Threat Assessment of Two Himalayan Endemic Alpine Plant Species and Conservation Implications

Aconitum novoluridum Munz (Ranunculaceae) and Bistorta longispicata Yonek. & H. Ohashi (Polygonaceae), a narrow endemic plant species confined to the Himalayas. The present study assesses the threat status of these species using the criteria of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species based on the available occurrence records, and both of the species currently categorized as the “Endangered”. As the species is simultaneously experiencing various threats and the known distribution range is relatively more narrow, it is the right time to develop conservation strategies for the sustainable utilization of these narrow endemic alpine plant species of the Himalayas.

• Three subpopulation of Aconitum novoluridum Munz. and two subpopulations of Bistorta longispicata Yonek. & H. Ohashi has been recorded.

• Both A. novoluridum Munz. and B. longispicata Yonek. & H. Ohashi were classified as ‘Endangered’.