Search

The ecological status of medicinal and aromatic plants species (MAPs) in the alpine region of the Western Himalaya was assessed to identify the current threats on these MAPs. Of the 400 MAPs reported from the alpine region of Uttarakhand, 50 highly used and commercially exploited MAPs were prioritized for assessment. A semistructured questionnaire survey was used in the representative sites (50) of the alpine landscape based on the information, parts used, locality of occurrence, and socioeconomic status. Field surveys were conducted using Rapid Mapping Exercise (RME) (4 plots of 1 × 1 m at every 50 m distance, total 40 plots in one transect) along the elevation and habitat gradient to assess the population status of species. The intensity of threat was evaluated using a rapid threat assessment (RTA) approach using eight criteria viz., plant parts used, life forms, habitat, endemism, population size, use pattern, trade, and threat status. The recorded magnitude of threats revealed that Angelica glauca, Nardostachys jatamansi, Aconitum heterophyllum, and Rheum australe were the most vulnerable. Roots/rhizomes (68%) were the most frequently used plant parts of MAPs, followed by inflorescence/fruit (19%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kumaun Himalaya is a home to various threatened medicinal and aromatic plants. Picrorhiza kurroa is a threatened medicinal plant useful in curing many diseases in Indian Himalayan region. Due to overharvesting from the wild its population is decreasing at an alarming rate. The present study attempted to assess its availability and predict highly suitable areas for in situ conservation in the alpine region of Kumaun. Availability of P. kurroa across various meadows was evaluated through rapid mapping exercise. MaxEnt model was used to predict the geographical distribution of the species using various environmental and physiographic parameters, and 29 primary distribution points. The results reveal that potential habitat of P. kurroa is located near forest fringes. Of the 3,828km2 area (vegetated) of the alpine region of Kumaun, about 202km2 is recorded highly suitable, 489km2 less suitable and the rest not suitable for the species. It is also revealed that Napalchu nala, Panchachuli base, Chhipla Kedar, Rongkong, Ralam, Milam, Dwali, and Pindari areas are highly suitable areas for distribution of P. kurroa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]