Conservation status of Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth: An important medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract

Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth. is an important medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya. Traditionally the species is used to treat various diseases in Kashmir valley. In the present study, the threat status of the species was evaluated in accordance with IUCN Regional Guidelines 2003 version 3.0 following IUCN categories and Criteria 2010 version 8.1. The present investigation revealed that the total number of sub-populations in Kashmir valley is 42 and the mature individuals are 30,850. The calculated Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy of the species turned out to be 583 and 336 km², respectively. The rigorous data collected during the course of present study revealed that the plant species does not qualify for any of the threat category in Kashmir valley. The species is subjected to various threats like construction of roads and buildings, landslides, exploitation for local use etc. if these threatening factors continue to prevail, the species may become threatened in near future

Keywords: Traditional, IUCN regional guidelines, sub-population, extent of occurrence, area of occupancy.