Conservation and Management of Endemic and Threatened Plant Species in India: An Overview

Abstract

Endemic and threatened plant species are a vital component of plant biodiversity which require immediate human intervention to ensure their long-term survival. Natural and anthropogenic factors are putting in jeopardy such vulnerable plant groups in India, which on the one hand is one of the mega-diverse nations in terms of plant diversity while on the other hand is one of the most populous nations of the world with a rapidly growing economy. Strategies for conservation of plant diversity include in situ approaches in the form of protected areas such as national parks, biosphere reserves and gene sanctuaries and ex situ approaches such as seed genebanks, field genebanks and in vitro conservation. A judicious integration of diverse conservation approaches can not only help in rescuing plant species in danger but also in widening our knowledge base of these species which can in turn pave way for their sustainable use for the benefit of mankind. The present chapter reviews the current status of endemic and threatened plant species in India, followed by the various conservation strategies which are being or which can be employed for the conservation of such species in India along with the future perspectives in this field.