Status of Catamixis baccharoides Thomson (a critically endangered plant) in Western Himalayas

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to provide current conservation status of IUCN listed critically endangered species, Catamixis baccharoides, and to study the population density of species in three major locations: Biyasi, Rajaji National Park near Mansa devi in Uttarakhand and Mohand in Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: Two concurrent field surveys during April - May 2018 and March - May 2021, were conducted for population study of Catamixis baccharoides. Belt transect method was used for biomass evaluation of species at all three locations and sampling were done using transect path of 1000 m (20 m wide). Plants habit, morphology and phenology were described on the basis of field observation. Population density of the species in sample survey was determined and seeds were collected for germination test. Results: The population of plant in first survey 2018 was compared with 2021 survey and other previous survey conducted by other authors, and observed that there was sudden decease in plant density from 11 plants to zero in Biyasi location and the population was steady in Mohand (6 plants) and Mansa Devi (24 plants) Rajaji National Park Haridwar. Seeds seem to be recalcitrant in nature. Interpretation: Catamixis baccharoides, also known as “Vish-Patri”, an endemic monotypic shrub of Asteraceae family and is categorized in critically endangered category under IUCN. The population of this species is declining at an alarming rate from its natural habitat in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Biyasi location Uttarakhand, the population of species had vanished due to anthropogenic disturbances and ignorance during Char Dham road project and is decreasing rapidly in other locations. However, the medicinal and economical vantage of C. baccharoides is yet unexplored so, there is a need to take necessary steps to conserve the species in its natural habitat. Key words: Belt transect method, Conservation, Critically endangered, Monotypic