IUCN Red List Assessment of <i>Dryopteris austro-indica</i>: Conservation Status of an Endangered Fern from the Western Ghats of India

The Dryopteris austro-indica Fraser-Jenk., a threatened endemic fern of the Western Ghats, has been evaluated for its IUCN Red List category through comprehensive field surveys and herbarium consultations. It has been classified as 'Endangered' (EN) under the B2ab (i,ii,iii,iv,v) criteria, primarily due to its restricted distribution, deteriorating habitat quality, and declining population trends. The major threats to this species include habitat loss resulting from human activities and the impacts of climate change. Immediate conservation efforts are crucial to avert its potential extinction. This study provides detailed taxonomic information and a concise assessment based on the IUCN Red List Guidelines and necessary photographs to support a thorough Red List assessment of the species.