Assam

This BHS has a good population of wild species of rice -Oryza rufipogon. The wetland located at 26.810888 N, 92.623559 E having area of 0.41 ha harbour a viable population of wild rice. This is a unique site due to population richness of this species, but both are vulnerable to climate change and anthropogenic activities. The species (O. rufipogon) possess genes for disease and pest resistance, tolerance to submergence and salinity, thus, important resource in breeding and improvement of rice crop and many of our current varieties derive many genes from this species. Its in-situ conservation for evolutionary process and adaptation to changing climate is important. 

This will be wealth for posterity not only for India but for the whole world. Oryza rufipogon, the progenitor of present-day cultivated rice, O. sativa, is one of the most studied wild species of rice. It is a perennial plant commonly found in a marsh or aquatic habitats of eastern and southern Asia. O. rufipogon is photosensitive in nature and flowers during short days during the months of November and December. The seeds have a tendency to shatter as soon as they mature. It is tolerant of flooding and acidic soils.

This lake is a natural habitat of Critically Endangered freshwater ‘Black Softshell turtle’ Nilssonia nigricans and Endangered ‘Indian Peacock Softshell turtle’ Nilssonia hurum besides other major flora and fauna. This site also harbour the threatened species like Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), Vulnerable Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Sambar (Rusa unicolor), Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), Capped Langur (Trachypithecus pileatus), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) etc.

Majuli River Island in River Brahmaputra is the largest river island in India. The fertile floodplains and highly productive wetlands support a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded. These include the two globally endangered species of vultures (Oriental White-backed Vulture and Slender Billed Vulture), two endangered species (Greater Adjutant and Bengal Florican) and 9 vulnerable species (Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant, Baer's Pochard, Pallas's Fish-Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon's Babbler and Black-breasted Parrotbill). Majuli has been categorized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

It is eminent for its rich ecological and cultural heritage. It is also famous for producing 100 varieties of paddy without application of fertilisers and pesticides.