Studies on the Threatened Biodiversity of Wild Medicinal Flora and its Conservation in Nashik District, North Sahyadri, Maharashtra

One hundred thirty five wild medicinal plant species belonging to 69 families have been considered as rare (04), vulnerable (94), endangered (13), extinct (01) and endemic (03) on the basis of frequent floristic surveys carried out in North Sahyadri region of Nashik district during last two decades. The probable reasons for decrease of their population are destruction of natural habitats consequent upon increasing illegal acquiring of forest land, massive deforestation, encroachment of forest land for agriculture, urbanization and medicinal purposes. Suggestions for their efficient regular monitoring and proper conservation, preservation and protection have been suggested.