Two varieties of orchids found in the region.

Alipurduar, Nov. 19: The forest department is making a documentary on orchids found in Buxa Tiger Reserve. Once completed, officials believe it will help researchers in their work and also to educate people about the little-studied exotic plants.

State forest minister Jogesh Barman said: “Many people do not know anything about orchids. The orchid blossoms are some of the most gorgeous. A crew has already started filming and documenting. Once done, the data will be compiled on a compact disc.”

The minister said he had asked forest officials whether the orchids could be cultured and like other flowering plants and if such a project would generate employment opportunities. “The orchids are valuable and, if cultured, can be a source of revenue.”

Y.T. Aden, deputy field director of Buxa Tiger Reserve (west), said the department had come up with the idea to compile a CD because there were no records of the various kinds of orchids that were found in the forests

“The CD will help officials during their training. It will go a long way in identifying the species and helping us know of ways to conserve them,” he said.

Orchids are sought after the world over and the rarer varieties are sold for several thousand rupees. Places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong boast of several hundred species of these plants. More than 110 species of orchids are housed in the orchidorium at Rajabhatkhawa in the tiger reserve.

Though many of the plants have perished due to lack of maintenance, officials have once again shown an interest in reviving the orchid greenhouse. The orchidorium once had medicinal orchids as well.

Found in altitudes between 3000 and 5000 feet, the plants are sensitive to changes in their living conditions and require a controlled environment to survive.

A forest official said three species of orchids, featured in the Red Data Book — where the extinct, rare, endangered and critically endangered species are enlisted — are found in this orchidorium. They are Dendrobium cumuletum, Paphiopedilum fairieanum and Paphiopedilum venustum.

The research wing has been given charge of collecting and photographing the plants and compiling the information on the CD.