Population Assessment of An Endemic Tree, Croton Scabiosus Bedd. (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract

The population of Croton scabiosus, an endemic tree species of southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India was assessed through random sampling in 15 localities spread over 8 locations. In sampled 37.5 h area, a total of 8737 mature individuals of Croton scabiosus was recorded. Of the 8 locations, Sanipaya sub population was found stable and considered elite owing to the maximum number of mature individuals, girth and height. In spite of good adult population, low number of seedlings and saplings of the species across the native terrain indicates its poor germination and recruitment warranting both in situ and ex situ conservation measures.