Amentotaxus assamica
| Amentotaxus assamica | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Taxaceae |
| Genus: | Amentotaxus |
| Species: | A. assamica |
| Binomial name | |
| Amentotaxus assamica D.K. Ferguson | |
Amentotaxus assamica is a species of conifer in the Taxaceae family. It is found only in India. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Distribution
Known from two to three locations in Arunachal Pradesh in India: Turoo Hills (Das et al., 2008) the Delei valley and a valley in the Dafla Hills (Gajurel et al., 2006). Its presence in adjoining areas of China have not been confirmed. Known subpopulations are small and localised. Declines have been observed in one location.
Habitat and ecology
Occurs in warm temperate montane rain forest on north-facing slopes at altitudes between 1600 and 2000 metres above sea-level. These are 'mossy forests' dominated by Quercus spp., Castanopsis spp., Acer spp. and Rhododendron spp., with associated taxa such as Magnolia sp., Michelia sp., Corylopsis himalayana, Betula alnoides, Carpinus viminea and Exbucklandia populnea.
Human uses
Locally used for house construction (Gajurel et al., 2006).
Conservation status
Global status and rationale
Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) There is an urgent need to establish forest reserves as well as cultivation action to provide ex situ conservation for this species Further surveys are required to establish its full distribution and population size. Recent surveys (Gajurel et al., 2006; Das et al., 2008) have observed that in some areas this species is threatened by forest clearance associated with shifting agriculture ("jhuming"), localised exploitation for timber and firewood, infrastructure developments (roads and hydroelectric schemes).
Conservation actions
There is an urgent need to establish forest reserves as well as cultivation action to provide ex situ conservation for this species Further surveys are required to establish its full distribution and population size.
References
- Conifer Specialist Group 2000. Amentotaxus assamica. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 10 July 2007.