CONSERVATION STATUS ASSESSMENT OF MECONOPSIS ACULEATA ROYLE; A

THREATENED ENDEMIC OF PAKISTAN AND KASHMIR

ABDUL MAJID1*, HABIB AHMAD2*, ZAFEER SAQIB3, HAIDER ALI4 AND JAN ALAM1

1Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra

2Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra

3Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad

4Centre for Plant Sciences and Biodiversity, University of Swat

*Corresponding authors email address: drhahmad@gmail.com, abdulmajidhu@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim of the present study was to determine the conservation status of Meconopsis aculeata Royle (Papaveraceae), a

threatened endemic, confined to the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan and Kashmir. Detailed studies were conducted following

IUCN Categories and Criteria covering an area of 92,000Km2. Census were performed by counting potentially reproductive

individuals. A single sub populations could be found with an average of 39 mature individuals per year, while no individual

could be recorded from the other previously reported locality. Estimated Extent of Occurrence was calculated to be less than

100km2 (23Km2) and Area of Occupancy as 20km2 only. Collection for medicinal purposes, overgrazing and snow

avalanches were among the more severe threats. Based on limited population size, small geographic range, habitat quality

and anthropogenic activities, species is assigned Critically Endangered (CR) category at regional level. Establishment of

reserves in the core habitat of species along with ex-situ conservation is recommended for conservation.

Key words: Meconopsis aculeata, Papaveraceae, endemic, IUCN, Critically Endangered