Discovery of a new sub-population, mapping and updated Red List assessment of the Endangered Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadales: Cycadaceae)

B. Ravi Prasad Rao 1, M. Chennakesavulu Naik 2, S. Salamma 3, M.V. Suresh Babu 4 & L. Rasingam 5

 

1,2,3,4 Biodiversity Conservation Division, Department of Botany, Sri Krishnadevaraya University,

Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh 515003, India

5 Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Centre, Plot No. 366/1 in ZSI Campus, Attapur, Hyderguda P.O., Hyderabad, Telangana 500048, India

1 biodiversityravi@gmail.com (corresponding author), 2 chenna.lilly@gmail.com , 3 shailajapr.001@gmail.com,

4 mvs.ced2010@gmail.com, 5 rasingam@gmail.com

 

 

 

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o4377.7902-9

 

 

Editor: N.P. Balakrishnan, Retd. Joint Director, BSI, Coimbatore, India. Date of publication: 26 October 2015 (online & print)

Manuscript details: Ms # o4377 | Received 09 April 2015 | Final received 14 September 2015 | Finally accepted 28 September 2015

 

Citation: Rao, B.R.P., M.C. Naik, S. Salamma, M.V.S. Babu & L. Rasingam (2015). Discovery of a new sub-population, mapping and updated Red List assessment of the Endangered Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadales: Cycadaceae). Journal of Threatened Taxa 7(12): 7902–7909; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o4377.7902-9

 

Copyright: © Rao et al. 2015. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use of this article in any medium, reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication.

 

Funding: Project funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India (BT/Env/BC/01/2010 dated 23-3-2012).

 

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Author Contribution: All authors equally contributed.

 

Author Details: Dr. B. Ravi Prasad Rao is Professor of Botany, his research interests include plant taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, remote sensing applications and climate change studies. He has 27 years of research experience and published 12 books and 110 papers. He is the Principal Investigator for 12 research projects funded by WWF, UGC, DST, DBT, IIRS, NBA and NRSC. Eighteen students awarded PhD under his guidance. He was a Visiting Fellow at Oklahoma State University, USA. Mr. M. Chennakesavulu Naik is a Senior Research Fellow in DBT Project in 2009. He is currently pursuing his PhD on ‘floristic studies in Andaman Islands’. His main research interest is inventory and conservation of plant species. Dr. S. Salamma is a Post Doctoral Fellow (UGC). She was a DST-Inspire Fellow for three years and pursued her Ph.D ‘conservation and in vitro propagation of Croton scabiosus Bedd.’ She has four years of research experience and research interest included conservation of threatened species. Dr. M.V. Suresh Babu is a Lecturer. He pursued his Ph.D. on ‘diversity, quantitative assessment and conservation of plant species of Seshachalam hills’. He has eight years of research experience. Dr. L. Rasingam is a Scientist-D. He has 12 years of research experience.

 

Acknowledgements: We thank the Department of Biotechnology for supporting the ongoing multi-centred project on ‘Prevention of extinction.........Biotechnological Tools’ (BT/Env/BC/01/2010:23-3-2012). We acknowledge the constructive support received from Dr. P.C. Panda, RPRC, Bhubaneswar and Coordinator of the multi-centred project at the Eastern Ghats level and from Prof. S.K. Barik, NEHU, Shillong, National level coordinator. Thanks are also due to Dr. T.R. Kiran Chand, Forestry and Ecology Division, NRSC, Hyderabad for kind help. We are also grateful to the support the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department provided during our field visits from time to time.

 

 

 

 

Abstract: A new sub-population of Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadaceae), hitherto believed to be endemic to the Seshachalam Hills (Tirupati-Kadapa Hills) of Andhra Pradesh is discovered from Velikonda Hills (Nellore-Kadapa districts) of Andhra Pradesh. Hence its global distribution status is hereby revised endemic to Seshachalam and Velikonda hills  of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Combined datasets of our earlier studies with the latest indicated no change in its ‘Endangered’ status.

 

 

Keywords: Beddome’s Cycad, Endangered, endemism, restricted distribution, updated IUCN Red List assessment.

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Cycads, often referred to as ‘living fossils’, comprising 11 genera and 307 species, of which 98 species are classified under the family Cycadaceae, represent a single genus Cycas. About 63% of cycads are threatened (IUCN 2014). In India, the genus Cycas is represented by nine species (Singh & Khuraijam 2014), of which Cycas beddomei Dyer (Thiselton-Dyer 1883) is reported to be confined to the Seshachalam Hills (Tirupati-Kadapa Hills) of Andhra Pradesh State, India. Its conservation status has been variously assessed as Vulnerable (Nayar & Sastry 1987), Endangered (Rao et al. 2003) and Critically Endangered (Jadhav et al. 2001; Hill et al. 2003). Based on direct field observation the threat status of the species has been evaluated as ‘Endangered’ through grid sampling (Rao et al. 2010) and this work has been reviewed and adopted by the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2014). It is the only Indian cycad and the only species of Cycas that is listed on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I (Inskipp & Gillett 2005) and this categorization has also been supported by Rao et al. (2010).

