scholarly journals Native trees of Mexico: diversity, distribution, uses and conservation

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9898
Author(s):  
Oswaldo Tellez ◽  
Efisio Mattana ◽  
Mauricio Diazgranados ◽  
Nicola Kühn ◽  
Elena Castillo-Lorenzo ◽  
...  

Background Mexico is one of the most floristically rich countries in the world. Despite significant contributions made on the understanding of its unique flora, the knowledge on its diversity, geographic distribution and human uses, is still largely fragmented. Unfortunately, deforestation is heavily impacting this country and native tree species are under threat. The loss of trees has a direct impact on vital ecosystem services, affecting the natural capital of Mexico and people’s livelihoods. Given the importance of trees in Mexico for many aspects of human well-being, it is critical to have a more complete understanding of their diversity, distribution, traditional uses and conservation status. We aimed to produce the most comprehensive database and catalogue on native trees of Mexico by filling those gaps, to support their in situ and ex situ conservation, promote their sustainable use, and inform reforestation and livelihoods programmes. Methods A database with all the tree species reported for Mexico was prepared by compiling information from herbaria and reviewing the available floras. Species names were reconciled and various specialised sources were used to extract additional species information, i.e. endemic status, threat status, availability in seed collections, reports on plant uses and conservation actions currently in place. With this information, a comprehensive catalogue of native trees from Mexico was redacted. Available georeferenced records were used to map each species distribution and perform spatial analyses to identify gaps of information and priority areas for their conservation and exploration. Results Mexico has at least 2,885 native tree species, belonging to 612 genera and 128 families. Fabaceae is the most represented family and Quercus the most represented genus. Approximately 44% of tree species are endemic to the country. The southern part of the country showed the highest values of species richness. Six hundred and seventy-four species have at least one documented human use. In terms of conservation assessment, ca. 33% of species have been assessed by either the IUCN Red List (919) or the National protection catalogue “NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-059” (29) or both (45). Additionally, 98 species have been included in the CITES listing for protection. In terms of existing conservation efforts, 19% of species have ex situ protection in seed banks, while protected areas overlap with all the identified peaks of species richness, except for those in the states of Veracruz and Chiapas. This work constitutes a key milestone for the knowledge, management, and conservation of the Mexican native trees. The two areas with high density of tree species identified in Veracruz and Chiapas represent two priority areas for tree conservation in Mexico, where integrated in situ and ex situ conservation efforts should be focused.

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tannis Beardmore ◽  
Judy Loo ◽  
Brenda McAfee ◽  
Christian Malouin ◽  
Dale Simpson

A survey was conducted in 2003 to identify Canadian native tree species (woody perennials ≥10 m tall) that may be in need of genetic conservation. Thirty expert respondents from various agencies in provinces and territories graded the tree species in their respective geographical regions based on nine criteria that describe potential reasons for conservation (e.g., rarity, decreasing range or frequency, preferred habitat in high demand, uncertain viable seed source) and then provided a rating that identifies the type of conservation that may be required (species is in good shape, insufficient knowledge for a designation, in situ or ex situ conservation measures are required). Either in situ or ex situ conservation was recommended for 52% of Canada's native tree species, and 8% required more information before a rating could be made. The results of the survey will be used to identify genetic conservation priorities for tree species in Canada. Key words: Canadian tree species of concern, genetic conservation, genetic diversity, species rarity


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9573
Author(s):  
Tetsuto Abe ◽  
Nobuyuki Tanaka ◽  
Yoshikazu Shimizu

Invasive alien tree species can exert severe impacts, especially in insular biodiversity hotspots, but have been inadequately studied. Knowledge of the life history and population trends of an invasive alien tree species is essential for appropriate ecosystem management. The invasive tree Bischofia javanica has overwhelmed native trees on Haha-jima Island in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. We explored forest community dynamics 2 years after a typhoon damaged the Sekimon primary forests on Haha-jima Island, and predicted the rate of population increase of B. javanica using a logistic model from forest dynamics data for 19 years. During the 2 years after the typhoon, only B. javanica increased in population size, whereas populations of native tree species decreased. Stem diameter growth of B. javanica was more rapid than that of other tree species, including native pioneer trees. Among the understory stems below canopy trees of other species, B. javanica grew most rapidly and B. javanica canopy trees decreased growth of the dominant native Ardisia sieboldii. These competitive advantages were indicated to be the main mechanism by which B. javanica replaces native trees. The logistic model predicted that B. javanica would reach 30% of the total basal area between 2017 (in the eastern plot adjacent to a former B. javanica plantation) and 2057 (in the western plot distant from the plantation site), which is a maximum percentage allowing to eradicate under the present guideline of the National Forest. The results suggest immediate removal of B. javanica is required to preserve native biodiversity in these forests.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-216
Author(s):  
S. Salamma ◽  
A. Narayanaswamy ◽  
M. Naik ◽  
D. Veeranjaneyulu ◽  
M.V. Babu ◽  
...  

