1
GYMNOSPERM CONSERVATION AT CUC PHUONG
NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM
RSG_ID: 24.12.07 (March 1, 2008 – February 28, 2009)
Nguyen Manh Cuong
Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh – Vietnam
2
GYMNOSPERM CONSERVATION AT CUC PHUONG NATIONAL
PARK, VIETNAM
I. INTRODUCTION
Cuc Phuong National Park (PNP) is a hilly, forested limestone landscape located about 120 km
southwest of Hanoi, at the boundary intersection of three provinces: Hoa Binh to the northwest,
Thanh Hoa to the south and southwest, and Ninh Binh to the east. The geographic location is
between 105o29' E to 105o44' E longitude and between 20o14' N and 20o24' N latitude. It covers an
area of 20,000 hectares and is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Vietnam, harbouring 28% of plant
species recorded in the country. These include 2073 species of plants distributed in 926 genera and
249 families (Thin, 1997; Soejarto et al., 2004). Of the 2073 species, 6 belong to the gymnosperms.
These six species of gymnosperms are considered at risk and are listed in the IUCN Red List: Cycas
hoabinhensis K.L. Phan & T.H. Nguyen (EN A4c), Cycas dolichophylla K.D. Hill, T.H. Nguyen & K.L.
Phan (VU A2c and Listed on CITES Appendix II), Cycas balansae Warb. (NT), Cycas
sexseminifera F.N. Wei (LR nt), Podocarpus neriifolius D. Don (LR/lc) and Nageia fleuryi (Hickel)
de Laub. (NT). They are also listed in the Endangered Flora and Fauna Catalog (Appendix 3 CITES) according to Decision 74 /2008/QĐ-BNN June 20, 2008 (international trade on endangered
wild fauna and flora), which prohibits their exploitation for commercial purposes. Thus, these
gymnosperm species rank high in the conservation priority and agenda of CPNP. Consequently,
their protection and long-term conservation measures at CPNP need to be implemented.
GYMNOSPERM SPECIES AT CUC PHUONG NATIOAL PARK
The descriptions of the six species mentioned above are presented below.
Fig. 1. Podocarpus neriifolius
Fig. 2: Nageia fleuryi
1 Podocarpus neriifolius (Fig. 1):
Narrow in distribution at Cuc Phuong National Park. Gymnosperm conservation study team found
only an isolated population occurring at CPNP. This population is on the decline due to
regeneration failures. Gymnosperm Conservation study team has initiated to grow 35 individuals
within the gymnosperm conservation designated sites at CPNP as part of our attempt to preserve
genetic resources of threatened plant species. P. neriifolius is listed in the Endangered Flora and
Fauna Catalog (Appendix 3 - CITES) according to Decision 74 /2008/QĐ-BNN June 20, 2008
3
(international trade on endangered wild fauna and flora, which prohibits its exploitation for
commercial purposes).
2. Nageia fleuryi (Fig. 2)
This species is considered at risk in the IUCN Red List. It has a narrow distribution range at Cuc
Phuong National Park, and has been the target of exploitation to satisfy timber demands. Nageia
fleuryi has two populations in the park, in remote limestone locations, and their survival is at risk.
Consequently, ex-situ conservation was implemented at CPNP.
3. Cycas dolichophylla, C. sexseminifera, C. hoabinhensis,
C. Balansae (Figs. 3-6)
All these four species have a narrow distribution range at Cuc
Phuong National Park. Their populations are found only in
remote and isolated limestone areas. Their survival is at risk,
since they are the targets of commercial exploitation to satisfy
ornamental plant demands. Consequently, ex situ conservation
has been implemented in the park. The conservation status of
these species is listed in Appendix 2 – CITES in the
Endangered and Rare Fauna and Flora Catalog according to
Decree 32/2006/NĐ – CP March 30, 2006, which prohibits
their exploitation for commercial purposes.
