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Population ecology of the endangered Himalayan Yew in Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary of North Western Himalaya for conservation management

Journal of Mountain Science volume 5, pages 257–264 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

The Himalayan Yew (Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana) is an endangered native high value medicinal plant of the Himalayan Region. The several medicinal properties of the bark and leaves of this species have increased its risk of extinction due to pressures for utilization. It is also subjected to harvest for fuelwood. The species does not regenerate well from seed and that is another risk factor. The objective of this research was to investigate the population ecology of the species as a foundation for its conservation. Six forest communities in the Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary where the species is present were sampled. The abundance of the species, impacts of harvesting and its current regeneration patterns indicate that it may soon be extirpated from the Sanctuary. A plan for conserving the remaining sub-populations is presented. It could provide a template for conservation in other locations where the species is at risk.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Biodiversity Studies, School of Biosciences & Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, J&K, India

    Shreekar Pant

  2. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu, 175 126, Himachal, Pradesh, India

    S. S. Samant

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  1. Shreekar Pant
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  2. S. S. Samant
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Correspondence to S. S. Samant.

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Pant, S., Samant, S.S. Population ecology of the endangered Himalayan Yew in Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary of North Western Himalaya for conservation management. J. Mt. Sci. 5, 257–264 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-008-0078-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-008-0078-z

Key Words

  • Anthropogenic Pressure
  • Conservation Management
  • Himalayan Yew
  • Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Regeneration