Journal of Threatened
Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 March 2025 | 17(3): 26648–26654
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online)
| ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9463.17.3.26648-26654
#9463 | Received 25
October 2024 | Final received 18 March 2025 | Finally accepted 20 March 2025
Population status,
threats, and conservation of Trachycarpus takil: an endemic and threatened plant species in
western Himalaya, India
Himani Tiwari 1 , Dhani Arya 2 & K. Chandra Sekar
3
1 G.B. Pant National
Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand 263643, India.
1,2 Department of
Botany, Soban Singh Jeena
University, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601, India.
3 Garhwal Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute
of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Srinagar, Garhwal,
Uttarakhand 246174, India.
1 himanitiwaribotany@gmail.com,
2 dhaniarya@gmail.com, 3 kcsekar1312@rediffmail.com
(corresponding author)
Editor: Aparna Watve,
Biome Conservation Foundation, Pune, India. Date of publication: 26 March 2025
(online & print)
Citation: Tiwari, H., D. Arya & K.C. Sekar (2025). Population status, threats, and
conservation of Trachycarpus takil: an endemic and threatened plant species in
western Himalaya, India. Journal of Threatened
Taxa 17(3): 26648–26654. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9463.17.3.26648-26654
Copyright: © Tiwari et al. 2025. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and
distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the
author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: Financial assistance received from in-house (04) project of NIHE ‘Mainstreaming Himalayan Biodiversity for Sustainable Development’.
Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Author details: Ms. Himani Tiwari is a senior research fellow, Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Management, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora and she specializes in endemic plant diversity, ecology and conservation of higher plants of Indian Himalayan region. Dr. Dhani Arya is an associate professor & head, Department of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, with specialization of ecology and plant diversity in Western
Himalaya. Dr. K. Chandra Sekar is scientist F & head, Garhwal Regional Centre, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Srinagar Garhwal, with specialization of plant taxonomy, ecology and conservation of high-altitude vascular plants of Himalaya.
Author contributions: HT—conceptualization, data collection and preparation of initial draft, DA and KCS—data validation, editing and preparing the final version of the manuscript.
Acknowledgements: The authors are thankful to Prof. Sunil Nautiyal, director and Dr. I.D. Bhatt, centre head - CBCM, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora for providing the necessary facilities and encouragement.
Abstract: Population status
and endemism are important concepts in biogeography and conservation biology.
Given the dataset’s importance and limited availability, we studied the
population status and distribution pattern as per the IUCN Red List categories
and criteria for Trachycarpus takil in Uttarakhand. The study aimed to identify the
targeted species’ location-specific population status, distribution, area of
occupancy (AOO), extent of occurrence (EOO), and resource use patterns. An
intensive field visit was conducted in remote areas of Pithoragarh District,
Uttarakhand, to identify location-specific information on T. takil in the wild. The AOO was recorded at 28 km2
and the EOO was 2,078.80 km2. T. takil
is used by locals to prepare ropes, brooms, and seeds from the wild, which are
collected for trade. The study suggests that, as per the IUCN Red List
categories and criteria, the species can be included under the ‘Endangered’
category [B1ab(iii,v) and
B2ab(iii,v)] and requires immediate conservation
actions to save the wild population.
Keywords: Area of occupancy,
conservation, distribution, diversity, extent of occurrence, Indian Himalayan
region, native, thakil palm, threatened palm,
Uttarakhand.
Introduction
Diversity of endemic plants is one of the
prime criteria for determining the global biodiversity hotspot. The Himalaya,
one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots, is well known for its unique
repository of biodiversity and unique & rich endemic plants (MAPs)
(Singh et al. 2021; Tiwari et al. 2024). Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) covers
the major part of Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot and is represented by 11,743
native plant species including 11,695 angiosperms, 48 gymnosperms (Wani et al. 2024). Among these, 1,466 trees (Bhatt
et al. 2021), 1,748 medicinal (Samant
et al. 1998; Mehta et al. 2023), 456 threatened (Mehta et al.
2020), and 1,076 endemic plants (Tiwari et al. 2024) have been reported from
IHR. Himalayan endemic plants are confined to highly fragile
ecosystems and will almost certainly be the first to be hit by extinction
processes. Hence, they require proper assessment and effective conservation
plan for restoration. Among the reported endemic plants of IHR, the
conservation related studies conducted only around 7% of total endemic plants
and highlights the requirement for more conservation efforts (Tiwari et al.
