Neelakurinji Added to IUCN Red List as Vulnerable Species

August 13, 2024

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) has been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This classification marks the first global assessment of the species, highlighting its ecological importance and the urgent need for conservation efforts. The Neelakurinji is a flowering shrub endemic to the montane grasslands of southwest India. It is renowned for its unique flowering cycle and contributes significantly to the region’s biodiversity.

Characteristics of the Neelakurinji

Height: The Neelakurinji can grow up to three meters tall.

Habitat: It is exclusively found in high-altitude shola grassland ecosystems, particularly in the Western Ghats of India.

Distribution: The species occurs in five distinct mountain landscapes within the Western Ghats region.

Elevation: It thrives at elevations between 1,340 and 2,600 meters above sea level.

Blooming Cycle

Cycle Duration: The Neelakurinji blooms once every 12 years.

Visual Impact: During its flowering season, it transforms the landscape into a stunning purplish-blue expanse.

Life Cycle: The plant is semelparous, meaning it blooms and fruits all at once before dying.

Conservation Status

The IUCN classification reveals that the Neelakurinji is experiencing a population decline of at least 30% over the last three generations. Contributing factors to its vulnerable status include:

Reduction in Area of Occupancy: The area where the plant is found has decreased.

Decreased Extent of Occurrence: The overall range of the plant has reduced.

Deterioration of Habitat Quality: The quality of its natural habitat is declining.

The assessment highlights the need for urgent conservation measures to protect the Neelakurinji and its habitat, as its unique life cycle and crucial ecological role are being threatened by environmental changes.

Facts About Neelakurinji

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) blooms every 12 years.
It usually flowers between July and September.
The plant covers the Western Ghats in Kerala, India, with violet flowers.
It grows well in high altitudes and poor soil.
Neelakurinji has a special blooming event called “mass flowering.”
Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
The name comes from “Neela” (blue) and “Kurinji” (a flower).
It’s important for local biodiversity, culture, and tourism.

What is IUCN Red List?

The IUCN Red List is a detailed record that shows how endangered different species are around the world. Started in 1964, it groups species into categories like Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct. It assesses over 147,000 species, with nearly 40% facing extinction. The list uses factors such as population size, loss of habitat, and where species live. It helps shape conservation policies, raises awareness about losing biodiversity, supports global environmental agreements, and guides where conservation efforts should be focused.

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