The population of Croton scabiosus, an endemic tree species of southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India was assessed through random sampling in 15 localities spread over 8 locations. In sampled 37.5 h area, a total of 8737 mature individuals of Croton scabiosus was recorded. Of the 8 locations, Sanipaya sub population was found stable and considered elite owing to the maximum number of mature individuals, girth and height. In spite of good adult population, low number of seedlings and saplings of the species across the native terrain indicates its poor germination and recruitment warranting both in situ and ex situ conservation measures.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-86
Author(s):  
G.N. Hasnat ◽  
M. Hossain ◽  
M. Bhuiyan ◽  
M. Alam

Effect of different pre-sowing treatments on germination of fourteen threatened native tree species of Bangladesh was studied to find out the appropriate pre-sowing treatments to speed up germination rate of the required and desired species. Hard coated fruits and seeds of Canarium resiniferum, Castanopsis indica, Protium serratum, Quercus acuminata and Vitex peduncularis were treated with sand paper, nicking, cold water, hot water, H2SO4 and HCl. Seeds of Brownlowia elata, Dichopsis polyantha, Firmiana colorata, Lophopetalum fimbriatum, Pterospermum acerifolium, Pterospermum semisagittatum, Pterygota alata and Sterculia villosa were sown in polybags, propagator house and nursery bed in normal, flat and in 450 angle position. Hard fruits of Castanopsis indica sown in polybags without any treatment showed 25% germination but increased to 67% when fruits were treated with sand paper rubbing at the distal end. Seeds of Lophopetalum fimbriatum germinated only 26% when sown normally in polybags but when sown in propagator house it increased to 90%. Different species response differently with pre-sowing treatments but in general pre-sowing treatments increases the germination percent in all the species.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Pötzelsberger ◽  
Martin M. Gossner ◽  
Ludwig Beenken ◽  
Anna Gazda ◽  
Michal Petr ◽  
...  

AbstractFor non-native tree species with an origin outside of Europe a detailed compilation of enemy species including the severity of their attack is lacking up to now. We collected information on native and non-native species attacking non-native trees, i.e. type, extent and time of first observation of damage for 23 important non-native trees in 27 European countries. Our database includes about 2300 synthesised attack records (synthesised per biotic threat, tree and country) from over 800 species. Insects (49%) and fungi (45%) are the main observed biotic threats, but also arachnids, bacteria including phytoplasmas, mammals, nematodes, plants and viruses have been recorded. This information will be valuable to identify patterns and drivers of attacks, and trees with a lower current health risk to be considered for planting. In addition, our database will provide a baseline to which future impacts on non-native tree species could be compared with and thus will allow to analyse temporal trends of impacts.


Author(s):  
J. O. Ihuma ◽  
S. Madakan ◽  
U. D. Chima

This study was conducted to investigate the value perceptions of native tree species in urban landscape by three groups of environmental stakeholders – residents, estate developers and construction companies that reside in Abuja, the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. A Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) of landscape scale ecosystem functions and services valuation scenarios were used. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) sets of questionnaire were distributed equally among the three stakeholders (60 each) to ascertain their perceptions on the need to protect native tree species by asking them to rank eight reasons why the protection of native tree species is important in urban/city landscape. The reasons ranked were (i) Aesthetics and beautification of environment, (ii) Microclimatic and cooling effect, (iii) Windbreak, (iv) Erosion control, (v) Conservation of native tree species, (vi) Obstruction of view to enhance privacy (vii) Economic value of the species and, (viii) Any other reason. Results showed that Aesthetics and beautification of environment ranked first by a combination of all stakeholders, and also by Estate Developers alone, while Erosion control and Economic value of the species were ranked first by the Residents and the Construction Companies, respectively. Stakeholders’ mean scores for Aesthetics & beautification of environment, Microclimatic & cooling effect, Conservation of native tree species, and Obstruction of view to enhance privacy, varied significantly (p < 0.05) while there was no significant differences in their mean scores for Windbreak, Erosion control, and Economic value of the species. The differences in the stakeholders’ perception of the value of native trees as revealed by the rankings and significant differences in scores for some of the value criteria to a large extent underscore the values they place on them which in turn will influence their attitude towards the conservation and protection of the species. Therefore, the need for effective environmental education and enlightenment campaigns to sensitise all stakeholders on the overall values and roles of native trees in the city, is emphasized.


