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The floral diversity of Meghalaya is well reputed for its richness and has been a centre of attraction for many botanists. The presence of a large number of primitive flowering plants has prompted Takhtajan (1969) to call it the Cradle of Flowering Plants’. Meghalaya harbours about 3,128 species of flowering plants and contributes about 18% of the total flora of the country, including 1,237 endemic species (Khan et al 1997). A wide variety of wild cultivable plants, edible fruits, leafy vegetables and orchids are found in the natural forests of Meghalaya. However due to overexploitation, deforestation and habitat destruction many endemic and threatened species are now mainly confined to the protected areas and sacred groves.

The region is a habitat for many botanical curiosities and botanical rarities. Among insectivorous plants Nepenthes khasiana Hk. f. and two species of Drosera i.e, Drosera peltata Sm. and D. burmanii Vahl. are important. Nepenthes khasiana is endemic to Meghalaya and listed in Appendix I of CITES and placed in Schedule VI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Khasi and Jaintia hills are considered to be the centre of diversity for several primitive families such as Elaeocarpaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Anonaceae, Ranunculaceae, Piperraceae, Menispermaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lauraceae, Myricaceae, Lazarbiaceae and primitive genera like Sarcandra, Corylopis, Myrica, Magnolia and Michelia.

Vegetation Types

According to Champion & Seth (1968), major forest types in the state of Meghalaya are:-

1. Assam Sub-tropical Hill Savanna

2. Khasi Sub-tropical Hill Forests

3. Assam Sub-tropical Pine Forests

4. Assam Sub-tropical Pine Savannah

Haridasan & Rao (1985-87) recognized the following major categories of vegetation in Meghalaya based on altitude, rainfall and dominant species composition:-

1. Tropical Evergreen Forests

2. Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

3. Tropical Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests

4. Grasslands and Savannas

5. Temperate Forests

6. Sub-tropical Pine Forests

Tropical Evergreen Forests:

This forest type spreads over the lower reaches of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills up to 1200m and usually occurs in high rainfall areas as well as near catchment areas. The dominant tree species include Castanopsis indica, C. Tribuloides, Dysoxylum sp, Elaeocarpus sp, Engelhardtia spicata, Syzygium spp., Tetrameles nudiflora etc. which are densely interwoven by lianas. The ground flora of under shrubs and herbs include Dracaena elliptica, Leea edgeworthia, Phlogacanthus sp., and other species belonging to the family Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae, Balsaminaceae and Asteraceae. The tree trunk and branches are covered with epiphytes belonging to Ferns, Orchids, Gesneriads, Piper, mosses and many others. Lianas and climbers like Rhaphidophora spp. are also abundant.

Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests:

This forest type occupy the north and north-eastern slopes of the state up to an elevation of 1200m and with an annual rainfall of 1500-2000mm. However there are deciduous elements along with evergreen types. Careya arborea, Dillenia pentagyna, Callicarpa arborea, Tetrameles spp, etc are some of the deciduous species. Other dominant species are Elaeocarpus floribundus, Dillenia indica, Symplocos paniculata, Sapindus rarak etc. The ground flora is also much seasonal with greater representation from the Zingiberaceae family.

Tropical Moist and Dry Deciduous Forest:

This is a very prominent vegetation of Meghalaya covering a large part of East and West Garo Hills, Ri-bhoi districts etc, in areas of annual rainfall less than 1500mm and high temperature. These forests are characterised by seasonal leaf shedding and profuse flowering. The dominant tree species which are valued economically are Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Terminalia myriocarpa, Gmelina arborea, Artocarpus chapsala, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Maorus laevigata etc. Other associated species are Schima wallichii, Toona ciliata, Albizzia lebbeck, Dillenia pentagyna, etc. The epiphytic flora in less but orchids, ferns, Asclepidaiceae members are often seen.

Bamboo forests are not natural but occur in patches sporadically in jhum fallows. The common bamboo species are Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Melocanna bambusoides. Some other species less frequently found are Bambusa pallida, Bambusa tulda, Chimonobambusa khasiana, etc.

