| Citation |
Ellison, J., Koedam, N.E., Wang, Y., Primavera, J., Jin Eong, O., Wan-Hong Yong, J. & Ngoc Nam, V. 2010. Xylocarpus granatum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T178845A7624881. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-2.RLTS.T178845A7624881.en. Downloaded on 30 May 2021. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
This species is widespread and common. It is threatened by the loss of mangrove habitat throughout its range, primarily due to extraction and coastal development, and there has been an estimated 21% decline in mangrove area within this species range since 1980. Mangrove species are more at risk from coastal development and extraction at the extremes of their distribution, and are likely to be contracting in these areas more than in other areas. It is also likely that changes in climate due to global warming will further affect these parts of the range. Although there are overall range declines in many areas, they are not enough to reach any of the threatened category thresholds. This species is listed as Least Concern.
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species is found in South Asia, including Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China (Hainan Island), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Cambodia. The Australasian range includes Northwest Australia, Northeast Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. It is also found in East Africa, including Somalia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Tanzania.
DESCRIPTION
This is a very common species and is widespread, although it is considered less common in East Africa. Although there is no species specific population information, it can be assumed that there are areas of population decline throughout its range due to coastal development.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
This species is found in the intermediate estuarine zone in the mid to high intertidal regions along banks of tidal creeks.
This species grows to as a large tree, and is slow growing. The species is mostly scattered, but sometimes grows in stands.
THREATS
Sea level rise is a major threat, especially to back mangroves that have no area in which to expand. Mangrove species with a habitat on the landward margin may be particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise if owing to coastal development their movement inland is blocked. Although local estimates are uncertain due to differing legislative definitions of what is a mangrove and to the imprecision in determining mangrove area, current consensus estimates of mangrove loss in the last quarter-century report an approximately 21% decline in mangrove areas in countries within this species range since 1980 (FAO 2007).
All mangrove ecosystems occur within mean sea level and high tidal elevations, and have distinct species zonations that are controlled by the elevation of the substrate relative to mean sea level. This is because of associated variation in frequency of elevation, salinity and wave action (Duke et al. 1998). With rise in sea-level, the habitat requirements of each species will be disrupted, and species zones will suffer mortality at their present locations and re-establish at higher elevations in areas that were previously landward zones (Ellison 2005). If sea-level rise is a continued trend over this century, then there will be continued mortality and re-establishment of species zones. However, species that are easily dispersed and fast growing/fast producing will cope better than those which are slower growing and slower to reproduce.
In addition, mangrove area is declining globally due to a number of localized threats. The main threat is habitat destruction and removal of mangrove areas. Reasons for removal include cleared for shrimp farms, agriculture, fish ponds, rice production and salt pans, and for the development of urban and industrial areas, road construction, coconut plantations, ports, airports, and tourist resorts. Other threats include pollution from sewage effluents, solid wastes, siltation, oil, and agricultural and urban runoff. Climate change is also thought to be a threat, particularly at the edges of a species range. Natural threats include cyclones, hurricane and tsunamis.
USE AND TRADE
High quality timber for door frames and windows, and medium quality charcoal and firewood. It is used as a medicine and ointment. This species is an excellent hard wood for furniture and carvings.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
There are no conservation measures specific to this species, but its range may include some marine and coastal protected areas. Continued monitoring and research is recommended, as well as the inclusion of mangrove areas in marine and coastal protected areas. |
