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Shareef S. M.1* and Santhosh Kumar E.S. 2
Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Karimancode P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695 562
Email:smshariftbgri@gmail.com
Received-20.12.2025, Revised-10.01.2026, Accepted-27.01.2026
Abstract: Threatened plants are species at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation, overexploitation, environmental change, invasive species, and other anthropogenic pressures, and are classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable under the Red List framework of the IUCN. This study presents a comprehensive state-level synthesis of IUCN-listed threatened plant species in Kerala based on the latest global assessments (version 2025-2). A total of 273 threatened species were documented, comprising 267 angiosperms, 4 gymnosperms, and 2 pteridophytes, with Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Rubiaceae as the most represented families. Of these, 45 species are Critically Endangered, 109 Endangered, and 118 Vulnerable, with 52 species endemics to Kerala, providing an updated baseline for conservation prioritisation in the state.
Keywords: Threatened plants, Extinction Risk, IUCN Red List, Kerala
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