2024).
Trachycarpus takil is one of the threatened and endemic palm
species of IHR belonging to the family Arecaceae. The
species has been reported from only three locations in Kumaun
Himalaya at 2,000–2,500 m altitude growing
as undergrowth in the mixed forest of Quercus spp. (Khan 2016;
Kholia 2009; Husain & Garg 2004). Earlier reports
revealed that two small populations with less than 500 individuals are found in
the Pithoragarh District (Thal Kedar Hills, Kalamuni Ridge) and
third population is found in the Almora District of Kumaon Hills and is nearly on the verge of extinction due
to forest fire (Lorek 2007; Gibbons & Spanner
2009; Khan 2016). As per the literature (Kholia 2009;
POWO 2024), the species also recorded from Nepal, although we could not find
the valid specimen records. So, the distribution of T. takil
in Nepal is doubtful. As per the IUCN, the population trend is also unknown
(www.iucnredlist.org/species/236274959/236274961). Efforts have been made to
study the species’ flowering phenology, pollination, and breeding
behaviour (Kholia 2009). However very little
information on the ecology, and population status is available for threat
assessment of the species. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the
population, location-specific diversity, distribution, area of occupancy (AOO),
extent of occurrence (EOO), resource use patterns, and threats in the wild
habitat of T. takil in Uttarakhand.
Material and Method
Species Description
Trachycarpus takil is a medium-sized, evergreen, rare, and
endemic palm species of Indian Himalayan Region, commonly known as ‘Thakil’. The species grows as undergrowth in
mixed forests of Quercus spp., up to an elevation of 2,500 m (Gibbons
& Spanner 2009; Kholia 2009). It is a solitary
palm of about 9–12 m height and flowering starts from April–May and fruits from
September–October (Kholia 2009). Flowers are yellow,
small trimerous cyclic, stalked or subsessile, and
polygamously monoecio-dioecious (Kholia
2009). The leaves are fan shaped, persistent, 1.2 m long, and are arranged as a
crown on the top of the trunk. The palm is distinguished by a network of fibres
that cover the trunk up to the base and whorl of persistent dry leaves below
the crown of fresh ones.
Vegetation sampling
The occurrence data about species presence
was obtained from the existing literature (Kulkarni & Mulani
2004; Gibbons et al. 2008; Kholia 2009, 2010; Gibbons
& Spanner 2009; Khan 2016), herbarium records and online datasets (GBIF
2024; POWO 2024). All the identified places (i.e., Thal
Kedar, Baravey, Kalamuni, Ratapani, Giniband) were surveyed extensively during September
2022–October 2023 for diversity and distribution pattern (Figure 1).
Information about indigenous resource utilization, emerging threats were
documented by direct field-based observation and questionnaire survey methods
(Malik et al. 2014). A handheld GPS (Garmin eTrex
30x) was used to record the geo-coordinates and altitude of each site. As the
species is recorded as endemic to Kumaun Himalaya
(Gibbons & Spanner 2009; POWO 2024),
efforts are made to assess the population as per the IUCN Red List categories
and criteria (Keith et al. 2024). The flowering individuals are only considered
as mature individuals and recorded accordingly.
Area of Occupancy (AOO) & Extent of Occurrence (EOO)
To calculate the AOO and EOO of species,
geo-coordinates were collected during field visits and also supplemented
through secondary literatures (Gibbons & Spanner 2009; Kholia
2009, 2010). Further, the extent of occurrence for T. takil
is measured by delimiting a polygon that encompassed all the known
localities of a taxa (known as minimum convex polygon or convex hull) using
Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool (GeoCAT) and
QGIS version 3.32 (Tali et al. 2015). Area of
occupancy of the species was calculated by overlaying a uniform grid over the
entire range of the taxon and then tallying the number of all the grids
occupying species’ presence. Grid size of 2*2 km2 size was used to
calculate the AOO of T. takil (Tali et al. 2015; IUCN 2024) using the below provided
formulae:
Area of occupancy = No. of occupied cells ×
area of individual cell.
