Conservation of the endemic over-exploited cycad,
Cycas circinalis L., in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, South India

Anita Varghese ¹ & Dr. Tamara Ticktin <sup>2

1</sup> KEYSTONE FOUNDATION
Niligiris District, Western Ghats, India

² UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
Honolulu, Hawaii

Background

• Pilot study in 2006 to assess conservation status in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), South India

• Pith, male cone, young leaves, mature leaves, and seeds are harvested and used locally or sold

Proposal Objectives

• Identify monthly vegetative and reproductive phenology and harvest rates

• Assess demographic rates and growth/decline in populations subject to different types of exploitation

• Assess conservation status over larger area

• Determine extent of local and regional trade

• Promote and test potential for germination and out-planting of seedlings

• Use above information to design strategy for better conservation

Click here for full proposal

Below is an article written by the first author for the December 2007 issue of the Cycad Newsletter:

Click here for Cycad Newsletter article

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