Abstract
Alpine and subalpine regions of Kumaun Himalaya were surveyed qualitatively and quantitatively for the population study to determine the status of Aconitum ferox and A. heterophyllum. Low population density across the surveyed populations and restricted distribution to specific pockets indicates poor availability of the species in the study area. Illegal and over exploitation of these species pose threat to their existence. The present study clarifies the population structure of identified aconite species in Kumaun Himalaya. Observations reveal that on the basis of six attributes (that is habitat preference, distribution range, population size, use pattern, extraction trend, native and endemic species) used to assign threat categories, both the Aconitum species are endangered. Key words: Endangered, Himalaya, Aconitum heterophyllum, Aconitum ferox, medicinal plant.
Highlights
Since time immemorial, Himalaya is famous for its rich plant biodiversity including a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants
Obstruction of reproductive phases by juvenile, fronts and early snow fall coupled with biotic interference prevents seed maturation and reduced plant population in most of alpine vegetation (Pandey et al, 1997); they emerge through underground parenting organs
Studies on quantitative assessment play a vital role in the ecology of the species (Uniyal et al, 2002)
Summary
Himalaya is famous for its rich plant biodiversity including a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants. The variety of soils, topography and climatic conditions of the region provide very congenial conditions for growth and development of many therapeutically important medicinal plant species (Rawat, 2005). Most of these MAPs are experiencing habitat destruction due to unscientific, over and irregular exploitation of plants, which resulted in very fast depletion as well as extinction of some medicinally important plant species (Rau, 1975). There are many species which have become threatened in several tracts and are found only in inaccessible hilly areas. CAMP (2003) assessed threat status of plant species in Uttarakhand in which Aconitum ferox Wall. According to Red List Categories published by IUCN (1993), threatened species are having small geographic area, narrow habitat specificity, commonly sparse and geographically restricted to special habitat
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