Vincetoxicum cardiostephanum A Threatened Sub-Endemic Species in Koh-e-Safaid Range, Pakistan

Vincetoxicum cardiostephanum (Rech. F.) Rech. f. is a sub-endemic narrow species to Pakistan. The conservation status has been assessed according to International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria 2001. The genus Vincetoxicum is comprised of 20 species. Pakistan hosting 6 species including Vincetoxicum which is uniregional endemic to Upper Kurram, Pakistan. Earlier it was reported from Khaiwas by Aitchison (1881), Upper Kurram. This investigation was based on field trips conducted all over the Koh-e-Safaid ranges of Kurram valley, during April, 2015 to 2017. Based on the data collection, population size of the species was 43 individuals, Extent of occurrence (3.1 km2), Area of occupancy (0.9 km2). The taxon is under severe biotic stress due to uprooting & overgrazing. Vincetoxicum cardiostephanum has been classified as Critical Endangered following IUCN Criteria 2001.

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