Assessment of IUCN threat status of Arachnis senapatiana (Orchidaceae)

In most cases, information on the distribution, population, and bottlenecks affecting the endemic and threatened plant species are often insufficient. Consequently, assigning the appropriate conservation threat status for these species becomes challenging, as such information is a prerequisite for ensuring the effective conservation of their wild populations. Extensive field surveys were carried out during 2018-2021, all individuals of the species encountered at various locations were counted to estimate the overall population size. Additionally, both exogenous and endogenous factors leading to decline in population and rarity are also discussed. In the present study, the natural population data of Arachnis senapatiana suggest that this species has narrow distribution range and small population size, thus the species is accorded as critically endangered (CR) species as per IUCN threat classification. Key exogenous threats include over-exploitation and habitat degradation resulting from various anthropogenic activities. Endogenous factors include limited seed germination and seedling recruitment in its natural habitat. These factors may be responsible for the narrow distribution range and small population size of A. senapatiana.