RED LISTING TREES AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Tropical montane forests are currently one of the major global conservation priorities due to their biological richness, high level of endemism and because data availability in this region is still comparatively limited.

Forests in mountain areas are already threatened by habitat degradation and destruction caused by logging, fuelwood collection, farming and mining. Climate change is adding to these pressures, as montane tree species are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and rainfall. Their loss can lead to changes in soil instability, reduce water availability for the lowland areas, and have a negative impact on other ecosystem services they provide. This project, in collaboration of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), is assessing the impact of climate change on the world’s montane tree species

This project aims to produce a Red List assessment of a wide range of threatened montane tree species, and provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of climate change on this important element of global diversity, under different future scenarios.

In collaboration with IUCN SSC Global Trees Specialist Group (GTSG), FFI and BGCI, this research will provide a detailed assessment of the conservation status of trees of the montane forests of the northern Andes, using the IUCN Red List criteria, which involves GIS mapping of forest cover and species distribution, estimating the rate of forest loss and incorporates local expert knowledge. A workshop took place in Quito, Ecuador, from the 26th -28th May 2010. The purpose of this meeting was to review the conservation of montane tree species of the northern Andes region (Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador y Argentina), and to assess priorities for conservation action. During the 2 ½ days, the group discussed and evaluated the current state of tree species in the tropical Andes (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela), and identified a priority study area, the cloud forest of the tropical Andes, as a major component to include in the publication of the Red List. The group was introduced to the criteria and categories of the IUCN version 3.1 and the guidelines of implementation at regional level to evaluate the species 

We hope that this assessment will eventually lead to a collaborative publication involving participants at the workshop. Anyone with background in these forests who is willing to contribute to this publication, is very welcome to participate.

For further information about this project please contact Natalia Tejedor. Financial support for this project will be gratefully appreciated.

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