Distribution, Threats and Conservation Strategies of <i>Pterocarpus marsupium</i> Roxb. in Uttar Pradesh, India

Bandana Pant; G.K. Dhingra; H. S. Ginwal; Raja Prasad; Sheesh Ram

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i4/171155

Distribution, Threats and Conservation Strategies of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. in Uttar Pradesh, India

Authors

Bandana Pant Department of Botany, Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
G.K. Dhingra Department of Botany, Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
H. S. Ginwal Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Raja Prasad Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Sheesh Ram Department of Botany, Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i4/171155

Keywords:

Pterocarpus marsupium, Conservation, Regeneration, Uttar Pradesh, Ethnobotany, Forest ecology.

Abstract

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., commonly known as Indian Kino Tree is a valuable deciduous tree species renowned for its therapeutic, ecological, and commercial importance. This study aimed to document its distribution, assess anthropogenic and environmental threats, and propose conservation strategies within Uttar Pradesh. Extensive field surveys across eight forest regions revealed a fragmented population structure, characterized by mature individuals and alarmingly low regeneration rates. Major threats identified include unsustainable bark harvesting, microbial infections, forest degradation, and poor seed viability. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated conservation approaches including habitat protection, community-based management, and in vitro propagation. Without immediate intervention, the species faces the risk of local extinction, posing a significant loss to regional biodiversity and traditional medicine systems.

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