Final plea for conservation of Gaultheria akaensis Panda and Sanjappa (Ericaceae), an extremely threatened, endemic medicinal plant from Aka Hill in Arunachal Pradesh of eastern Himalaya, India

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S. Panda

Abstract

Since its discovery in 2002 from Aka Hill in Arunachal Pradesh, the population of Gaultheria akaensis Panda and Sanjappa, a Critically Endangered, endemic medicinal plant is on the verge of extinction and currently represented by two individuals only. No trace of this species found in other Himalayan parts of India as well in Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. Detailed phenological observation was also done from 2002 - 2011. The species is threatened due to road extension and hydro-electric projects. To this problem, the author put a board for conservation to create awareness among local ethnic people. This paper provides description, ethnic use, photographs and maps for easy identification for the purpose of better conservation.

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