Grasslands and Savannahs:

Grasslands in Meghalaya are secondary in nature and are prevalent in higher altitudes and are a result of removal of pristine forests, the relics of which could be seen amidst these grasslands as sacred groves. The dominant grass genera in the grasslands are Panicum, Paspalum, Imperata, Axonopus, Neyraudia, Sporobolus, Saccharum, Chrysopogon, Oplisminus and others along with sedges.

Temperate Forests:

The temperate forests occupy the higher elevations (>1000m) with very high rainfalls (2000-5000 mm) along the Southern slopes of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The sacred groves largely fall under this category and are the relic type evolved through millions of years. The common trees are Lithocarpus fenestratus, Castanopsis kurzii, Quercus griffithii, Q. semiserrata, Schima khasiana, Myrica esculenta, Symplocos glomerata, Photinia arguta, Ficus nemoralis, Manglietia caveana, Acer spp., Exbucklandia populnea, Engelhardtia spicata, Betula alnoides, Rhododendron arboretum, etc. Shrubs include Mahonia pycnophylla, Daphne papyraceae, Polygala arillata, Camellia caduca, Rubus spp., etc. These forest are exceptionally rich in epiphytic flora comprising Ferns, Lichens, Mosses, Orchids, Zingibers, etc.

Subtropical Pine forests:

The pine forests are confined to the higher reaches (900m – 1500 m) of the Shillong plateau in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Pinus kesiya is the principal species which form pure stands. In certain places the pines are associated with a few broad leaved species like Schima wallichii, Myrica esculenta, Erythrina arborescence, Rhus javanica, Rhododendron arboretum, Quercus spp., etc. Shrubs include Rubus, Osbeckia, Spirea and Artemesia. During rainy season there is a profuse herbaceous undergrowth of Chrysanthemum, Aster, Hypochaeris, Prunella, Plectranthus, Desmodium, Ranunculus, Anemone, Potentilla, Clinopodium, Polygonum, Elsholtzia, etc.
Thus, it could be seen that though there is not much altitudinal variations as compared to the Himalayan states but there occurs a wide variety of vegetation types. This vegetation harbours one of the world’s richest flora and biodiversity.

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Biological Diversity' means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. (CBD, 1992)

Biodiversity is fundamental in sustaining life on Earth. It provides air to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat. The human population depends on biodiversity for meeting their basic needs such as food, clothing, medicines, and building materials.

India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries. It has only 2.4 % of the world’s land area but harbors 6.7% of the animal species and 9.13% of the floral diversity of the world.

Meghalaya is situated in the North-East India Bio-geographic zone (along with Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura) which is a significant region as it represents a transition zone between the Indian, Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese bio-geographic regions as well as a meeting place of Himalayan mountains with that of Peninsular India. The region is one of the richest in biological values with vegetation types ranging from tropical rain forest in the foothills to Alpine meadows and cold deserts.

The state also represents an important part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot which is one of the 4 bio-diversity hotspots present in India and 34 in the world.

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Arundhati Roy – The internationally reputed author who won the “Man Booker Prize for Fiction” in year 1997 for her novel “God of Small Things”. Though she was a Keralite, she was born in Shillong.

P A Sangama – he was former speaker of Lok Sabha for 2 years, i.e. 1996 to 1998 and also served as Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990. He fought for President election in 2013 against Pranab Mukherjee but lost against him.

U Tirot Singh - One of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 18th century, he was popular for his freedom struggle against the British people, who tried to take control over the Khasi hills.

Patricia Mukhim - A writer/ journalist/ social activist well known for her writings and social activism. She received several awards and honors for her work. She was also honored with the Padma Shri - the fourth highest Civilian award by Govt. of India.

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Meghalaya was a region inhabited by Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribes from ancient times. Till independence of India, during British rule Meghalaya was a part of Assam state with semi autonomous status. When state of Bengal was divided in 1905, Meghalaya was merged into new province named Eastern Bengal and Assam”. When Bengal was united again in 1912, Meghalaya again became part of Assam province.

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Mammals Diversity

Diversity of mammals in Meghalaya is well represented with about 139 species and sub-species belonging to 83 genera and 27 families.

