Hyderabad: Threatened TAXA of Telangana, a report released by the Osmania University, studied the flora and fauna of the state and concluded that a total of 150 species i.e. 56 higher plants, 11 fishes, two amphibians, 36 reptiles, 23 bird species and 22 mammals are at a risk of extinction, many of which are endemic to the state.
The report was developed following the IUCN red list guidelines for regional assessments. The study was done from the date collected from all 31 districts and it was conducted using species mapping and other tools to ensure accuracy of data. The reasons stated for the same are deforestation, overfishing, pollutions others.
Out of the 56 species of flora that are at a risk, six species are endemic to Telangana. As many as 25 species are assessed as vulnerable and 18 have been categorised as endangered species whereas 13 are critically endangered.
Of the 36 species of reptiles assessed during this project, 25 species are assessed as vulnerable and the reptilian diversity is threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
The avifaunal diversity of Telangana state is threatened due to habitat loss, draining of water bodies, and expansion and intensification of agriculture.
Dr Chelmala Srinivasulu, one of the project heads, stated that the state needs to ensure that all the red areas are flagged and special conservation measures need to be undertaken to preserve the flora and fauna.
