Cycas nathorstii

Like all cycads in Tamil Nadu of India, this species has suffered greatly from stem cutting for local medicine. Several subpopulations have been depleted to only a very few scattered individuals. As the lowland is very attractive agricultural land, subpopulations have also been destroyed to make way for human populations. It is regarded as Endangered in India.

This species is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Appendices. The species is still locally frequent in Sri Lanka although it is never found in great numbers. It is known to be present in reserves, but political instability made assessment difficult and future status uncertain. However, the recent end of conflict in this region now provides new opportunities for surveys and conservation work. Plants are most probably present in the Wilpattu, Ritigalla, Kantalai and Gal Oya reserves in Sri Lanka. An education and awareness programme as well as the long-term monitoring of subpopulations will support the conservation of this species.