Primates

The primates are well represented in Meghalaya with about 7 species.

The Western Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock hoolock, one of the only two true ape species found in India, is still found in the state where tropical evergreen forests are still intact. (The other one being the Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock leuconedys which is known to be distributed in Myanmar and China and sparsely in India (Arunachal Pradesh and Assam) as well. The main spanholds however are in Jaintia Hills, Ri-BHoi, West Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. Rapid loss of habitat, habitat fragmentation and hunting are the major threats to the Hoolock gibbons across their entire distribution range in India. The hoolock gibbon is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, listed on Appendix I of CITES and is a Schedule I animal in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis is the only nocturnal primate in the North Eastern states and is the largest of the slow loris species. Little is known about its behaviour or ecology, and less information is available on its distribution and population status in the state. The species has been recorded in Balpakram and Nokrek national parks, Nongkhyllem and Siju Wildlife sanctuaries, and some key reserved forests including Baghmara RF(South Garo Hills District).The Bengal Slow Loris is listed under Vulnerable category by IUCN. It is a Schedule I animal of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, and is also in Appendix I of CITES.

The Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus with its bright golden-yellow front is also found in dense forests as well as light woodlands in the state. Meghalaya’s capped langurs are often mistaken for golden langurs.

The state has four more primates, all macaques – Northern Pig tailed macaque Macaca leonina, Rheus macaque Macaca mulatta, Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis and Stumped tail macaque Macaca arctoides. The stump-tailed Macaca is the rarest but is still seen in Narpuh, Nokrek and Balpakram areas.

Carnivores

The state of Meghalaya has three of the six largest cats recorded in the world - the Tiger (Panthera tigrss), Leopard (Panthera pardus), and the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa). Meghalaya’s pride is its state animal, the beautiful and rare Clouded Leopard; protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and listed in Appendix 1 of CITES and as Vulnerable, by IUCN. Tiger has become a very rare animal in the State. Other small cats include Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Marbled cat ( Pardofelis marmorata), Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temmincki), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).

The state is also home to three species of bears, the Asiactic black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Malayan sun bear (Helartos malayanus) and the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus).

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) called by the Garos as Mitchebel and by the Khasis as Dkhan-bah is confined to Nokrek and Balpakram in the Garo Hills and the adjacent forests of the West Khasi Hills. It is also found it farther east in Trongpleng in the Mawsynram area of the East Khasi Hills district. Red Panda is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and listed in Appendix I of CITES and as Endangered, by IUCN.

Smaller carnivores include Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), the Dhole or Indian Wild dog or Red dog (Cuon alpines), Yellow throated Marten (Martes flavigula flavigula), Yellow bellied weasel (Mustela kathiah), Burmese Ferret Badger (Melogale personata nipalensis), Hog-badger (Arctonux collaris), Common Otter (Lutra lutra monticola), Smooth-coated Indian Otter (Lutra perspicillata perspicillata), Oriental small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinerea concolor), Large Indian Civet (Viverra zibetha zibetha), Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica), Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), Masked Palm Civet (Paguma larvata neglecta), Binturong (Arctictis binturong), Small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi) and Crab eating mongoose (Herpestes urva).

Pangolins

There is only one species of pangolin in the State..

The Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is listed under Endangered category according to IUCN and is also a Schedule I animal of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. It is also listed in Appendix II of CITES.

Elephants

The State of Meghalaya supports a large population of Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus). The elephant population in Meghalaya is about 1811 according to the 2007 estimate.

The globally endangered Indian Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is still found in small groups of 10 to 20 in the Balpakram-Siju-Baghmara belt and adjacent areas including parts of the West Khasi Hills.

Ungulates

Ungulates that have become threatened and rare include the Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar), The Garol (Naemorhedus goral), Gaur-Indian Bison ( Bos gaurus), Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), Sambar (Rusa unicolor) and four horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis). Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and still found in plenty. Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) is not found any more in the state.

Aves

India is rich in bird’s diversity with a total of 1167 species including 80 globally threatened birds and 49 endemics. The country has 465 Important Bird Areas and is a part of 12 Endemic Birds Areas.

