Natural regeneration status of the endangered medicinal plant, Taxus baccata Hook. F. syn. T. wallichiana, in northwest Himalaya

Abstract

Himalayan yew (Taxus baccata Hook. F. syn. T. wallichiana Zucc), is in high demand for the preparation of Paclitaxel, a drug for treatment of ovarian cancer. Due to over-harvesting of its bark and leaves, most wild populations are threatened with extinction and are endangered in the Himalaya. Himalayan yew is very slow growing, with poor natural regeneration primarily due to low seed production and germination. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the natural regeneration status of this species. Three Taxus containing forest divisions in the northwest Himalaya, India, were selected for study. Two sites were selected in each division and further divided into lower (2400–2600 m a.s.l.) and higher (2600–2800 m a.s.l.) elevations. It was found that recruitment of T. baccata was higher at higher elevations, but there is no sustainable regeneration in any of the three forest divisions. Over-harvesting and other anthropogenic pressures were comparatively higher at lower elevations, leading to poor regeneration. Associated species showed better recruitment and regeneration compared to T. baccata, which is attributed to the natural regeneration of yew being hampered due to over-exploitation. The study suggests that there is an immediate need to protect Taxus forests from harvesting (lopping, peeling bark, etc.), grazing and other destructive activities. Using efficient biotechnological tools, artificial regeneration of this species could be promoted in nurseries to produce healthy planting material on a large scale. Besides in-situ conservation and management, large-scale afforestation with the participation of local communities in protected forest areas, particularly in religious forests, is necessary.