Uttarakhand establishes first cycad garden in Haldwani to conserve threatened species

The Uttarakhand Forest Department has inaugurated the state’s first dedicated Cycad Garden in Haldwani, aiming to conserve one of the most ancient and threatened groups of plants on Earth.

Spread across approximately 0.75 hectares (over two acres), the garden showcases 31 species of cycads, including 17 that are listed as threatened.

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the initiative seeks to preserve these rare plants and promote research into plant evolution and climate change impacts.

Of the 31 species, nine are native to India. Prominent Indian cycads featured include Cycas andamanica, Cycas beddomei, Cycas zeylanica, Cycas pectinata, and Cycas circinalis. Notably, only about 14 cycad species have been reported across the country.

Chief Conservator of Forests (Research) Sanjiv Chaturvedi highlighted the significance of the initiative. “Cycads are the most threatened group of plants on earth, and they have been on this planet since the Mesozoic era. This garden has been established for conservation and studies on plant evolution and climate change impact,” he said.

Often referred to as 'living fossils,' cycads have survived since prehistoric times and hold ecological, cultural, and ornamental value. Historically used for food, medicine, and rituals, they are now threatened by overexploitation and habitat loss due to their slow growth and limited reproductive ability. Their survival is further supported by a unique nitrogen-fixing relationship with cyanobacteria in their roots.

The garden includes rare species such as Cycas annaikalensis from Kerala, Cycas orixensis from Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, and Cycas beddomei from Andhra Pradesh. The project’s core goals include advancing research, educating the public, and raising awareness about the conservation needs of these ancient plants.

The newly established cycad garden offers a valuable opportunity for researchers and visitors alike to explore this unique plant group and underscores the importance of protecting these species for generations to come.