SURVEY LEADS TO DISCOVERY OF 72 WILD MALUS
NIEDZWETZKYANA TREES IN KYRGYZSTAN

A Global Trees Campaign survey conducted in association with local communities in Kyrgyzstan has led to the discovery of 72 wild Malus niedzwetzkyana trees, bringing the total number of known trees to 111. Both in situ and ex situ conservation projects are underway to protect the few remaining wild trees of this charismatic apple species.

The Niedzwetzky apple, easily recognisable by its bright red flesh, is found in the fruit and nut forests of Central Asia. Surveys in 2007 found only 39 trees in Kyrgyzstan and, although the status of the species in neighbouring countries is unknown, populations are thought to be severely reduced and highly fragmented. The greatest threats to the species are likely to be over collection of fruit and loss of habitat – over 90% of the Central Asian fruit and nut forests have been lost in the past 50 years.

A follow-up to the 2007 autumn survey has now been conducted. During the field trips last year the forestry service and other interested local people were involved in the survey work, given training and asked to look out for further Malus niedzwetzkyana trees - specifically during the blossoming season when they are more distinct. As a result of this local awareness raising and engagement, an additional 72 trees have been located, bringing the total to 111. All trees have been photographed, mapped and a number of characteristics measured and noted.

Seeds have been sustainably collected from all of the remaining wild trees for storage and use in ex situ conservation projects. Large numbers of seeds were produced by the known M. niedzwetzkyana trees in 2008 and around 2kg of seeds were collected. Three locations have been chosen for tree nurseries in areas where the species occurs. The use of suitable plots in these sites, in Ak-Terek, Sary-Chelek and Urumbash, has been arranged with local authorities. Interested members of the local community and/or forest service have been selected to be involved in the development and maintenance of the nurseries and have been given training to do so. The ground has been prepared and the first of the collected seeds have been planted.

See Conservation of a Rare Apple in Kyrgyzstan for more information.

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