Fig. 3: Cycas dolichophylla
Fig. 4: Cycas hoabinhensis
Fig. 5: Cycas balansae
Fig. 6: Cycas sexseminifera
Cycas hoabinhensis is endemic to Vietnam and has a restricted distribution in CPNP and the
surrounding landscape. This species is considered endangered (IUCN). A second species, Cycas
dolichophylla, listed as near vulnerable globally, is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction
4
in the wild due to increasing commercial exploitation for ornamental uses. For the other Cycas
species, there is limited information on the population size and distribution globally, and in
Vietnam. The threat to these species comes from high demand for their timber and as an ornamental
in commercial trades.
Cycads are traded in the Vietnamese domestic market and abroad in Asia. Due to over-exploitation
as a result of illegal trade, cycad species are rapidly disappearing in parts of their range. In view of
their restricted distribution and the continuing problems with illegal logging in Vietnam, this
valuable and near-threatened species with high economic value may be on the way to become
extinct locally.
Despite our existing knowledge described above, little field data are available that would help
improve measures to set up local conservation plans and action, including measures to help increase
the population sizes of these threatened species. This argument is especially true in the case of
CPNP, an ecosystem of conservation priority. Therefore, this project was proposed with the purpose
to search new data to fill this void. It was felt that such data would allow CPNP to set a sound
gymnosperm conservation plan and action.
II. PROJECT AIM AND OBJECTIVES
1. To study plant regeneration through a 50 x 20 m plot method, and to compile a database on
ecological parameters of each species.
2. To provide distribution maps of species: determine species identity, habitat, location, population
size.
3. To observe and record phenology (recording dates of flowering and fruiting) of each species as
much as possible in different populations.
4. To initiate ex situ conservation program of threatened and endangered gymnosperms in
cooperation with protected area managers and local communities.
5. To build a living gene bank of gymnosperm species in Cuc Phuong National Park through seed
and cutting propagation experiments in Cuc Phuong nursery, and to transfer them to Gymnosperm
Conservation Area.
6. To establish Threatened and Endangered gymnosperms conservation zones, and to involve local
people, students and volunteers as active participants in the project.
III. METHODOLOGY
The study was implemented in Cuc Phuong National Park, with the following activities.
1. To conduct field surveys. The following activities were carried out: Set up plots to study
regeneration and to calculate number of individuals for each species; collected voucher herbarium
specimens for deposit at the CPNP Herbarium; measured altitude, longitude and latitude using a
GPS instrument; took photographs; and took field notes on biological and ecological factors,
including vegetation formation type, dominant species, natural regeneration, and responses to
disturbance.
2. To collect seeds and cuttings for studying the cultivation requirements through the establishment
of ex situ collections, to be managed in partnership with the Muong minority communities.
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3. To conduct interviews with Muong minority people to determine the current status of each
species, and to compile data on the exploitation of the gymnosperm species. Data to be queried
included actual species distribution in the park provided by the people. Some villagers have high
familiarity with the flora of the park. Forest managers, forest rangers and interested members of
village communities were invited to participate in the field work survey throughout the proposed
study area and period.
4. To map species distribution in the park based on GPS readings on site where individual plants
were found.
5. To build a database (excel-based matrix) on species parameters (distribution, habitat, population
size, soil conditions, phenology, among others).
6. To set a plan for conservation management of gymnosperm taxa at CPNP, with the involvement
of CPNP managers and village authorities.
7. To hold seminars and meetings with participation of local communities, in order to raise their
awareness to conserve these threatened plant taxa, hence, to get input for action plan.
8. To disseminate findings of the study to the local Muong minority communities and to Cuc
Phuong National Park, and to prepare manuscripts for publication.
IV. RESULTS
1. GYMNOSPERM COMMUNITY STRUCTURES AND REGENERATION STUDY
Fig. 7: Gymnosperm plots setup to study community structures and regenerations
Six plots each the size of 0.1 ha (20 x 50 m) were set up in different locations (Fig. 7).
