Summary
Although a compendium of the extent of endemism in the Himalaya is not known, it is believed that the majority of dicot endemic species of India are concentrated in the Himalaya. A significant proportion of the Kashmir Himalayan endemics are endangered due to a multitude of factors and several of them are now listed in the Red Data Books at regional, national and international levels.
For this study, ex situ conservation efforts were attempted by raising plants of some economically important, critically endangered endemic angiosperms species of the Kashmir Himalaya from rhizomes, seeds or other reproductive propagules in the experimental plot at Kashmir University Botanical Garden (KUBG). Nine species belonging to 9 genera and 7 families were dealt with. The paucity of critical information necessitated the present study to explicate the macro-level factors constraining the populations of the target species through extensive field survey trips, and also to undertake measures for ex situ propagation and conservation in order to support their recovery and restoration and provide long-term backup collections for sustained use by the local populace.
For this study, ex situ conservation efforts were attempted by raising plants of some economically important, critically endangered endemic angiosperms species of the Kashmir Himalaya from rhizomes, seeds or other reproductive propagules in the experimental plot at Kashmir University Botanical Garden (KUBG). Nine species belonging to 9 genera and 7 families were dealt with. The paucity of critical information necessitated the present study to explicate the macro-level factors constraining the populations of the target species through extensive field survey trips, and also to undertake measures for ex situ propagation and conservation in order to support their recovery and restoration and provide long-term backup collections for sustained use by the local populace.
Excerpt
Table Of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
Endemic species (i.e., species with restricted ranges) have often been found to be
concentrated in quite small areas irrespective of overall richness of taxa (Crisp et al.,
2001; Kessler, 2002). Narrowly endemic species are by definition rare, and therefore
potentially threatened (Myers et al., 2000). Thus, such species are given high priority
in conservation strategies (Davis et al., 1997) because their small ranges render them
particularly vulnerable to habitat loss (Balmford and Long, 1994) and because they
are assumed more susceptible to anthropogenic habitat disturbance than widespread
taxa (Kessler, 2001). Notwithstanding the debate regarding the effectiveness of using
surrogate species for achieving conservation goals (Leroux and Schmiegelow, 2007),
use of endemic species for understanding patterns of global biodiversity distribution
(Lamoreux et al., 2006) and in identifying biodiversity hotspots (Myers et al., 2000)
is considered as an effective approach to prioritize conservation efforts which has
become inevitable due to a significantly high percentage (13%) of global flora
threatened with extinction (Pitman and Jorgensen, 2002).
Among the many habitats, mountains were well known to harbour
concentrations of endemic plants (Major, 1988) and elevational patterns of endemism
appear to be influenced both by taxon-specific ecological traits (e.g. life form,
reproduction, dispersal, demography, spatial population structure, competitive ability)
in relation to their specific interaction with historical processes and by environmental
factors, such as topographical fragmentation. The topographical dimensions of
Kashmir with Siwalik at Jammu, Pir Panjal range, Valley of Kashmir and the Main
Himalayan mass with Nanga Parbat, Upper Chenab valley, Zanskar range and cold
desert of Ladakh merging into Tibetan plateau, serve as a crucible for the
evolution of a flora of Pamirs and Hindukush, Karakoram mountains of central
Asia, Ladakh-Tihetan flora and the main western Himalaya. Although a
compendium of the extent of endemism in the Himalayas is not known but it is
believed that majority of the 41.5% of dicot species endemic to India, are
concentrated in the Himalaya (Dhar, 2002). Likewise in the Kashmir Himalaya, Dhar
4
and Kachroo (1983a) reported 15.94% of endemics in monocots (Poaceae excluded)
and an overall percentage of 31.38 endemic dicots. However, Dar and Aman (2003),
reported occurrence of only 152 (ca. 8%) endemic taxa in this region, which
constitute about 3% of the total Indian angiosperm endemics. However, it needs to be
emphasized that the Kashmir Himalayan region constitutes only 0.48% of the total
landmass of India, is geologically younger and, among adjoining regions, has the
least area per endemic taxon. A significant proportion of these Kashmir Himalayan
endemics (40%) are endangered due to a multitude of factors and several of them are
now listed in the Red Data Books at the regional, national and international levels
(Dhar and Kachroo, 1983b).
