Discovery of a new sub-population, mapping and updated Red List assessment of the Endangered Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadales: Cycadaceae)

Abstract

A new sub-population of Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadaceae), hitherto believed to be endemic to the Seshachalam Hills (Tirupati-Kadapa Hills) of Andhra Pradesh is discovered from Velikonda Hills (Nellore-Kadapa districts) of Andhra Pradesh. Hence its global distribution status is hereby revised endemic to Seshachalam and Velikonda hills of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Combined datasets of our earlier studies with the latest indicated no change in its ‘Endangered’ status.

Keywords

• Beddome’s Cycad
• Endangered
• endemism
• restricted distribution
• updated IUCN Red List assessment.