Threat Status of Saussurea lappa-a study in Bhaderwah area of Jammu & Kashmir India.

Abstract

Saussurea lappa being one of the most sought-after species in the pharmaceutical industry, providing  good dividends to the States//UTs from where it is procured, is rapidly declining in nature. The threat  perception of the species changes every single day. This highly beneficial herb, is under immense  pressure to survive in natural habitat. The threat status of Saussurea lappa has increased manifold from  last 15 years. The present study entitled as “Threat status of Saussurea lappa -a study in Bhaderwah  area of Jammu & Kashmir India, was conducted at Bhaderwah, District Doda a High-Altitude area  where the species has a natural agro-climatic condition to thrive. A comprehensive protocol was  framed. From this study it was concluded that Illegal/Unsustainable extraction from the Forests is a  major cause for dwindling species of Saussurea lappa. Lack of understanding of sustainable  harvesting/extraction has led to disturbance of habitat, loss of diversity, reduced abundance and local  declining of Saussurea lappa.