In spite of the reported high incidence of endemic taxa in the Indian Himalayan
region, very little attention has been focused on the population profiling and
identification of the threats impinging on them (Saharia, 1982; Dhar and Kachroo,
1983a and b; Hajara, 1983; Kapur, 1983; Dar and Naqshi, 1984; Maunder, 1988; Vir
Jee et al., 1990; Kaul, 1997; Dar and Naqshi, 2001; Dar et al., 2006 a, b). This
paucity of critical information necessitated the present study of explicating the
macro-level factors constraining the populations of the target species through
extensive field survey trips, and also to undertake measures for ex situ propagation
and conservation of threatened endemic plant species so as to supplement their
recovery and restoration under field conditions.
2. STUDY AREA
The Valley of Kashmir, often referred to as the `paradise on earth' for its diverse
rationale, is situated in the northern fringe of Indian subcontinent between 33º.20´and
34º.50´ N latitudes, and 73º.55´ and 75º.35´ E longitudes, covering an area of about
16,000 sq. km. (Fig.1). The Valley is formed by a girdling chain of Himalayan
mountains, namely the Pir Panjal Range of the Lesser Himalaya in the south and
Zanskar Range of the Greater Himalaya in southeast to northeast and the west. It is
believed that the Kashmir Valley was once a large lake called Satisar.
5
The entire territories of the Valley form two distinct topographic divisions, the
mountain ranges and the Valley proper. The mountains vary in their height, rising up
to an altitude of about 4,200m and are beset with sub-alpine and alpine meadows, and
at the top with permanent glaciers. The Valley proper is an oval, alluvium-filled river
basin with an altitude of about 1,600m at its capital city - Srinagar, and a variety of
rich fresh-water bodies, such as springs, lakes, etc.
The climate of the Valley is predominantly temperate, changing to subalpine
and alpine higher up in the mountains. A unique feature of the climate is four distinct
seasons a year, namely spring (MarchMay), summer (JuneAugust), autumn
(SeptemberNovember), and winter (DecemberFebruary). The annual average
precipitation is about 75cm, with sufficient rains during the months of March and
April and also during July and August; during winter precipitation is mostly in the
form of snow. July is the warmest month of the year, with temperature rising to an
average of 29.5ºC; January is the coldest month, with temperature coming down to -
5ºC. The maximum relative humidity (80 %) occurs during the months of November-
December and the lowest (71 %) during May.
6
Fig. 1: Location of Kashmir Valley and its important localities
7
3. KASHMIR UNIVERSITY BOTANICAL GARDEN (KUBG)
Established in 1961, KUBG is situated at an altitude of 1,580 m (a. s. l.) and has an
extension, the High Altitude Experimental Garden, at Gulmarg (alt. 2,500 m). Having
a Glass house, Hot house, Pot house, and a Poly house, the garden is demarcated into
different sections, such as Coniferatum, Shrubbery, Rosary, Salicatum, Deciduous-
plant section, Bulbous-plant section, Rockery, Medicinal-plant unit, Lily pond and
Canal, etc. These sections contain various kinds of plants for purposes of education,
research, display, public awareness, and conservation. More than 500 plant species,
mostly representatives of the local flora, presently grow in this garden. A large
number of RET plants are also grown to afford them ex situ protection.
4. OBJECTIVES
i) To collect seeds/propagules of the target project species from their reported
places of occurrence in the Kashmir Himalaya.
ii) To sow them in designated project plot at the Kashmir University Botanical
Garden (KUBG) and standardize their propagation protocol.
iii) To enhance their propagation through various vegetative parts and seeds.
iv) To maintain populations of the target project species ex situ so as to supplement
their recovery and restoration, and provide long-term back-up collections for
their sustained use by the local populace.
v) To undertake measures for reintroduction of these species in to their natural
habitats (e.g. High Altitude Botanical Garden, Gulmarg).
vi) To organize education and awareness programmes regarding biodiversity
conservation for the students and general public.
5. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Preparation of land
A portion of land in the Kashmir University Botanical Garden (KUBG) was
selected for the purposes of this project. In this experimental plot, many beds
(approx. 8ft x 4ft) were prepared for growing the target endemic plant species.
8
Field surveys
A proper procedure was followed for organizing field survey trips. Detailed
scanning of all the relevant literature, guidance of experienced persons, and
knowledge from the local tribals were used to obtain relevant information regarding
the distribution, appropriate sites, local names, etc. of the target species. Legal
permission was requested from the concerned Govt. and military authorities with
respect to the prevailing security scenario in the State. Equipped with the tents,
collection tools, etc. field survey team was deported from the Kashmir University
campus to the designated survey areas.
Specimen processing and taxonomic description
The target species collected, were identified and taxonomically described using
the available literature and the specimens of these species (if any) available in the
KASH. Usually a few specimens from each locality of occurrence of these species
were collected and processed for herbarium purposes. The specimens were prepared
into vouchers using standard herbarium methodology (such as pressing, drying,
preservation, etc.). They were assigned specific numbers, depending upon the locality
from where they have been collected. Species description, include author citation,
diagnostic characters, habitat, and specimens examined.
Seed biology
Seed
biology/germination studies on some species were undertaken. The seeds
of Lagotis cashmeriana, Meconopsis latifolia, Megacarpaea polyandra, and
Saussurea costus were put to several treatments, including scarification, pricking,
distilled water, light, dark, and to various concentrations of gibberellic acid (2mM,
1.5mM, 1mM, 0.5mM, 0.25mM, 0.125mM); potassium nitrate (2mM, 1.5mM, 1mM,
0.5mM, 0.25mM, 0.125mM); kinetin (2mM, 1.5mM, 1mM, 0.5mM, 0.25mM,
0.125mM); thiourea (2mM, 1.5mM, 1mM, 0.5mM, 0.25mM, 0.125mM); as well as to
different temperatures (10°C, 15°C, 25°C, 35°C).
9
Tissue culture experiments
Tissue
culture
studies were conducted on Lagotis cashmeriana, Megacarpaea
polyandra and Meconopsis latifolia. The explant material (cotyledonary leaves, roots,
etc.) of this trio of species was sterilized using Sodium hypochlorite solution (5 %)
for 10-15 minutes, while their seeds were sterilized with 0.5 % Mercuric chloride for
3-5 minutes. The explant material was inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS)
(1962) basal medium (full-strength). The bacterial contaminated material was given
just a dip in 90 % alcohol and then reinoculated in the new MS basal full-strength
medium. Some inoculated material of these species had to be discarded due to fungal
contamination.
The sprouting of the planted material enabled us to exploit the young buds,
leaves and petioles as explants in case of Megacarpaea polyandra and Aquilegia
nivalis for tissue culture purposes. These explants after thorough pretreatment were
inoculated in MS basal medium supplemented with Benzylamim purine (BAP),
Auxins (IAA) separately, and in combination of different concentrations, i.e. basal
medium containing BAP, basal medium containing IAA, and basal medium
containing combination of BAP and IAA.
6. RESULTS
Many a possible habitats in the Kashmir Himalaya were extensively surveyed
for the location and collection of the target endemic plant species. For the collection
of these species the project team planned survey trips to those sites where from they
have been reported previously. In all, 23 field survey trips were conducted from 2004
to 2006. During the course of these field trips, it became substantially evident that
the project species are indeed extremely rare and very difficult to collect, due to their
narrow distribution range and restriction to the inaccessible pockets in hilly terrains.
A total of 497 accessions of the target plant species have been collected, which
on authentic identification were found to belong to nine species, namely Aquilegia
nivalis, Lagotis cashmeriana, Saussurea costus, Meconopsis latifolia, Megacarpaea
polyandra, Hedysarum cachemirianum,
Gentiana cachemirica, Aconitum
kashmiricum, and Artemisia amygdalina. These species mostly occupied fragile
10
habitats with harsh edapho-climatic conditions and were represented by small,
fragmented populations (Table 2). These species were maintained as the ex situ
collections in the selected plot at the KUBG.