Results
Distribution of the species
The population of Trachycarpus
takil recorded between 1,900 m and 2,500 m
elevation in the rocky and moist, shady habitat as undergrowth of mixed oak
forest. Total mature individuals of the species are varying significantly in different
location. Presently, the species recorded in Almora (Bhatkot) and Pithoragarh (Thal Kedar, Baravey, Kalamuni) districts, Uttarakhand, India. Currently, the
mature individuals have recorded only in three places, namely, Kalamuni, Thal Kedar, and Baravey, whereas, no
mature individuals are found in Bhatkot area. The Kalamuni- Ratapani recorded 243
mature individuals (adult trees in flowering stage), while the Thal Kedar recorded five mature
individuals. The Gini band-Samkot recorded 49 mature
individuals, and the Baravey had eight mature
individuals. T. takil is growing in
association with Buxus wallichiana,
Cupressus torulosa,
Quercus semecarpifolia, and Taxus wallichiana at Kalamuni, Ratapani, and Gini band-Samkot.
At Thal Kedar, the species
is mainly associated with Arundinaria
falcata, Quercus floribunda, and Quercus leucotricophora
(Table 1).
Resource use pattern and threats
Traditionally, the locals of the nearby
villages use the fibres and leaves of T. takil
to prepare ropes and brooms, for which they cut down the tree at the base,
posing a serious threat to the species in the wild. The paste of flowers with
young flowers of Bombax ceiba are being used as a medicine to cure
gonorrhoea and vaginal infections. T. takil is
also cultivated for ornamental purposes, therefore, the seeds are collected and
sold at the village level (Rs. 500–1000 /kg). Ripe
seeds are edible and also consumed by the local people. The destructive methods
used by locals to collect the leaves, fibres, and seeds of the species and
forest fire occurrences are major threats to the wild population.
Extent of occurrence & Area of occupancy
In Uttarakhand State, T. takil was found distributed between 30.06611–30.09250°
N and 80.38861–80.42805° E along an altitudinal range of 1,900–2,500 m. The
total extent of occurrence (EOO) of T. takil
is 2,078.80 km2. The AOO of the species is 28 km2. The
EOO of T. takil encompasses only 3.95% area of
Uttarakhand and 29.29% area of Pithoragarh District (Figure 2,3).
Threat Assessment of Trachycarpus takil
As per the IUCN Red List categories and
criteria, the Trachycarpus takil has been assessed. The EOO of the species
recorded 2,078.80 km2, which is less than the threshold value
(<5000 km2) and aligns with criterion ‘B1’ for ‘Endangered
category’. The AOO of the species was estimated 28 km2, which meets
again criterion ‘B2’. Data collected from secondary sources and field visits
indicates that the species is restricted to only four places (Thal Kedar, Baravey,
Kalamuni, Bhatkot) in
Uttarakhand, aligning with sub-criterion ‘a’. The multiple threats across its
distribution range are leading to continuous decline in the habitat of the
species. In Bhatkot and Thal
Kedar, forest fire causes degradation in its habitat
and direct collection of seeds from natural population also affects the
regeneration of the species aligning with the sub-criterion ‘b(iii)’
(continuous decline in area, extent, and/or quality of habitat). A continuous
decline in the number of mature individuals is also recorded from these locations
due to forest fire and anthropogenic pressure, qualifying the species for
sub-criterion ‘b(v)’ (decline in number of mature individuals).
Keeping the above, the endemic Trachycarpus
takil, recorded in restricted number of location,
limited AOO, EOO, declining in habitat quality and mature individuals justify
its IUCN Red List assessment as ‘Endangered’ under B1ab(iii,v)
& B2ab(iii,v) (Table 2).
Discussion
The population assessment is essential to
quantifying the threat status, especially for endemic and threatened elements.
In absence of quantifiable datasets, we were not able to analyse the population
threat and distribution pattern. T. takil is
one among the species having limited/ quantitative datasets to conclude the
population trend and distribution range (Tali et al.
