote forest areas that are protected and managed by local communities. Researchers said the discovery once again shows that large parts of Nagaland’s forests remain scientifically unexplored, despite being rich in plant life. According to the research team, the discovery was made during systematic fieldwork in high-altitude forest zones, where access is difficult and scientific documentation has been limited. These forests are traditionally conserved by village communities under customary laws, a system that has helped preserve rare and endemic species for generations.
The research was led by Dr Gyati Yam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry at Nagaland University, along with researchers Ms Vieneite-o Koza and Mr Joynath Pegu. The study was funded by the university under its Start-Up Project for Young Faculty scheme.The findings have been published in Kew Bulletin, a peer-reviewed international journal brought out by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is widely known for research on plant taxonomy and biodiversity.Nagaland is known for its dense forest cover and varied landscapes, but scientists say that many areas, especially high-altitude and interior forests, have not been studied in detail. This lack of data makes it difficult to fully understand the region’s biodiversity and plan conservation measures. The research team said their work focused on documenting plant species in areas that have received very little scientific attention so far. During these surveys, they came across a climbing plant belonging to the Hoya genus, which showed features not seen in known species.
“While conducting field surveys, we noticed this plant had unique leaf and flower characteristics,” Dr Yam said. “After careful study and comparison with existing species, we confirmed that it is new to science.”Researchers stressed that the survival of Hoya nagaensis is closely linked to the protection provided by local communities. The plant was found in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest in Phek district, an area managed by villagers under traditional systems of forest governance.Congratulating the research team, Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik said the discovery goes beyond academic interest. He said it highlights how community-managed forests act as safe spaces for rare plants and wildlife. “These forests are living examples of how traditional conservation practices can protect biodiversity,” he said. “The study strengthens India’s botanical knowledge and also supports global conservation efforts.”According to the researchers, Hoya nagaensis is currently known from only one location. Because of its very limited range and the pressures faced by forest areas, such as shifting cultivation and other disturbances, the species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. Mr Joynath Pegu said the plant’s restricted presence makes it highly vulnerable. “The fact that it still exists shows how effective community protection has been,” he said. “Local people have safeguarded these forests for generations, often without formal support, and their contribution to conservation needs wider recognition.”
