Leonid Averyanov
Other projects
29 Nov 2012
Assessment of Xanthocyparis vietnamensis Nature Protected Status in Tuyen Quang Province, Vietnam
Discovery and assessment of new subpopulations of tertiary relictual conifer – Xanthocyparis vietnamensis in 3 earlier unexplored areas of Cao Bang, Ha Giang and Lang Son provinces.
Xanthocyparis vietnamensis (Golden Cypress) was discovered in northern Vietnam by N.T.Hiep and L.Averyanov in 1999. Plant was recognized as new relictual monotype conifer genus with closest relative – Callitropsis from northern America. Both genera are typical tertiary relicts with historically decreasing areas. Firstly 3 highly degraded subpopulations of Xanthosyparis were discovered in Ha Giang province near Chinese border, why species status was estimated as globally critically endangered (N.T.Hiep, 2004). Six new highly depleted subpopulations were found, documented and studied in inland areas of Vietnam in Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang provinces last year (Averyanov, RSG 2013). At the same time, indirect available information (received from local peoples and forest rangers) provides certain data about occurrence of mature Cypress trees in 3 additional distant areas in Bac Me, Bao Lam and Thach An districts (Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces). Discovery, documentation, preliminary assessment and mapping of these subpopulations are very important for understanding of global species distribution, gene diversity and formation of scientific base for its protection and conservation. Proposed investigation expects following ways of activity:
-Field explorations in territories of expected localities of Golden Cypress in Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces
-Field work on mapping and estimation of populations square and approximate numerical strength of newly discovered subpopulations
-Field work around discovered localities for searches of possible additional subpopulations; finding of local people with appropriate knowledge in expected areas of species distribution for more additional information of species distribution, including distribution in the past
-Description of habitats, vegetation and other natural conditions of Golden Cypress in discovered subpopulations, including description of related endemic species by standard geobotany methodology
-Estimation of number of trees in discovered subpopulations, their size, structure and expected area of distribution, as well as identification of local subpopulation conservation status
-Investigation of species phenology and cone/seed production, identification of optimal time for seed collecting in discovered subpopulation
-Elaboration of appropriate strategy for species protection in cooperation with local village authorities, representatives of Forest Protection Department and international Nurture Protection organizations (in perspective - seed collecting, seed/cuttings propagation for possible reforestation)
-Compilation of appropriate report and illustrated assessment for publication in popular and scientific magazines
Program is expected for realization during 1.5 year since date of field work starting