Evaluation of the threat status of Aconitum heterophyllum and Aconitum ferox in the high-altitude regions of Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir, India

An extensive survey has been carried out in the high-altitude regions of Kathua District and adjoining areas to determine the presence sites and population status of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle and Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Ser. Threat status was assessed for both species as per the guidelines for the application of IUCN red list criteria at regional levels version 3.0. A significant (P<0.05) decline in the populations of both A. heterophyllum and A. ferox from 49 to 20 individuals and 13 to 5 individuals was reported between 2020 and 2023. The main reasons for this reduction were found to be grazing by heavy-footed animals and the illegal collection of plants. The area of occupancy of A. heterophyllum was 0.550 km², and A. ferox was 0.205 km². All the populations were quite small and scattered. Both the species qualified for the Critically Endangered (CR) threatened category at the regional level. Therefore, an immediate ban on grazing by heavy-footed animals and illegal collection of plants is suggested for the conservation of these valuable species.