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Description |
Geographic Range [top]
Range Description: The species is endemic to Peninsular Thailand. The species is also reported from Malaysia and Viet Nam but these individuals are cultivated or misidentified; they are not native. Within Thailand the species is found within four provinces; Phangnga, Ranong, Surat Thani and Trang. This species has a fairly restricted range with an estimated EOO of 3,566 km2. This estimate was produced from only 10 known specimens of the species, seven of which were collected prior to 1970. Therefore this estimate may no longer be representative and the species range may be smaller due to deforestation within the species range.
Countries occurrence:
Native:
Thailand
Additional data:
? Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Yes
? Number of Locations: 2-5
Range Map: Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.
Population [top]
Population: The species is locally common in Thailand but due to deforestation within the area population is likely to be in decline. In total across the four provinces the species is present. There has been 17% forest loss over the last 14 years based on Global Forest Watch data (WRI 2017), suggesting population decline. The species is also likely to occur in five or fewer sub populations as it only occurs within four states and there is likely to be fragmentation from deforestation. The point map also illustrates almost five distinct subpopulations and there are likely to be fewer than this based on the age of this specimen data.
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
Additional data:
? Continuing decline of mature individuals: Yes
? Continuing decline in subpopulations: Yes
Habitat and Ecology [top]
Habitat and Ecology: Vatica diospyroides is a small tree species, only growing to 15 m in height. It grows in swampy areas at low altitude in evergreen forest. It is a perennial species. This tree produce fragrant flowers almost annually between February and April however drought limits flowering (Srisawat et al. 2013). Reproduction is via seed which do not show dormancy (Srisawat et al. 2013). The species habitat is currently in decline in area, extent and quality.
Systems: Terrestrial
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Yes
Use and Trade [top]
Use and Trade: The flowers are used for medicinal purposes and are currently under investigation as a potential cancer treatment (Srisawat et al. 2014). Flowers are also harvested to be used in the production of perfumes due to sweetly scented resins and oils they contain (Srisawat et al. 2013).
Threats [top]
Major Threat(s): The species habitat is threatened by deforestation. Although efforts are being made by local people to protected the swampy habitat it is not known how successful this is. In the future the species may come under harvest pressure as flowers and whole plants may be collected for the medical research or to be used to make perfume. This is a particular threat to the species as it is difficult to propagate the species for these purposes (Srisawat et al. 2013).
Conservation Actions [top]
Conservation Actions: This species is only reported from one ex situ collection (BGCI 2017). Further ex situ collections of this species should be made. It occurs in protected areas (e.g. Nong Thung Thong Forest Park). It is recommended that population be monitored for decline due to harvest for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and limited where necessary. Propagation methods should continue to be investigated. The remaining species habitat should be protected.
Citation: Pooma, R., Newman, M. & Barstow, M. 2017. Vatica diospyroides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T33482A2837625. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T33482A2837625.en. Downloaded on 23 April 2018.
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