Essay lifestyles of mehalaya
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Meghalaya is a mountainous land geographically rich with stretches of valleys and highland plateaus that remain laced with caves, waterfalls and forests. Though richly deposited with minerals such as coal, limestone, uranium and sillimanite. The state does not have a functioning mineral industry. There are many rivers in the state mostly rain-fed and seasonal. Shillong Peak at the center of Khasi Hills is the highest point in the state at 6,434 ft.
Almost seventy percent of Meghalaya is richly endowed with beautiful forests, considered to be among the richest botanical habitats of Asia. Most of the state consists of dense and open forest lands which fall under reserved forests, protected forests and national parks. There is a rich diversity in the types of forests here; there are sub-tropical pine forests, grasslands, bamboo forests, evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests. Due to the excess rainfall, there is a vast variety of floral and faunal biodiversity. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and the Balphakram National Park are considered to be the most biodiversity-rich areas of Meghalaya. In addition, there are three wildlife sanctuaries; Nongkhyllem WS, Siju WS and the Bhagmara WS famous for carnivorous pitcher plans.
Small pockets of ancient forests known as ‘sacred groves’ can be found across the state which have been preserved by the communities since hundreds of years due to religious and cultural beliefs. These forests are reserved for community rituals and remain protected from all exploitation. Collectively, they protect and preserve numerous rare plant species and act as corridors for animals.
The varied climate and topography of Meghalaya allows for vast diversity of flora, including parasites, epiphytes, succulent plants and scrubs. Sal and teak are two most important trees. Then there is diversity of fruits, vegetables, spices and medicinal plants. A fascinating 325 species of orchids are found in the state.
The faunal diversity of Meghalaya is equally stunning with the presence of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. More than 140 mammals are found in the state. The important ones are elephants, bears red pandas, wild cats such as tigers and leopards, civets, mongoose, rodents, slow loris, weasels, fair, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar and primates such as the hoollock gibbon. There is large variety of bats; the states numerous limestone caves are home of India’s rarest bat species. Common reptiles include lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and numerous snakes such as python, copperhead, green tree racer, king cobra and vipers.
Meghalaya is a very important bird habitat hosting more than 600 species of which many are endemic to the region and surrounding areas.There are 34 species of birds in the state which are listed as worldwide threatened and 9 species remain critically endangered such as the oriental white-backed vulture and slender billed vulture. Important birds of the state include greater spotted eagle, hornbills, blithe kingfisher, white cheeked hill partridge, grey peacock pheasant and the tawny breasted wren babbler. Almost a quarter of India’s butterfly species can be found in this tiny state.