Curcuma pseudomontana

The main threats to this species come from habitat loss and overcollection. Forest in the region have been largely removed or altered due to felling, clearing and extensive cultivation (tea and coffee plantation), mining, hydro-electric development and an important decline in biodiversity has been observed. The existing forests (ca 7 % of the original cover) are highly fragmented and facing the prospect of increasing degradation. Additional threats to the natural habitats include invasion of exotic species, fires and unrestricted use of agrochemicals near forests (Bawa 2007). Curcuma pseudomontana is used in arrowroot powder manufacturing and in local and tribal medicine (Sasikumar 2005, Ravindram et al. 2007). The taxon is commercially traded as a medicinal plant (Molur et al. 1997). Exploitation of commercially traded medicinal plants for economic gain without any thoughts of their conservation has driven many species close to extinction in the region (Molur et al. 1997, Bawa 2007).

This species has been collected within a conservation area, however most records fall outside such areas (also protected areas do not always adequately protect the resident taxa from illegal collections). The taxon is grown in various botanical institutions. The taxon is rated as Vulnerable both in the Eastern and Western Ghats (Molur et al. 1997, Jhadav et al. 2006). In the Western Ghats, a population reduction of over 30% in 10 years was inferred in 1997 (Molur et al. 1997). Taxonomic studies are needed for this species and the current geographic range and population size should be clarified. The resilience of the taxon to anthropogenic disturbance should be investigated as well as other aspects of its biology and ecology. The population of this formerly abundant species has shrunk and samples of seed should be collected as an ex situ conservation measure in order to ensure a wide genetic diversity to use for conservation programmes. An ex situ population which preserves 90% of the genetic diversity of a population for 100 years should be developed and managed (Molur et al. 1997).