2007 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-407
Author(s):  
J A Loo ◽  
T L Beardmore ◽  
J D Simpson ◽  
D A McPhee

Guidelines were developed by the New Brunswick Forest Gene Conservation Working Group for conserving genetic resources of four native tree species in New Brunswick. Gene conservation guidelines for three of these species aim to maintain sufficient gene pools of known or putatively resistant stock to retain or develop the potential for restoration. Natural populations of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) are known to have genotypes resistant to the beech scale at low frequencies. Gene conservation approaches include in situ and ex situ measures, including resistance breeding. White elm (Ulmus americana) demonstrates a degree of resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED), and will benefit from a mixture of in situ and ex situ conservation measures. Resistance to butternut canker has not yet been demonstrated in populations of butternut (Juglans cinerea), but ex situ conservation of putatively resistant genotypes will be of increasing importance as the frequency of butternut canker escalates. Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), threatened by small population size, habitat loss, and ongoing development, requires primarily in situ conservation and restoration efforts. Key words: American beech, bur oak, butternut, disease resistance, ex situ, gene conservation guidelines, genetic resources, in situ, restoration, white elm


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-251
Author(s):  
Majda K. Suleiman ◽  
Kingsley Dixon ◽  
Lucy Commander ◽  
Paul Nevill ◽  
Ali M. Quoreshi ◽  
...  

We investigated the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric bulk soils as well as root nodule bacterial communities of Vachellia pachyceras — the only native tree species existing in the Kuwait desert. Community fingerprinting comparisons and 16S rDNA sequence identifications were used for characterization of the bacterial population using specific primers. The bacterial characterization of soil samples revealed four major phyla: Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In situ (desert) samples of both rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric bulk soil were dominated by the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, whereas the phylum Betaproteobacteria was present only in non-rhizospheric bulk soil. Ex situ (nursery growing condition) V. pachyceras resulted in restricted bacterial communities dominated by members of a single phylum, Bacteroidetes. Results indicated that the soil organic matter and rhizospheric environments might drive the bacterial community. Despite harsh climatic conditions, data demonstrated that V. pachyceras roots harbor endophytic bacterial populations. Our findings on bacterial community composition and structure have major significance for evaluating how Kuwait’s extreme climatic conditions affect bacterial communities. The baseline data obtained in this study will be useful and assist in formulating strategies in ecological restoration programs, including the application of inoculation technologies.


2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 775-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emi Martín-Queller ◽  
Jeffrey M. Diez ◽  
Inés Ibáñez ◽  
Santiago Saura

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes M. M. Engels ◽  
Imke Thormann

Crop wild relatives (CWR, plural CWRs) are those wild species that are regarded as the ancestors of our cultivated crops. It was only at the end of the last century that they were accorded a high priority for their conservation and, thus, for many genebanks, they are a new and somewhat unknown set of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. After defining and characterizing CWR and their general threat status, providing an assessment of biological peculiarities of CWR with respect to conservation management, illustrating the need for prioritization and addressing the importance of data and information, we made a detailed assessment of specific aspects of CWRs of direct relevance for their conservation and use. This assessment was complemented by an overview of the current status of CWRs conservation and use, including facts and figures on the in situ conservation, on the ex situ conservation in genebanks and botanic gardens, as well as of the advantages of a combination of in situ and ex situ conservation, the so-called complementary conservation approach. In addition, a brief assessment of the situation with respect to the use of CWRs was made. From these assessments we derived the needs for action in order to achieve a more effective and efficient conservation and use, specifically with respect to the documentation of CWRs, their in situ and ex situ, as well as their complementarity conservation, and how synergies between these components can be obtained. The review was concluded with suggestions on how use can be strengthened, as well as the conservation system at large at the local, national, and regional/international level. Finally, based on the foregoing assessments, a number of recommendations were elaborated on how CWRs can be better conserved and used in order to exploit their potential benefits more effectively.


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