Arunachal Pradesh is the largest northeastern state of India, sharing the borders with China, Bhutan, and Myanmar. This stunning location is a treasure trove of natural riches, with a diversified and healthy ecosystem. The state is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with some species recently discovered and others still unexplored. This blog will reveal a few number of species that are endemic to the state and are only found in the pristine wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh, the "Land of the Dawnlit Mountain."

The Namdapha flying squirrel

An uncommon species of flying squirrel that is native to India is the Namdapha (Biswamoyopterusbiswasi) flying squirrel. The arboreal, nocturnal Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterusbiswasi) is endemic fauna of Arunachal. Before the 2013 description of the Laotian giant flying squirrel (Biswamoyopteruslaoensis), it was the only animal belonging to the genus Biswamoyopterus. It falls under the category of vertebrates and approximately 231 species of Pisces, 65 species of Amphibia, 108 species of Reptiles, 539 species of Aves, and 154 species of Mammals are among the numerous vertebrate species found in Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal macaque 

It is a huge brown primate native to Arunachal Pradesh. The name "Macaca munzala" is derived from "munzala," which means "deep forest monkey" in the Monpa dialect of West Kameng and Tawang districts, and reflects their habitat choice. This species is highly endangered, according to the IUCN Red List, and was first formally described in 2005, following its discovery during an expedition in NE India.

These macaques are endemic to Arunachal Pradesh; nevertheless, over 75% of them now live in places where people have changed the land, like near towns and farms, adding to their endangered status. Experts think there are fewer than 250 grown-up monkeys left, and their populations are ever declining.

The Mechuka Giant Flying Squirrel 

The Mechuka giant flying squirrel, scientifically known as Petauristamechukaensis, is a kind of rodent in the Sciuridae family. This animal was discovered and named for the first time in 2007. It resides in the East Himalayan forests, high in the mountainous regions, at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters (4,900 to 8,200 feet).

It was discovered by scientists in the Mechuka region of north-central Arunachal Pradesh, India. However, there is some uncertainty concerning its precise classification. They named it P. nigra at first but had to rename it to Mechukaensis since it was too similar to another P. nigra identified by Wang in 1981.

Ophiorrhizamedogensis var. shiyomiense

A group of researchers led by M. Sabu, a CSIR emeritus scientist, and V. S. Hareesh, research associates in the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences, Kozhikode, discovered the new plant variety called 'Ophiorrhizamedogensis var. shiyomiense' in the Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. This plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family and can only be found in the Siko Dido Waterfall near Mechuka. It grows in moist areas at an altitude of 1100-1200m, and its pale-yellow flowers have green tinges. Another plant of the same species, Ophiorrhizamedogensis, was also discovered in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. This Himalayan plant was previously only known to grow in Medog, Tibet, and is now being recorded in India for the first time. Although these two plants share similarities, they differ in floral characteristics and colour.

Mishmi Teeta

Mishmi Teeta, also known as CoptisTeeta Wall., is a scarce flowering plant found exclusively in Arunachal Pradesh. This plant, which hails from the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, boasts potent medicinal properties and is famed for its strong bitter taste. The plant features a slender rhizome and has been an integral part of Mishmi indigenous knowledge for centuries. Mishmi Teeta is highly esteemed for its curative benefits and has been utilized for many generations to address a range of health maladies, including to combat bacterial infections, inflammation, vision issues, constipation, indigestion, skin problems, jaundice, fever (particularly in malaria), gonorrhoea, cancer, and more. Purportedly, Mishmi Teeta possesses properties that help eliminate toxins, dampness, heat, and soothe an array of health ailments.

In conclusion, the cultural richness and natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh are undeniable treasures. However, ongoing development has resulted in a decline in the populations of different species. As a result, it is critical that we prioritize sustainable development in order to secure our future, safeguarding not just our cultural and historical heritage but also the region's valuable biodiversity.