Evaluation of the conservation status of Rhododendron afghanicum Aitch. & Hemsl.: A narrow endemic species for Pakistan

The conservation status of rhododendron afghanicum aitch. & hemsl. (ericaceae) has been evaluated according to iucn red list categories and criteria 2001. this species is exclusively endemic to kurram agency,pakistan. previously,this species was reported from shend toi,kurram agency. in the current assessment,7 localities were traced out during field studies conducted from 2011 to 2013. based on population size (979 individuals),extent of occurrence (354.881 km2),area of occupancy (116.511 km2) and severely anthropogenic impacts i.e.,uprooting and deforestation,rhododendron afghanicum has been classified as endangered (en) according to iucn red list categories and criteria 2001. both in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures have been proposed for its effective protection. © 2017,pakistan botanical society. all rights reserved.