Despite its relatively small size, Meghalaya is rich in bird life hosting about 659 species of birds. 34 species of the birds found in our forests are globally threatened species. Meghalaya lies in the Eastern Himalayas (Endemic Bird Area 130) (Statterfield et al. 1998). The region is important for many globally threatened, near threatened and restricted range species. Five restricted range species from this EBA have been reported from the state

Reptiles

The reptile fauna of Meghalaya is greatly influence by the Indo-Chinese elements. The diversity of reptiles comprises of 12 species of turtles and tortoises, 26 species of lizards and 56 species of snakes.

The Assam roofed turtle Pangshura sylhetensis was first reported from the Khasi Hills and is one of Asia’s Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles (IUCN) 2007. Most of the turtles and tortoises in Meghalaya are threatened with 5 species listed under the Endangered, 1 species Near Threatened, 4 species Vulnerable and 2 species Least Concern categories.

26 species of lizards have so far been recorded from the state. All the 3 species of monitor lizard found in the state are protected under Schedule of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Tokay Gecko Gekko gecko is one of the largest Geckos alive today and is also found in the state. Another rare lizard is the Calotes maria found only in Mizoram and Meghalaya. Other species of the genus Calotes includes C. jerdoni, C. emma and C. versicolor. Skink includes Sphenomorphus courcyanum, S. indicus, S. maculatus, Eutropis carinata and E. multifasciata. Recently in 2013 a new species of skink Sphenomorphus apalpebratus was describe from the sacred forest of Mawphlang. This shows the huge diversity of lizards in the state.

Meghalaya is also rich in snake’s diversity with about 56 species. Some of the common snakes are Brahminy Blind snake Indotyphlops braminus, Assam snail Eater Pareas monticola, Copperhead Rat Head Coelognathus radiatus and Indian-Chinese Rat Snake Ptyas korros. Etc. The world longest venomous snake 'The King Cobra' Ophiophagus hannah is also found in the state. Other venomous snakes include kraits like the rare Himalayan krait Bungarus bungaroides, Black Krait B. niger, Banded Krait B. fasciatus and vipers like the Green Pit vipers Trimeresurus albolabris, Jerdon’s Pit Viper T. jerdoni etc. Some of the very elusive and rare snakes of Meghalaya are striped neck snake Liopeltis frenatus, Chinese Many-tooth Snake Sibynophis chinensis, Khasi Keelback Amphiesma khasiensis, Gunther’s Keelback Amphiesma modestum, Mountain Keelback Amphiesma platyceps, Cherrapunji Keelback Amphiesma xenura, and Khasi Earth Snake Stoliczkaia khasiensis.

Amphibians

The richest expression in diversity and abundance of amphibians of the North East India is met with in Meghalaya with about 33 species. Bufoides meghalayanus and Philautus shillongensis are two frog species that are endemic, rare and threatened, found in Meghalaya. Some of the very rare and elusive frogs found in the state are Philautus cherrapunjiae, Rana mawlyndipi, Rana mawphlangensis, Hyla annectans and Microhyla berdmorei etc.

Pisces

Meghalaya exhibits a twin drainage system namely the Brahmaputra in the North and Barak in the South. Because of the topography of the region and its water shed pattern the state of Meghalaya is rich in fish diversity with about 152 species reported so far.

Neolissochilus hexagonolepis and Tor spp. are the important sport fishes inhabiting the fast flowing rivers and streams of the state. 29 species of the fish found in the state are threatened in one way or the other.

Mollusca

A total of 223 species of land and freshwater molluscs spread over 67 genera and 28 families are known from Meghalaya.

Fresh water molluscs are represented by 35 species, 15 genera and 10 families. The genus Paludomus is abundantly represented in the hill streams and two of the species, namely Paludomus regulate and P. stephanus are endemic to Meghalaya.

