Plant taxonomists and field botanists gathered together in Puer during April 5-9 to assess the endangered status and conservation priorities for plants in Puer area. Data regarding from the current status of plants in the area were inferred from field surveys, published literature studies and consultation with experts.

   A primary assessment result was reached after the meeting. Two (2) plant species were evaluated as critically endangered (CR), 70 species were classified as endangered (EN), 295 species were classified as vulnerable (VU), 4174 species were classified as least concerned (LC), and 1037 species were assessed as data deficient (DD). 6.66% percent of Puer flora are endangered, with percentage to be higher after further study of the plants in category of data deficient.

   With the assessment result, XTBG director Prof. Chen Jin met with local officials of Forestry Bureau and discussed biodiversity conservation in the area.

The assessment meeting was part of the work for “Full-cover conservation plan of native plant species in China” launched by the Chinese Union of Botanical Gardens (CUBG). With Prof. Chen Jin as principal investigator, XTBG is responsible for the inventory and conservation of native plant species in southwest China –Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing.

Meeting of XTBG and Puer Forestry Bureau

Taxonomists and field botanists at the assessment meeting