The Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy (formerly Centre of Plant Taxonomy) is an important adjunct of the Department of Botany, University of Kashmir. Since its inception in 1981, the Centre has contributed significantly in the documentation, conservation and sustainable use of the biological resources in this Himalayan region. Over the years, the Centre is unfailingly providing scientific nomenclature and identification services to hundreds of research scholars and scientists from other departments of this University, and the various departments of State Government, particularly, SKUAST (K), Forests, Environment, Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture, etc. The Centre has carried out field survey and specimen collection of biodiversity of the different areas such as Doda Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Karnah,Keran, Gurez, Nubra, Zanaskar, and other such far-flung areas are being undertaken regularly. Eminent scientists from the country and abroad frequently visit the Centre’s Herbarium for pursuit of their research work. Frequently, students from various schools and colleges visit the herbaria, and demonstration sessions are being conducted to learn the techniques and role of herbarium.
The Herbarium of the University of Kashmir, recognized by the New York based International Bureau for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature under the acronym KASH, is housed in the Centre. Some of the key facts and figures about KASH, which is one of the largest herbaria in the northern India, are:
Total number of herbarium specimens = 60,000
Number of specimens accessioned = 55,000
Number of specimens un-accessioned = 5,000
Total number of species = ca. 3200
Number of endemic species = 300
Number of threatened species = 250
NEW SPECIES RECORDS = 42
TYPE SPECIMENS = 98
Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy