Biodiversity information: The need and importance of floral surveys

Biodiversity information owes a lot to field surveys and floristic studies. This is the basis of monitoring and assessment exercises. The present paper provides temporal information on the history of floral surveys in Himachal Pradesh (HP) and the consequent statistics of species richness in HP. From 1984 (after the publication of Flora of HP - an analysis) till the end of 2010, estimates of species have increased by 14.85 %, of genera by 10.46 % and of families by 9.60 %. During the course, 16 new species were reported. The surveys have not only updated the knowledge but have also led to identification of localities and taxa that demand critical studies and conservation strategies. The paper argues for adequate support to survey based activities and an action plan in this regard. © 2013 The National Academy of Sciences, India.