Title: Notes on the Taxonomic History of Two Rare Species of Begonia from Sikkim Himalaya and their Conservation
KeyWords: Begonia satrapis, B. scutata, endemic, rare, habitat loss, Sikkim Himalaya
Year of Publication: 2020
ISSN No: NA
Author Name: D.C. Nautiyal, S.K. Sharma, and M.K. Pandit
Details:
Abstract: Begonia satrapis C.B. Clarkeand B. scutata Wall. are two rare species known from Eastern Himalaya. Begonia satrapis is an endemic of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalaya, while B. scutata is reported to occur in Sikkim and the adjacent Nepal Himalaya. In this contribution we review their collection history, reassess their present conservation status, and identify various threats to their survival in nature. We found that many of the species populations have disappeared and the existing ones have considerably shrunk to small sizes. Begonia satrapis was represented by only three scattered populations in the adjoining localities comprising about 40–50 individuals each. Like-wise, B. scutata was represented by three populations of about 10–15 individuals each. We suggest urgent ex situ and in situ conservation measures for saving these species from extinction.
Key Words: Begonia satrapis, B. scutata, endemic, rare, habitat loss, Sikkim Himalaya