ISHS Acta Horticulturae 360: I International Symposium on Ornamental Palms
THE FUTURE OF ORNAMENTAL PALMS AND THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION |
| Author: | Dennis V. Johnson |
| Keywords: | Arecaceae, biodiversity, genetic resources, utilization |
| Abstract:
Conservation issues related to the Palm family are examined, particularly with respect to useful and ornamental species. Deforestation is the major threat to palms in situ and habitat preservation is needed to avoid species extinction. By comparison, ex situ conservation has an important but limited role, especially as regards germplasm resources. Conservation categories are used to describe the status of wild species and to help define priorities for species conservation. Regulation of international trade in threatened plants is one conservation approach. A global action plan for palm conservation and utilization is in preparation to draw together all relevant issues and to highlight the most urgent conservation needs. The Chamaedorea palms are used as an example of a threatened group of popular ornamental palms. Three-fourths of the 100 species are under some degree of threat in the wild. Protecting their tropical rain forest habitat in Central and South America would have broad conservation value. | |
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