A global action plan for the conservation of threatened Zelkova species

A global action plan for the conservation of the tree genus Zelkova (Ulmaceae) is being undertaken by the Botanic Garden of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland and BGCI. The main aim of this project is to develop a global action plan for the conservation of all Zelkova species: collecting all the relevant biological knowledge on the genus, assessing the status of ex situ collections and proposing specific conservation actions, including recovery and reintroduction measures.

Background

Zelkova is small genus that comprises six known monoecious tree species in the northern hemisphere. At present, it shows a disjunct distribution in eastern Asia (three species), western Asia (one species) and the Mediterranean (two species).

The most endangered species in the genus is without doubt Z.sicula discovered only recently in Sicily. The only known population consists a few hundred individuals (rarely exceeding 2 meters in height) and covering a very small area. It was listed in the IUCN Red List as a Critically Endangered (CR) species.


Zelkova sicula	Photos: Antonietta Cristaudo

Global Survey

In June 2010, BGCI published a report entitled 'Global Survey of Ex situ Zelkova Collections'. The report's summary noted:

'The survey identified that all of the Zelkova taxa are currently held in living collections by botanic gardens and arboreta. In total 275 Zelkova records, from 146 institutions in 27 countries were identified. Of the 255 records included in the analysis, just 25 records of the most threatened Zelkova taxa (Z. sicula and Z. abelicea) were identified.
Furthermore, the survey demonstrated tht more than 80% of all ex situ collections of Zelkova were not well documented. Not only is the origin of plant material unknown, but often also their taxonomic status and/or cultivation history in the given institution. These colletions are therefore inappropriate for scientific study and unsuitable for practical conservation, especially specie and population recovery programmes.

'The report concludes by a series of recommendations based on the results of the survey including the need for: up to date conservation assessments, the strengthening of existing ex situ collections, establishing new collections, carrying out genetic analysis of collections of wild populations, implementing restoration and reintroduction activities, involving local communities and organisation in conservation activities and developing public awareness programmes.'

This survey formed the first phase of this project, the results of which will go to inform the genetic analysis in the next phase.

Read BGCI's report 'Global Survey of Ex situ Zelkova Collections' (10 pages)