The study compiled a database on ecological parameters of each species. Regeneration
studies also documented all saplings distributed inside the study plots. Result of field
studies may be summarized as follows.
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1. Field study group
2. Study group on the way to
set up study plots at the top of
limestone hill in Thanh Yen
commune – Cuc Phuong
National Park
3. Numbering plants inside
the study plots.
4. Regeneration study
5.
Herbarium
collections
specimen
1. a. Podocarpus neriifolius (Thong tree)
The survey at Cuc Phuong National Park found only a single isolated population of Podocarpus
neriifoliuson the peak of a limestone hill in the center of the Park (200 20.625’ N; 1050 35.470’ E).
Within the survey plot (20 x 50 m = 1000 m2) at the top of the hill, the Podocarpus neriifolius
population consists of 6.2% total individuals as compared to other species. The total percentages
are:16.5% Calophyllum balansae; 11.3% Diospyros mollis; 10.3% Xerospermum noronhianum;
7.2% Planchonella obovata; 6.2% Podocarpus neriifolius; 5.2% Sinosideroxylon racemosum;
5.1% Eriobotrya sp.; 5.1% Schefflera pes-avis; 3.1% Decaspermum parviflorum; 3.1%
Mangifera flava; 26.9% other species.
The study also found that Podocarpus neriifolius population in this location is undergoing
reduction in size: there are only 7 mature individuals in 1000 m2, with 2 dead, leaving only 5 living
individuals.
Regeneration study found 25 saplings (Table 1) within 1000 m2. Of these, 5 individuals are less
than 20 cm in height, 13 individuals 40 – 160 cm, and 7 individuals higher than 160 cm. It is
estimated that for these saplings to reach maturity, it would take 3-5 years. It was also observed that
germination rate of Podocarpus neriifolius was low. The factor that appears to affect germination
rate is habitat condition, made up of 90% limestone mixed with feralite soil. It was evident that only
seeds that reached feralite soil would be able to maintain their life cycle.
1. b. Nagei fleuryi – Kim giao
The field survey found some isolated populations at the peak of a limestone hill located between the
Prehistoric Cave of Early Man and Dan station (200 18.032’ N; 1050 39.826’ E). The study,
conducted in a plot of 20 x 50 m , found that Nagei fleuryi population occupies 5.4 % of the total
individuals in this plot community: 29.7% Dredrocnide urentissima; 8.1% Streblus laxiflorus; 5.4%
Trigonostemon stellaris; 5.4 % Neocinnamomum lecomtei; 5.4 % Dimocarpus longan; 5.4 %
Nageia fleuryi; 5.4 % Beislchmiedia sp.; 5.4 % Trevesia palmata; 29.7% other species.
Regeneration study found 5 saplings (Table 1); no individual sapling was less than 20 – 40 cm; 2
individuals 40 – 100 cm; 2 individuals 100 - 160 cm; and 1 individual higher than 160 cm.
7
Therefore, development of seedlings to reach maturity varies, and has apparently taken place for
quite a long period. It may be noted that regeneration process is low. The causes may lie in the
habitat condition, which consists of only limestone substrate with little feralite soil. Only when a
seed reaches feralite soil will the plant be able to maintain their life cycle. Nagei fleuryi is dioecious
plant; hence it needs both male and female individuals to reproduce sexually.
1. c. Cycas dolichophylla
The survey found two isolated populations of Cycas dolichophylla on valleys at the center of Cuc
Phuong National Park (200 22. 427 N; 1050 32.743’E) at the edge of a limestone hill with soil
substrate, and in the Cui commune in Lac Son district of Hoa Binh province (200 21. 694’ N; 1050
35.223’ E) and at Bua Trang valley in Bong center.