Rao et al. (2010) assessed its conservation status as ‘Endangered’ by laying 15 transects in the Seshachalam Hills. In the present study, the population was monitored in those transects and further sampling was carried out in 11 new transects, four in the Seshachalam Hills and seven in the Velikonda Hills. The latter is a new area discovered with a new subpopulation of the species through ecological niche modelling. Based on earlier and current datasets, species distribution is updated, current population size is estimated and conservation status is evaluated.

 

 

 

Materials and Methods

 

 

The study area is confined to the Seshachalam and Velikonda hills of Andhra Pradesh (Image 1). From 2011 to 2014, the Cycas beddomei population was monitored in 15 transects of 1kmx5m size and inventoried the species in four new transects of size 500x5 m in Seshachalam hills all laid in 13 grids each of 40km2 size. In addition, based on the findings through ecological niche modelling the population was assessed in the Velikonda Hills bordering Nellore and Kadapa districts. Due to sparse and scattered distribution of the species in the Velikonda hills, the area is sampled through seven transects of 500×5 m size each laid in seven grids of 40km2 size. The number of mature individuals (>2cm stem height) were enumerated and the area of occupancy was estimated in individual grids. The number of mature individuals was extrapolated taking into consideration the topographic limitations of the species occurrence based on field observations. All the transect sites are geo-coded. In both the areas, the numbers of male and female plants were counted transect-wise based on Whitelock’s (2002) observations that male plants tend to form clumps and the females grow as single stems.

The area of occupancy was calculated in 20 grids; 13 in the Seshachalam Hills and seven in the Velikonda Hills, by combining the observations from the present study as well as the earlier one. The locations and subpopulations were revised for the species throughout its terrain following IUCN guidelines (IUCN 2001; IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee 2014). Accordingly, subpopulations are considered as geographically or otherwise distinct groups in the population between which there is little demographic exchange. Taking into consideration the topographic limitations of species occurrence in its native habitat, the area of occupancy was calculated and extrapolation of the number of mature individuals was done on the basis of the grids in the study area. The whole geographic range of the species is mapped based on field observations.

The conservation status of Cycas beddomei has been reassessed based on the observations from the newly sampled transects. For determining the three threatened categories, namely Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable, five criteria are used in the IUCN Species Survival Commission guidelines (IUCN 2001). However, for C. beddomei, only criteria B, C and D are applied as A and E criteria require long-term observations. For the purpose of measuring the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and the Area of Occupancy (AOO), satellite imagery of IRS-1C has been stratified with 40km2 grids. The AOO is defined as the area within its ‘EOO’ which is occupied by the taxon, excluding cases of vagrancy. The measure reflects the fact that a taxon will not usually occur throughout the area of its ‘EOO’, which may contain unsuitable or unoccupied habitats (IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee 2014).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results and Discussion

 

Nomenclature

Cycas beddomei Dyer, Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 2(5): 85, pl. 17. 1883. Lindstrom & Hill in Telopea 11(4): 470. 2007. Cycas circinalis var. beddomei (Dyer) J. Schust., Pflanzenr. IV, 1: 67.1932. Cycas pluma W. Bull, Retail List New Beautiful Rare Pl. 142: 478. 1877 (Image 2).

 

Botanical description

Stems arborescent, appear like a small palm with a distinct trunk of up to 1.5m high. The stem is covered with the remnants of leaf bases. Leaves up to 30 in number form a crown at top of the stem, 70–120 cm long. Petioles up to 20cm long, with minute spines. Leaflets narrow, linear, 12–18 × 2–0.4 cm, with revolute margins. The plants are dioecious. Male cones oblong-ovoid, up to 32×16 cm, orange, with a short peduncle; microsporophyll with an apical spine up to 3cm long. Megasporophylls grow up to 4×2 cm and with pectinate margins. Ovules 2–4, occasionally 6–8, inserted above the middle of the stalk, up to 4cm across. Seeds globose-ovoid, with fibrous sarcotesta, up to 5×5 cm, green, turning yellow on maturity.

