Ecological features of Aconitum balfourii (Bruhl) Muk. — an endangered medicinal plant in the northwest Himalaya

Abstract

Aconitum balfourii (Bruhl) Muk. (Ranunculaceae) is an endangered medicinal plant. Natural populations were surveyed in the northwest Himalaya for population estimation and evaluation of elite germplasm. Vegetation sampling of quadrats was conducted using the vertical belt transect method in areas supporting A. balfourii. Plant density and relative dominance of A. balfourii were low compared with other alpine species. Threat status was determined on a site-by-site basis as well as for entire western Himalaya. A. balfourii was generally classified as endangered on the basis of geographic distribution and critically endangered on the basis of abundance. We found the natural geographic distribution of A. balfourii to be diminishing due to habitat destruction. Immediate corrective management measures are needed for sustainable utilization and long-term conservation of the species in the wild.

Keywords

Endangered species / medicinal plant / soil analysis / population estimation / Ranunculaceae