Land dwelling molluscs flourish and abound in the moist hill forests of the state. Some of the species are restricted and endemic to Meghalaya. Of the species endemic to the state, include five species each belonging to the genus Alycaeus and Diplommatina, two of Cyclophourus, one each of Pupina and Gastroptychia, three of Macrochlamys, two of Oxytes, one each of Khasiella, Kaliella, Taphrospira, Amphidromus and Lamellaxis.

The fresh water molluscs that occur in streams and other aquatic bodies also serve as food for the local people. Seven species are used for human consumption. eg: Bellamya bengalensis f. typica, B. dissimilis, Pila theobaldi etc.

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On the west, the Garo Hills is home to Nokrek Park, a part of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, one of eighteen in the country. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Western Hoolock Gibbon. This fascinating primate species is also found in the southern ranges of the Khasi Hills (community forests near Mawsynram) and Jaintia Hills. Wildlife enthusiasts who visit the state cannot leave the Garo Hills out of their itinerary. Balpakram National Park, Selbalgre Reserve, and Baghmara Forest Reserve remain important wilderness areas.
The clouded leopard is the state animal of Meghalaya. This adept hunter is also a very elusive animal, a cat that is primarily arboreal and blessed with a beautiful camouflaged coat that makes it almost invisible. It is found across the state, in undisturbed stretches of forests.
Meghalaya is also home to a large population of the Asiatic elephant – in fact, it falls in between a large elephant corridor that stretches to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the north. Wild elephants are commonly sighted in the state’s western and north-western ranges. Other large mammals found in Meghalaya include the common leopard, jackals, bears, various deer species, giant squirrels, and more. Reptiles include several species of vipers, cobras, pythons, and various other rare and common serpents.  Meghalaya is also known for its population of birds. The Siju Bird Sanctuary, located close to the mighty Simsang River is home to peacock pheasants and grey hornbills amongst many other species. Nongkhyllem Sanctuary, in the Ri Bhoi district, is home to a large number of bird species (more than 400 recorded). The best bird-watching experiences happen in more remote and pristine wilderness areas, but Meghalaya has plenty of accessible reserve forests close to the main towns where one can get a teaser of the rich birdlife. The Upper Shillong forest and the woods around Umiam Lake (at the entrance of Shillong) are favored haunts for birders armed with their binoculars. Dawn and early morning visits are recommended for best sightings. March and April are the best months while the winter season is when one can sight migratory birds.

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Rare, Endangered and Threatened Plant Species

A recent review of literature carried out Meghalaya Biodiversity Board reveals that a total of 436 Rare, Endangered and Threatened plant species have been recorded from Meghalaya representing 13.09% of the state’s flora. Gastrochilus calceolaris, Gymnocladus assamicus, Illichium griffithii, Pterocybium tinctorium, Saurauia punduana, Taxus baccata and Vatica lanceafolia are few of the Critically Endangered plant species of Meghalaya.

Extinct Plant Species

Carex repanda, Cyclea debiliflora, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Hedychium hookeri, Homiorchis rhodorrhachis, Michelia lanuginose, Morinda villosa, Nymphaea pygmaea, Pleione lagenaria, Premna punduana, Schleichera trijuga, Sterculia khasiana and Talauma rabaniana are considered to have gone extinct in Meghalaya.

Endemic Plant Species:

They are species with restricted range of distribution. A recent review of literature carried out by Meghalaya Biodiversity Board reveals a total of 281 Endemic plant species have been recorded from Meghalaya representing 8.44% of the state’s flora. Of these, around 102 are listed under various Threat Categories and two in the Extinct Category. Ilex khasiana and Nepenthes khasiana are the Endemic and Critically Endangered species.

Some of the Endemic and Endangered species found in Meghalaya are Adinandra griffithii, Ceropegia arnottiana, Clematis apiculata, Elaeagnus conferta ssp. dendroidea, Eriocaulon barba-caprae, Goniothalamus simonsii, Ilex venulosa, Livistona jenkinsiana, Ophiorrhiza subcapitata and Trivalvaria kanjilalii.