2015). To strengthen the quantification of the dataset, we surveyed all the
places where the species recorded in Uttarakhand State, India. Extensive survey
revealed a total of four areas, namely, Kalamuni, Thal Kedar, Baravey,
Bhatkot (Almora and
Pithoragarh districts, Uttarakhand, India), we recorded the presence of T. takil in natural condition. The Kalamuni
region recorded highest number of individuals (243) and the interior population
of Samkot (49) is reported first time in the present
study. Due to forest fire and presence of few juveniles (<10), the
population of Bhatkot is having higher threat (Kholia 2009). Further, the present study could not able to
consider the T. takil recorded in China, due
to non-availability of quantitative dataset on population, area of occupancy,
distribution range (Ding et al. 2022). Currently, the T. takil
is very restricted distribution in India (Uttarakhand) and placed in the ‘Rare’
category of Red Data Book of India (Nayar & Sastri 1988). The larger population recorded in Kalamuni and Ratapani may be due
to lesser accessibility in the hill region. During the survey, a good number of
seedlings (>50) were observed in the Thal Kedar forest showing good regeneration potential. But due
to continuous extraction of leaves and seeds, and occurrences of forest fires,
the survival of these saplings is questionable (Kholia
2010). Therefore, there is a need to develop effective propagation protocols
along with in situ conservation efforts. However, present study reported
good number of mature individuals at Kalamuni area as
compared to the previous studies (Kholia 2009), but
due to increasing demand of seeds, continuous leaf extraction and forest fires,
this species is under severe threat. T. takil
is native, endemic to Indian Himalayan Region, and having only four
populations, thus requires immediate attention and conservation measures,
before vanishing from the natural forest area.
Conclusion
Threatened and endemic species are confined
to restricted range and certainly be the first to be hit by extinction
processes therefore such species require effective conservation strategies. Trachycarpus takil
is an endemic and threatened palm of western Himalaya, India. The species is
reported from four locations of Uttarakhand. The locals use the species as
medicine, for making ropes, brooms, and curd churners. Destructive harvesting
and forest fires are posing serious threats to the species. The AOO and EOO of
the species is calculated and finds 28 km2 and 2,078.80 km2,
respectively. On the basis of restricted distribution, number of locations,
individuals and threats, the study recommends inclusion of T. takil in IUCN Red List threat categories, under ’Endangered’,
and inclusion of the identified locations into the protected area network to
ensure the effective in-situ conservation of the species.
Table 1. Site characteristics
and threats on mature individuals of Trachycarpus
takil.
|
|
Sites |
Altitude (m) |
Geo-coordinates |
Habitat type |
Associated species |
Threats |
|
1 |
Thal Kedar |
2,430 |
N 29.518, E 80.211 N 29.526, E 80.196 N 29.521, E 80.203 |
Mixed Oak Forest |
Quercus floribunda,
Q. leucotricophora, Arundinaria
falcata |
Lopping |
|
2 |
Baravey |
1,910 |
N 29.522, E 80.224 |
Along barren
grazing land |
Quercus leucotricophora |
Lopping |
|
3 |
Kalamuni-Ratapani |
2,220–2,320 |
N 30.016, E 80.166 N 30.033, E 80.183 N 30.020, E 80.180 N 30.036, E 80.191 |
Moist rock slopes,
under dense canopy of mixed forest |
Q. semecarpifolia, Cupressus torulosa, Taxus wallichiana |
Lopping, seed
collection |
|
4 |
Gini band- way to Samkot |
2,259 |
N 30.017, E 80.167 N 30.000, E 80.167 |
Moist rocky slopes,
under dense canopy of mixed forest |
Q. semecarpifolia, Taxus wallichiana,
Buxus wallichiana, Abies pindrow |
Lopping, seed
collection |
Table 2. Threat
categorization of Trachycarpus takil.
|
Criteria |
IUCN categories |
T. takil values |
Status / reference |
IUCN Red List
proposed |
|
B. Geographic range |
1. Extent of
occurrence (<5000 km2) |
2,078.80 km2 EOO,
recorded in 04 location only, habitat degradation due to forest fire,
decline of mature individuals (from approx. 500–305) |
Present study; Kholia (2009), Kholia (2010),
Gibbons & Spanner (2009) |
Endangered (EN) EN B1ab(iii,v) |
|
a. Known to exist
at no more than five locations |
||||
|
b. Continuing
decline, observed, inferred iii. area, extent
and/or quality of habitat v. number of mature
individuals |
||||
|
2. Area of
occupancy (<500 km2) |
28 km2 AOO,
recorded in 04 locations only, habitat degradation due to forest fire,
decline of mature individuals (from approx. 500–305) |
Present study; Kholia (2009), Kholia (2010),
Gibbons & Spanner (2009) |
EN B2ab(iii,v) |
|
|
a. Known to exist
at no more than five locations |
||||
|
b. Continuing
decline, observed, inferred iii. area, extent
and/or quality of habitat v. number of mature
individuals |
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