Research Article, J Biodivers Manage Forestry Vol: 2 Issue: 3
Population Status of Rhododendron mechukae-A Newly Recorded Endemic Species from Eastern Himalaya, India
| Sanjeeb Bharali1*, Ashish Paul2 and Mohamed Latif Khan3 | |
| 1Department of Environmental Studies, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong–793 022, Meghalaya, India | |
| 2Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh–791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India | |
| 3Department of Botany, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central University, Sagar–470 003, Madhya Pradesh, India | |
| Corresponding author : Dr. Sanjeeb Bharali Department of Environmental Studies, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong – 793 022, Meghalaya, India E-mail: sanjeebbharali@yahoo.co.in |
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| Received: July 01, 2013 Accepted: October 23, 2013 Published: October 27, 2013 | |
| Citation: Bharali S, Paul A, Khan ML (2013) Population Status of Rhododendron mechukae-A Newly Recorded Endemic Species from Eastern Himalaya, India. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 2:3. doi:10.4172/2327-4417.1000113 |
Abstract
Population Status of Rhododendron mechukae-A Newly Recorded Endemic Species from Eastern Himalaya, India
The present paper deals with a newly recorded Rhododendron species from Eastern Himalayas, India, which is categorized as a critically endangered species. Rhododendrons act as keystone species and maintain biological communities in the fragile higher altitudinal region of the Eastern Himalayas. However, due to various anthropological disturbances, which is further exacerbating by climate change impact, results in shrinkage of natural habitat of rhododendrons. This brings an urgent need of assessing the population status of the Rhododendron species in Eastern Himalayas. Keeping this in view, an attempt had been made to evaluate the population status of Rhododendron mechukae. The study revealed that the species have a very small population size with scattered individuals and shows a reverse J-shaped population structure. As a result of deforestation for fuel wood, as well as massive destruction of the habitats, the survival of this species is threatening. Therefore, effective conservation and management initiatives should be taken to protect this newly recorded Rhododendron species in its natural habitat.