Orchids:

Meghalaya is endowed with a rich and luxuriant orchid flora of nearly 352 species belonging to 98 genera representing 27.08% of the country’s orchid flora. For several centuries, orchids have been known for their attractive flowers and their medicinal properties. The majority of the orchids are epiphytes, however, lithophytes, terrestrials and saprophytes are also encountered. They are found to inhabit ranges from Sub-tropical evergreen to moist mixed deciduous types of forests. Aerides multiflorum, Coelogyne corymbosa, Cymbidium elegans, Dendrobium devonianum, Dendrobium longicornu, Paphiopedilum insigne, Rhynchostylis retusa, Phaius tankervilliae, Thunia marshalliana and Vanda coerulea are few of the exotic orchids of Meghalaya.

Bamboo and Canes:

The state harbours more than 37 species of Bamboos belonging to 14 genera. Some of the important genera are Arundinaria, Bambusa, Cephalostachyum, Chimonobambusa, Dendrocalamus, Dinochloa, Gigantochloa, Melocanna, Neohouzeoua, Oxytenanthera, Phyllostachys, Pseudostachyum, Schizostachyum, Teinostachyum and Thamnocalamus. Arundinaria hirsuta, A. manii, Bambusa jaintiana, B. mastersii, B. pseudopallida, Cephalostachyum pallidum, Chimonobambusa callosa, Chimonobambusa griffithiana, Chimonobambusa khasiana, Chimonobambusa polystachya, Dendrocalamus sikkimensis, Phyllostachys manii, Schizostachyum dulloa, Schizostachyum griffithi, Schizostachyum helferi, S. manii, S. pallidum, Schizostachyum polymorphum and Thamnocalamus prainii are endemic.

Cane (Calamus sp) is a woody climber and several species are known to occur in Meghalaya. It is usually found to inhabit warm and moist climate at lower elevations. Calamus erectus and C. floribundus are the endemic canes occurring in the state. Cane and Bamboo craft is a very important handicraft sector in Meghalaya.

Medicinal Plants:

Of the total 3,331 plant species recorded in the state around 834 (25.04%) are estimated to be employed in healthcare. These species are distributed in 548 genera and 166 families. The family with the highest number of medicinal plant species is Rubiaceae followed by Asteraceae and Fabaceae. These species are restricted mainly to sacred groves, community forests and reserved forests and some to grasslands, roadsides, cults and fields, etc.

Due to high level of exploitation and faulty harvesting techniques, many of the endemic species such as Acanthus leucostachys, Calamus erectus, C. aurantium, C. latipes, Curcuma montana, Daphniphyllum himalense, Eleaegnus conferta ssp. dendroidea, Goniothalamus simonsii, Hedera nepalensis, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Ilex embeloides, Mahonia pycnophylla, Munronia pinnata, Nepenthes khasiana, Ochna squarrosa, Ophiorrhiza sub-capitata, Paramignya micrantha, Piper peepuloides, Schima khasiana and Sophora accuminata have been rendered rare.

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The Meghalaya subtropical forests are part of the larger Indo-Burma biological hotspot with many endemic species not found anywhere else in the world. Together with the Western Ghats, Northeast India are the only two regions of India endowed with rainforest. For these and other reasons, protection and conservation of the Meghalaya subtropical forests are important on a local, national, regional and even global level.The ecoregion is one of the most species-rich areas in India, with a rich diversity of birds, mammals, and plants in particular. The lowlands holds mostly tropical forests, while the hills and mountains, that comprise most of the area, are covered in grasslands and several distinct types of forest habitats, including subtropical moist broadleaf forests in some of the montane areas above 1,000 metres. The region is one of the wettest areas in the world, with some places, notably Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in the south of Meghalaya, receiving up to eleven meters of rain in a year.The Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests ecoregion lies to the north, the Mizoram–Manipur–Kachin rain forests ecoregion lies to the east, and the Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests ecoregion lies to the west and south in Bangladesh.

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The state is bound to the south by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet, to the west by the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur, and to the north and east by India's State of Assam. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. During the British rule of India, the British imperial authorities nicknamed it the "Scotland of the East". Meghalaya was previously part of Assam, but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya. English is the official language of Meghalaya. Unlike many Indian states, Meghalaya has historically followed a matrilineal system where the lineage and inheritance are traced through women; the youngest daughter inherits all wealth and she also takes care of her parents.

