Taxus wallichiana is a species of high demand due to its utility in extraction of taxol, which is present in its bark, needles, and seeds. Moreover, Himalayan yew wood is used locally for construction and building purposes. Due to overexploitation and illicit felling of T. wallichiana and the anthropogenic pressure over the plant for earning their livelihood, Himalayan yew is under severe threat and is on verge of extinction in Himalaya. As a slow-growing species, this species has a low regeneration capacity due to low seed production and late germination (1.5–2 years). The objective of the case study was to quantify and report the causes (natural as well as anthropogenic) which are threatening the species. State of Uttarakhand in western Himalaya was selected for the case study of Himalayan yew. A Questionnaire review was supervised with 200 key respondents belonging to the region regarding the potential threats linked with the species. Results revealed that over-exploitation (stripping bark, mowing branches, etc.), and slow growth were major reasons resulting to shrinkage of the species. Other causes for the decline of the species include a variety of pressures exerted by human beings. Examples can be overgrazing, agricultural utility, roof construction, fuel wood, medicinal use, etc. The study indicated an immediate need for the protection of T. wallichiana. There is a need of the hour to organize awareness programs for local community regarding the significance of the species. Moreover large-scale reforestation efforts are required along with participation of native people. In nutshell immediate in-situ and ex-situ supplementedwith biotechnologically tools are required for conservation and management of Himalayan yew in its natural habitat.

Highlights

• Principle anthropogenic factors contributing to the reduction of the Himalayan yew population are mismanagement, over-harvesting, and overgrazing.
• In-situ and ex-situ conservation and management coupled with local community involvement is prerequisite for large-scale reforestation efforts.