1. Introduction and Importance of Gupteswar Forest:

   * Gupteswar forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Koraput district, Odisha, is now the state's 4th Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

   * The forest encompasses a land area of approximately 350 hectares, carrying immense cultural and biological significance.

   * The area is regarded as sacred by the local community due to the presence of sacred groves.

   * It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it ecologically significant.

2. Rich Diversity of Fauna and Flora:

   * Gupteswar Forest harbours an astonishing number of 608 faunal species, including 28 distinct types of mammals.

   * Significant species found are the mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred Grove Bush Frog, black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malaber trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo.

   * The forest's subterranean limestone caves house eight species of bats, two of which are under the near-threatened category- Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii.

   * The forest also showcases extensive floral diversity like the endangered medicinal plants Indian trumpet tree and the Indian snakeroot.

3. Understanding The Biodiversity Heritage Sites:

   * Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are exceptional, ecologically delicate areas carrying high biodiversity of wild and cultivated species.

   * These sites encompass the rare, endangered, and keystone species.

   * Under the provision of Section 37(1) of 'The Biological Diversity Act, 2002', State Governments have the authority to declare areas of biodiversity importance as BHS following consultation with local bodies.

   * However, creation of a BHS doesn't impose restrictions on the traditional practices and usages of local communities unless voluntarily agreed.

   * Instead, it aims to enhance the community's quality of life via effective conservation measures.

4. A Brief History of Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India:

   * The inaugural BHS of India was Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, declared in 2007.

   * As per the National Biodiversity Authority, India boasts 45 BHS as of February 2024.

   * The latest additions to BHS in the past year include Haldir Char Island West Bengal and Birampur-Baguran Jalpai West Bengal (Both May 2023), Tungkyong Dho Sikkim (June 2023), Gandhamardan Hill Odisha (March 2023) and Gupteswar Forest Odisha (Feb 2024).

5. GK Enhancement:

   * Understanding the significance, purpose, and procedure of designating a region as BHS broadens the scope of knowledge regarding biodiversity conservation efforts in India.

   * Recognition of Gupteshwar Forest as a BHS outlines its ecological importance and diverse species present.

   * Awareness about such heritage sites increases the scope of tourism, which further aids in the socio-economic upliftment of local communities engaged in the sector.