The state forest department and the wildlife wing have done little to save endangered and threatened species in AP, according to conservationists. Besides the Great Indian Bustard and Gooty spider, two of the extremely threatened species listed by international agencies among 100 most-threatened species of the world, several other animals like Jerdon’s Courser, Cycas beddomi, medicinal plants and fish varieties are facing serious threat in the state. Experts said the government has no strategy or plan to save them, despite its claims about conservation.
Conservationists criticised the government for its failure to check smuggling of red sanders. Other species endemic to AP, such as Boswellia ovalifoliolata, Cycas beddomei and Pimpinella tirupatiensis have medicinal value and are under threat, experts said. “Biodiversity doesn’t mean tiger and elephant alone. It comprises a lot of species and we need to protect them,” said AP Biodiversity Board chairman Dr R. Hampaiah said. “We are working to prevent bio-piracy and are forming several biodiversity committees at the level of villages and cities to protect the state’s flora and fauna,” he said.