Monitoring Forest Biodiversity in the Face of Urban Proximity: A Case Study in Nirjuli Highlighting the necessity for Ex-situ Conservation Imperative

Abstract A verdant plot of land in Nirjuli, Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, is home to an impressive array of biodiversity. Within this modest expanse, 156 species of flowering plants, representing 129 genera and 57 families thrive astoundingly. Notably, 11 of these species are only found in North East India, with five (Amomum arunachalense, Boeica arunachalensis, Henckelia collegii-sancti-thomasii, Pseuderanthemum arunachalense and Rhynchothecum nirjuliense) of them being endemic to this particular area only. Regrettably, the relentless march of urbanization and rapid encroachments of human settlements has led to the extinction of its once-thriving microhabitats. This lamentable tale is not unique to this plot alone, it also applies to many other regions across the state. Faced with these alarming circumstances, ex-situ conservation efforts are imperative to safeguard these irreplaceable bioresources.