ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 3227
Poster No. = 978


STUDIES ON ENDEMISM IN THE FLORA OF INDIAN REGION: AN APPROACH TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION


M. Ahmedullah, Botanical Survey of India, P.O. Botanic Garden, Howrah -- 711103, India.


The study includes a phytogeographical analysis of the endemic component in the autochthonous flora (angiosperms) of the Indian region, with identification of 'hotspots' of endemism as priority areas of conservation significance. The taxonomical analysis includes the percentage of endemism in the major families based on chorotype of origin. The study attempts an evaluation of the individual endemics, using IUCN guidelines, to assess the degree of rarity and endangerment in the endemic floristic component. Preliminary evaluation shows that almost 54 percent of the endemic angiosperms fall under various categories of threat, and almost half of these face the threat of extinction in the near future. Many of these threatened endemic plants are of socio-economic and/or biological value.


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