Medicinal plants are a valuable resource for regional
economic development in the tropics, and the Eastern
Himalaya in particular harbours many such species.
Extensive deforestation and over-exploitation in this
region have brought several species to the brink of
extinction, and Coptis teeta is such an endangered
species; yet scientific information for its conservation
is lacking. Investigations on the distribution range, demography,
ecology, cytology, reproductive biology
and population genetic structure of C. teeta were
carried out; it was found to be endemic to a small area,
to occupy a very narrow habitat and to be highly dispersed
with very small population sizes. Edaphic
factors were found to have played a vital role in
ecological preference, natural distribution and evolutionary
divergence of the species. The species exhibits
a ‘K’ strategy, high male sterility, low reproductive
success and efficiency, inadequate seed dispersal, and
little genetic variability. A combination of these genetic
hurdles and external threats in the form of habitat
disturbance and over-exploitation for commercial
purposes could result in its extinction. The species was
found to have highly specific microsite requirements
that cannot be met in other habitats. It is argued that
in situ conservation measures would be the best strategy
for the continued survival of this species. For
effective management of the species it is recommended
that its habitat be declared a protected
area with the active cooperation of local inhabitants
including the sharing of benefits of conservation.
Nestling Sex Ratio in the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
