Dehradun: In a recent baseline survey of orchid species within the Corbett Tiger Reserve, authorities have uncovered a trove of rare and threatened orchid species, including one with significance in tantric rituals.Among the 31 different species discovered, the Checkered Vanda (Vanda testacea) is the most sought-after species of orchid. It is used in tantric cult practices and holds international demand, according to researchers involved in the study. The Vanda genus is known for its visual appeal and extended blooming period of up to one month. We cannot disclose the location of Checkered Vanda in Corbett due to its demand and the type of usage," said Manoj Singh, a junior research fellow at the forest departments research wing. "We conducted this survey across six zones of Corbett. Some zones hold the maximum number of species. Each of these landscapes has different eco-climatic conditions; therefore, we got such unique orchids there, Singh added. To understand the diversity, the study was conducted across Corbetts Kalagarh, Jhirna, Dhela, Bijrani, Dhikala, Durga Devi and Maidavan zones. TNNWe also published the following articles recentlyScientists recover RNA to resurrect extinct Tasmanian tiger and speciesScientists have successfully recovered RNA from preserved Tasmanian tiger specimens dating back to 1891, marking the first time RNA has been retrieved from an extinct species. The breakthrough could have implications for recreating extinct species and understanding the causes of past pandemics. The Tasmanian tiger faced declines due to human activity and was declared extinct in 1936. Efforts to "de-extinct" certain species through gene editing have been launched, and the study advocates for more research on the biology of extinct animals.Tube roses, gerberas and orchids add beauty to home & pandal decorationsPunes wholesale flower market in Market Yard is experiencing lower prices this year due to an excess of flowers. Most vendors are commission agents who source directly from farmers, and the high yield of marigold and tube roses has caused prices to drop by 20-30% compared to last year. The demand for flowers fluctuates during the festival, with peak demand during Gauri aagman and visarjan days. In addition to natural flowers, people are also using artificial flowers and other decorative items for pandal decoration.ZSI finds new fish species 90km off Digha coastScientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deepwater marine fish called intermedica. This vibrant orange-colored fish has a bony head and a pointed rostral spine and is the fourth species of pterygotrigla found in India. The discovery was made by a team led by Anil Mohapatra of ZSI. The fish was first found by Digha fishermen as a bycatch, and further investigation revealed its unique characteristics. This discovery is considered a unique find in recent times.

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