TY -JOUR
AU -R. H. G. Ranil
AU -D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara
AU -T. Janssen
AU -C. R. Fraser-Jenkins and D. S. A. Wijesundara
TI -Conservation Priorities for Tree Ferns (Cyatheaceae) in Sri Lanka
PY -2011
DA -2011-09-15
JO -Taiwania
VL -56
IS -3
SP -201
EP -209
UR -https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1081
AB -Diversity, phytogeography and conservation status of Sri Lankan tree-ferns are discussed in this paper. The family Cyatheaceae is represented by eight taxa (seven species and one doubtful variety) in Sri Lanka with a high rate of endemism of 75%. Apart from Cyathea walkerae and C. gigantea, the other species are restricted to geographically isolated areas in the country with limited population sizes. Fortunately, all Sri Lankan species of Cyathea occur within the protected areas of the wet zone. However, ex situ conservation is limited to C. walkerae and C. crinita at Botanic Gardens in Hakgala. Despite the family being listed in Annex II of CITES, its species have not yet been assessed in Sri Lanka for the Red Listing criteria. Identification of the nature and level of threat to Sri Lankan Cyathea species is therefore a major priority, followed by the monitoring of populations in situ in protected areas in the wet zone. Ex situ conservation of rare species and cultivation of Cyathea species from spores have also been identified as priority areas. A strong programme should be developed with the National Herbarium to explore little known forest patches in the wet zone to enhance our knowledge of Cyathea species in Sri Lanka. Such information will provide a strong basis for preparing a conservation and management plan for tree-ferns in the country.
DO -10.6165/tai.2011.56(3).201