By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A rare berry species linked to blueberries, ‘Vaccinium piliferum’, has been found again in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district after remaining unrecorded for nearly 188 years.
The plant was recently located in the forests of Vijoynagar in the Eastern Himalayan region, a development researchers are describing as a major breakthrough in botanical studies and biodiversity documentation in India.
Scientists said the species belongs to the Ericaceae family, which includes fruits such as blueberries and cranberries.
The rediscovery was made by researchers associated with the Society for Education and Environmental Development, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), and several partner institutions.
Historical records show the species was first documented in 1836 during the colonial era, but no confirmed sightings had been reported for decades, prompting fears that it may have vanished from the wild.
The plant was identified near streams connected to the Noa-Dihing River in the dense forest region of Vijoynagar, an area recognised for its ecological richness and sensitive environment.
Researchers recorded only 16 plants during the field study, suggesting that the species currently exists in very small numbers.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified ‘Vaccinium piliferum’ as an endangered species.
Experts said the finding once again highlights the ecological value of Arunachal Pradesh’s Eastern Himalayan region and the importance of preserving endangered plant and animal life.
Botanists noted that wild relatives of cultivated berry species are important for studies linked to climate adaptation, crop development, and resistance to diseases.
Reacting to the finding, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein termed it “a remarkable chapter in the natural history of Arunachal Pradesh”.
“This finding highlights the immense ecological wealth of our state and reinforces the urgent need to protect and preserve our fragile Himalayan ecosystems for future generations,” he wrote on X.
He further praised the scientific teams and partner institutions that took part in tracing the rare plant species.