In a plot of 20 x 50 m at the edge of a limestone hill, the study found that Cycas dolichophyla
population comprises 12.2 % of the individuals in this plot: 14.6% Saraca dives; 12.2% Cycas
dolichophyla; 7.3% Pometia pinnata; 7.3% Ficus nervosa; 4.8% Canarium album; 4.8% Oreocnide
intergrifolia; 4.8% Aglaia lawii; 4.8% Elaeocarpus apiculatus; and 39.4% others.
Regeneration study found 5 saplings (Table 1). One individual sapling was less than 20 – 40 cm in
height, 2 individuals from 40 – 80 cm, and 2 individuals from 80 - 120 cm. Therefore, the
development rate from seedling to maturity varies. Overall, the regeneration rate under field
conditions is low.
1. d. C. sexseminifera
The field survey found two populations of C. sexseminifera on an isolated limestone hill in the
park. One population is located at 200 15.564’ N; 1050 38. 686’ E at the top of the hill, on limestonesoil substrate near ranger station number 12 at Thanh Yen commune of Thach Thanh district, in
Thanh Hoa province. The other (200 18.356‘N; 1050 41.341‘E) is located at Yen Quang commune
of Nho Quan district, in Ninh Binh province.
A plot study (20 x 50 m) at the edge of the limestone hill found that C. sexseminifera population
comprised 11.4% individuals within the plot: 44.6 % Streblus laxiflorus; 11.4 C. sexseminifera; 5
% Tarenna attenuata; 4 % Diospyros sp.; 3 % Amesiodendron chinense; 3 % Melientha suavis; 3
% Heritiera macrophylla; 2 % Walsura bonii; 2 % Xerospermum noronhianum; 2 % Decaspermum
parviflorum; 2 % Phoebe lanceolata; 2 % Diospyros mollis; 2 % Mitrephora calcarea;and 14 %
other species.
Regeneration study found 24 saplings (Table 1), of which 8 less than 20 cm, 11 of 20 – 40 cm, and
5 individuals of 40 – 60 cm in height. Thus, there are variations in the development rate from
seedling to maturity. The regeneration progression under field conditions is low.
1. e. C. hoabinhensis:
The survey found one population of C. hoabinhensis on an isolated limestone hill (200 18.356‘ N;
1050 41.341‘ E) at the top of the hill, where the substrate is limestone with soil, in Yen Quang
commune of Nho Quan district, in Ninh Binh province.
In a plot of 20 x 50 m, C. hoabinhensis population comprises 16 % of individual plants found in the
plot: 46 % Dracaena cochinchinensis; 16% Cycas hoabinhensis; 6 % Glochidion gamblei; 6 %
Mitrephora calcarea; 4 % Xerospermum noronhianum; 4 % Bonidendron parviflorum; 4 %
Schefflera pes-avis; 4 % Tirpitzia sinensis; and 10 % other species
Regeneration study found 13 sapling individuals (Table 1), of which one was less than 20 cm high;
10 individuals up to 20 – 40 cm high; and 2 individuals reach to 40 – 60 cm in height. This reflects
8
variable development rate from seedling to maturity. The study observed that the regeneration rate
of C. hoabinhensis under field conditions is low.
1. f. Cycas balansae
The study found two populations of Cycas balansae in an isolated limestone hill: 200 18.356‘N;
1050 41.341‘E at (Yen Quang commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province).
In a plot (20 x 50 m) study at the edge of the limestone hill, we found that Cycas balansae
population comprises 12.5 % individuals of the total in the community (plot):47.9 % Dracaena
cochinchinensis; 12.5 % Cycas balansae; 6.3 % Glochidion gamblei; 6.3 % Mitrephora calcarea;
4.2 % Xerospermum noronhianum; 4.2 % Boniodendron parviflorum; 4.2 % Schefflera pes-avis;
4.2 % Tirpitzia sinensis; 10.5 % other species. Regeneration study found 7 sapling individuals
(Table 1), consisting of 5 individuals of up to 20 – 40 cm high, and 2 individuals of 40 – 60 cm.
