Yews conservation, sustainable use opportunity and way forward

Yew trees are a slow-growing conifer under increasing threat due to habitat loss, overharvesting for traditional medicine and cancer treatment (as a source of paclitaxel), and limited natural regeneration. Nepal has three yew species (Taxus contorta, Taxus wallichiana and Taxus mairei). Unsustainable extraction for paclitaxel production is threatening wild populations, and there is also a lot of confusion about private commercial cultivation and trade. This policy brief highlights the yew tree conservation challenges, sustainable use opportunities and suggests how best the governments, local communities, and conservation agencies can help protect the wild population and promote sustainable trade.