Status of Himalayan yews in West Kameng district of ArunachalPradesh

摘要

Taxus, commonly known as yews, is a primary source of taxol used in the treatment of ovarian and breastcancers. It is found in the world’s temperate forests and in Asia it occurs from Afghanistan through Himalayasto the Philippines. Owing to over exploitation, this species is disappearing rapidly. The present study inWest Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, where maximum occurrences were reported, reveals that mercilessand mass exploitation has converted the area into a ‘death valley’ of Taxus trees. Out of the 145 total plantslocated, 105 were dead trees. Efforts from stakeholders are essential for conservation and regeneration.