Work

Reassessment of the Conservation Status of the Endemic and Endangered Plant Dalbergia odorifera T.C. Chen in Hainan, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Dalbergia odorifera T.C. Chen is an endemic and endangered species in Hainan, China. This study reassessed its conservation status based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1 and its regional guidelines, as well as evaluation indicators for the threatened degree of the tiny population of wild plants endangered in China. The results showed that according to IUCN criteria, D. odorifera T.C. Chen was assessed as critically endangered (CR) under Criteria A1ac and D. This designation reflects the severe population decline and the extremely small number of mature individuals—only about 30—found within a total wild population of approximately 200 in Hainan. The current CR status contrasts sharply with its previous international classification of vulnerable (VU). Based on China's evaluation index system for extremely small wild plant populations, D. odorifera T.C. Chen was also rated as endangered (Grade IV). The outcomes from both assessment systems are congruent, confirming a status equivalent to CR. This consensus is underpinned by the species' critically small, fragmented, and declining wild population, with the total number of mature individuals remaining dangerously low. This study provides a scientific basis for the endangered level assessment of D. odorifera T.C. Chen and the subsequent management and protection strategies.

Source: Ecology and Evolution

DOI: 10.1002/ece3.72465

Authors: Chumin Ye, Kai Zhang, Xinli Gui, Yukai Chen, Haifu Meng

Institution: Hainan Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Botany and Plant Ecology Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,570