 

 

 

 

 

Ecology

Found on dry, open hill slopes, in woodland or grass dominated forested areas at an altitude between 500–1165 m. The species is mostly restricted to the top slopes and predominantly in black soils. Common associate species are: Phoenix humilis, Terminalia pallida, Syzygium alternifolium, Pimpinella tirupatiensis, Curculigo orchioides, Cymbopogon spp. and Dechaschistia spp.

Reproductive period: April–August.

 

Common name

Beddome’s Cycas (English); Peritha, Madanakamakshi and Kondaeetha (Telugu).

 

Uses

The seeds are harvested for preparing flour by the local people. The, male cone extracts are used to prepare a health tonic by the local Yanadi tribes and rural communities. The pith is harvested often for use in abortion.

 

 

 

Sub-populations and locations of the species

Totally, 3962 mature individuals of Cycas beddomei were enumerated in 26 transects laid in 20 grids (Table 1). Of these, 2834 individuals were recorded in the Seshachalam hills and 1128 in the Velikonda Hills. In both the areas, the male: female ratio was about 1:3. Since all of the individuals in the Seshachalam Hills were inferred to have some minimum demographic exchange throughout the terrain, these were considered together as ‘one sub-population’ since fire is only threat factor affecting the population all are considered under one location. In the Velikonda Hills, all the individuals are considered as one sub-population distributed in one location as the whole sub-population is affected by pest. This discovery of the species in the Velikonda Hills is significant as till date, no published data is available on the species occurrence in the area. Although there is no overall estimate of decline, the population is considered to be experiencing decline because of habitat modification and continuing threats from forest fires. Hence with the current field observations in the native habitat of the species, we could demarcate two subpopulations separated by about 40km; one entirely falling in the Seshachalam Hills and the other in the Velikonda Hills with a total of eight locations.

 

Distribution pattern of the species

The species is now recorded from the Seshachalam and the Velikonda Hills covering Chittoor, Kadapa and Nellore districts. The species has patchy distribution within the grids and substantial areas in the individual grids (about 80% in many cases) did not have plants. Although we located isolated trees at 500–600 m altitude, most of the population lies at an altitudinal range of 600–1150 m. We found in the past four years the AOO is reduced by 5–10 % in different locations and the number of mature individuals has come down in some grids (ranging from 100 to 300) which is attributed to intensive and recurrent forest fires.

 

Population size

The species population is estimated to comprise over 3.9 lakh individuals (Table 1); 97% of it is in the Seshachalam Hills.

 

Threats to the species

Cycas beddomei is experiencing population decline because of habitat modification and continuing threats especially from forest fires. These fires have become more prominent and recurrent in the past few years. The natural threats are in the form of hemipteran scale Saissetia coffeae and lepidopteran butterfly Chilades pandava in its natural habitat; persistent occurrence of the former and massive infestation by the latter may prove fatal in the future (Srivastava 2011). Harvesting of male cones for medicinal purpose; uprooting plants for ornamental purpose; occasional collection of individuals for pith extraction for flour making are other major threats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation of current conservation status

The whole population of the species is considered under ‘2 locations’ comprising two subpopulations. The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of the species is calculated as 1713km2 (Image 3). Taking the topographic limitations throughout its geographic range, the Area of Occupancy (AOO) was measured as 16.52km2 (1652 ha) (Table 1; Image 3) and the number of mature individuals was extrapolated to 3.90 lakhs.

Criterion B: B1: The EOO of the species is estimated at 1713km2 and hence categorized as ‘Endangered’. Of the three conditions to be fulfilled under B1, the species is found to qualify two: (a) no more than five locations and (b) Continuing decline observed under the sub criteria: (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area, extent and or quality of habitat and (v) no. of mature individuals. B2: The AOO is 16.52km2and since this estimate is less than 500km2, the species is qualified under ‘Endangered’ category. The species also fulfils two of the three conditions: (a) no more than five locations and (b) continuing decline observed under the sub criteria: (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area, extent and or quality of habitat and (v) no. of mature individuals.

Criterion C and D: Since the estimated population comprise more than 10,000 individuals it is not qualified for any of the three threatened categories under these criteria.

Final assessment: EN B1ab(ii,iii,v)+B2ab(ii,iii,v)

 

 

Conclusions

 

The global distribution of the species is redefined as ‘Endemic to the Seshachalam and the Velikonda hills of the southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India’ due to the discovery of a new sub-population in the Velikonda Hills. Despite its extended geographic distribution, its ‘Endangered’ status has been retained following the IUCN Red List guidelines. Owing to its restricted distribution and slow growth its current status of Appendix I of CITES is also to be retained.

 

 

References

 

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Rao, B.R.P. (2010).Cycas beddomei. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Accessed on 03 January 2015.

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