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In 1971 Indian parliament passed North East Reorganisation act and thus Meghalaya became full fledged Indian state on 21 Jan 1972 by merging the districts of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills.

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Capital – Shilong

Official Language – English

Main Languages – English, Khasi, Garo

Area – 22,429 Sq Km

Area Rank – 22nd

Population – 29,64,007

Population Rank – 23rd

Population Density – 130/sq km

Literacy – 75.48 % (above National Average literacy of 74.04 %)

Literacy Rank – 18th

Assembly seats – 60 (Unicameral)

No of Districts – 11

Lok Sabha seats – 2

Rajya sabha seats – 1

Created on – 21 June 1972

First Chief Minister – Williamson A Sangama

First Governor – B K Nehru

Highest Peak – Shillong peak

State Symbols

State Tree – Gamhar, also known as White Teak, Goomar Teak (Gmelina Arborea)

State Flower – Lady Slipper Orchid

State Animal – Clouded Leopard

State Bird – Pahadi Mayna

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Meghalaya is part of Seven sister states of North Eastern India. Literal meaning of the state is “abode of the cloud”.

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Highest peak of the state is Shillong peak. It has altitude of 1,965 m. It lies on Khasi hills.

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India’s longest cave system, Krem Liat Prah is located in Jaintia Hills in the state of Meghalaya. The cave system is more than 22 Km long and connects two separate caves in the region.

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Meghalaya borders with only one state – Assam. It shares international boundary on the south with Bangladesh.

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Nohkaliaki falls with a height of 1115 feet is the highest plunge type water fall of India. This is located near Cherrapunji.

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The town of “Cherrapunji” in the Khasi Hills hold world record for maximum rain in a calender month. The village “Mawsynram” near Cherrapunji holds the world record for maximum rain in a year.

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The famous tree root bridges of Cherrapunji – they are made up of living roots of trees reinforced with stones etc to give the form of hanging suspension bridge.

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The Sacred Groves forests of Meghalaya has rich biodiversity and is known for many rare species of plants and animals. These forests are totally isolated and unexplored from human exploration. The sal and teak wood trees are the common trees of forests.

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The capital city is Shilong which is also known as “Scotland of the East“.

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The forests of Khasi hills are known to have 325 different species of orchids and are also known for a number of species of mammals. The important animals include wild buffalo, Asiatic elephants, mongoose, wild boar, and red panda.

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The forests of Khasi hills are known to have 325 different species of orchids and are also known for a number of species of mammals. The important animals include wild buffalo, Asiatic elephants, mongoose, wild boar, and red panda.

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There are three Wildlife sanctuaries in Meghalaya – Bhagmara sanctuary, Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary and Siju sanctuary. In addition Mefhalaya also has  National parks and biosphere reserves which are – Balphakram National park located in south Garo hills and Nokrek Biosphere reserve of West Garo hills.

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Economy of the state is driven by Agriculture mainly. 81 % of population is dependent on agriculture.

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Potatoes, Rice and Maize are the main agriculture products. Khasi Mandarin oranges are quite famous.

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Mineral resources of Meghalaya are Sillimanite, Coal, limestone, dolomite, fire-clay, feldspar, quartz, glass sand and sandstone.

Main Industries of Meghalaya– Cement, iron and steel, cottage industries.

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Literacy rate of Meghalaya is 75.48 % which is just above India’s average literacy rate of 74.04 % as per 2011 census. Meghalaya stands at 18th rank among other Indian states in terms of literacy.

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Mawlynnong village located in East Khasi Hills district is famous for its cleanliness. This village was awarded as Cleanest village of Asia in 2003 by Discover India Magazine. This village is located about 90 km from capital Shillong. This village was again declared the cleanest village of India in year 2005.

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It is the only Indian state which traditionally follows matrilineal system in which the lineage and inheritance is traced through women.

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Meghalaya is one of the three States of India in which Christianity is the chief religion.  About 70 % of the population of Meghalaya is of Christians.