Voucher specimens of all the collected species have been prepared and deposited
in the Kashmir University Herbarium (KASH). Diagnostic and lucid morphological
descriptions were prepared for all of these species.
The propagules/seeds of all the collected species were sown in the beds prepared
for this purpose at the KUBG. Success has been achieved in the ex situ survival of all
these species, except Meconopsis latifolia, in our Botanical Garden where they
sprouted successfully in spring. Their propagation under the ex situ conditions has
been better effected through the underground perennating organs - rhizomes/roots. In
case of Meconopsis latifolia, however, the root is too soft and fragile, and only one
individual sprouted. The seeds of all these species seem to be hard to germinate,
requiring some specific treatments under the ex situ conditions. Propagation of some
of these species through seeds, and a few of them through tissue culture techniques,
was also attempted.
Target species
The nine critically endangered endemic species selected for the purposes of this
project are:
TARGET
SPECIES
i) Aquilegia nivalis Falc. ex
Baker
vi) Hedysarum cachemirianum Benth. ex
Baker
ii) Lagotis cashmeriana (Royle)
Rupr.
vii) Gentiana cachemirica Decne.
iii) Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsc
viii) Aconitum kashmiricum Stapf. ex
Coventry
iv)Meconopsis latifolia Prain
ix) Artemisia amygdalina Decne.
v) Megacarpaea polyandra Benth.
11
Seed collection
Great efforts were made to collect seeds of the project species for the purposes
of sowing them in the designated area at KUBG. This was really a painstaking
exercise, during which seeds of four species, namely Saussurea costus, Meconopsis
latifolia, Lagotis cashmeriana, and Megacarpaea polyandra were collected at some
places.
Sowing of the collected plant material
The project plant species collected were planted in different beds in the
selected plot. Watering, deweeding, and protection from disease and rodents was
being paid utmost attention. For watering of the project plants, a fifty-foot deep tube
well was dug in the project plot itself. This greatly eased out the problem of watering
the planted material in the said plot and aided in their survival.
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Table 1: Details of field survey trips to collect the target species during the first year (May
2004 to May 2005)
Locality
Date
Species collected
No. of
accessions
collected
Part collected
Gulmarg
(Apharwat to
Sarsoon Post)
10-13
th
June
2004
Aquilegia nivalis
25
Whole plant
Sonamarg
(Baltal)
25-29
th
June
2004
None
-
-
Gulmarg
(Apharwat)
10 -14
th
July
2004
Lagotis cashmeriana
04
Whole plant
Uri (Ban
Behak)
5-11
th
Aug.
2004
Saussurea costus
15
Rhizome/
fruiting heads
Auro (Rayil)
29
th
Aug.-4
th
Sep. 2004
Meconopsis latifolia
10
Whole plant /
capsules
Sonamarg
(Thajwas)
7-10
th
Sept.
2004
Meconopsis latifolia
20
-do-
Uri
(Gagargalli)
15 -21
st
Sep.
2004
Megacarpaea
polyandra
6
Rhizome /
whole plant
with fruits
Baltal to
Amarnath
28
th
Sep
6
th
Oct. 2004
None
-
-
Ban Behak
(Uri)
26-28
th
March 2005
Artemisia amygdalina
20
Rhizome
Dara
(Harwan)
29
th
March
2005
None
-
-
Naranag
(Kangan)
31
st
March
2005
None
-
-
Gund (Sind
Valley)
18
th
May
2005
None
-
-
13
Details
- Pages
- Type of Edition
- Erstausgabe
- Year
- 2016
- ISBN (PDF)
- 9783960676102
- ISBN (Softcover)
- 9783960671107
- File size
- 3 MB
- Language
- English
- Institution / College
- The University of Kashmir
- Publication date
- 2016 (December)
- Keywords
- Endemic plant Himalaya Plant conservation Kashmir Valley Kashmir University Botanical Garden Lagotis Meconopsis latifolia Megacarpaea polyandra Costus Aquilegia nivalis Snow Columbine Poppy
