Population Status, Distribution, Antioxidant Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Threatened Herb Gentiana kurroo Royle

Sustainable utilization and conservation of the threatened species is a major challenge for conservationists. For the conservation and reintroduction of species, comprehensive information on the ecological elements, potential habitats and pharmaceutical importance of the species is essentially required. This has necessitated initiating studies on habitat and population ecology of the threatened species. In view of the above, the present study investigated populations of Gentian kurroo representing different habitats and aspects in Himachal Pradesh. Among the populations, mean density of G. kurroo 80.75 Ind per 100m and range varied from 63.0-110.0 Ind 100m. The density showed direct relation with soil, slope, aspect and habitat. The particular geographical distribution of the species was sub tropical indicated species habitat specificity. Biological features, aspects, slope and pressure contributed to the critical population status of the G.. kurroo. The present investigation clearly showed that G.. kurroo populations occurred in fragmented pattern in the sub-tropical ecosystem. Species re-introduction should therefore carefully select suitable habitat with suggested setting in this study. The present study confirmed that population ecology, habitat distribution modelling provide assistance in the species recovery plan. The study would not only help in ecorestoration of the species and habitats but also in recovering the species population and improving its conservation.