Conservation status assessment of Meconopsis aculeata royle; A threatened endemic of Pakistan and Kashmir

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. © 2015,pakistan botanical society. all rights reserved.