Grierson’s Onosma (Onosma griersonii)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242534787

Habitat Characteristics and Conservation of a Critically Endangered endemic plant Onosma griersonii R.R.Mill (Boraginaceae) in Bhutan

 

Onosma griersonii R.R.Mill, currently recognized as Maharanga griersonii (R.R.Mill) L.Cecchi & Hilger, belongs to the family Boraginaceae and is endemic to Bhutan. The species was preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2017) during the Bhutan Endemic Flowering Plants Workshop. However, there remains limited information regarding its population status, distribution range, and associated threats. To address these gaps, this conservation research was undertaken in the Nobding area under Dangchu Block, Wangdue Phodrang District. The study aimed to investigate and evaluate habitat characteristics, assess population size and distribution, identify threats, and raise awareness among local communities to promote in-situ conservation of this rare species. Findings from the study are expected to provide essential baseline data, bridge existing knowledge gaps, and support the development of effective species conservation action plans in the future.