This reflects the variation of the development of this species in reaching maturity. Observations
indicate that under field conditions the regeneration process and rate of C. balansae are low.
1. g. Forestry regeneration criteria
To assess sapling regeneration, we used standard forestry survey method as follows. First, healthy
plants are defined as those in good growth condition, symmetrical in shape, not twisted, diseased or
headless plants. Weak plants are those in poor growth condition, twisted, and diseased.
Hence, the study assessed sapling regeneration based on the prospect whether a sapling has or does
not have the prospected to become a component of the forest structure. We applied this forestry
standard inventory method in our study at Cuc Phuong National Park. Regenerating plants are
divided into two height levels: <40-100 cm plants considered not having development prospect),
and those >100 cm (considered to have a good prospect). This classification, however, applies only
to Podocarpus neriifolius and Nageia fleuryii, and not to Cycas species.
As discussed above, regeneration study in six plots showed low percentages of Gymnosperm
regenerations at Cuc Phuong (Table 1). Therefore, Gymnosperm conservation efforts in this park
must utilize and apply all criteria considered above during the course of the propagation study
period, with each species treated individually in the Cuc Phuong’s nursery.
Table 1: Gymnosperm regeneration studies in six plots at Cuc Phuong
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
Species
Podocarpus
neriifolius
Nageia
fleuryi
Cycas
dolichophylla
Cycas
hoabinhensis
Cycas
sexseminifera
Cycas
balansae
Plot locations
N 200 20.625
E 1050 35.470
N 200 18.032
E 1050 39.826
N 200 21.694
E 1050 35.223
N 200 18.377
E 1050 41.311
N 200 18.356
E 1050 41.341
N 200 15.245
E 1050 41.729
Total
plots
(10 x
10 m)
10
Subplots
with
regenera
tion
5
10
Total
plants
Plant number
Good
Weak
plants
plants
Height category
<100 cm
>100 cm
25
21
4
12
48
13
52
1
5
4
1
2
40
3
60
10
3
5
3
2
4
80
1
20
10
5
13
12
1
13
100
0
0
10
6
24
20
4
24
100
0
0
10
2
7
5
2
7
100
0
0
9
The study observed that rate of development in the
regeneration of Cycas dolichophylla, Cycas sexseminifera,
Cycas hoabinhensis, and Cycas balansae under field
conditions is low. The factors that may have affected the
low regeneration percentages may be rationalized, as
follows.
First, habitat conditions, specifically, limestone substrate
mixed with little Feralite soil. Field observations indicate
that only seeds that are dispersed into feralite soil would
be able to complete their life cycle. Cycas are dioecious
species; two plants (male and female) are needed for
successful regeneration. As a result, it is difficult to
accomplish sexual reproduction during the pollination period
(when only male plant on one site).
Furthermore, Cycas populations have a restricted
Beatles damage male corns of Gymnosperm
distribution, and population sizes are small and have been
species during reproduction season
decreasing.
Second, beetles devour and damage the male cones of Gymnosperm species during the reproduction
season.
Third, moths eat the young leaves and the young shoots during germination under field conditions.
Fourth, illegal exploitation of mature Gymnosperm species as a result of demands for ornamental
purposes reduced the number of mature individuals to complete the life cycle. Clearly, these factors
affect the longevity of gene resources under natural conditions.
Gymnosperm exploitation to satisfy demands for ornamental plants
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2. DISTRIBUTION MAP OF GYMNOSPERRM SPECIES AT CUC PHUONG NATIONAL
PARK.
This map provides the locations of Gymnosperm species found in Cuc Phuong National Park. Most
of these species are distributed on peaks of limestone hills. The location of the study populations
were recorded using a GPS instrument, and documented by collection data, that include voucher
specimens, named locations, date of collection, specific habitat, plant field characters, and
geographic coordinates (UTM). Additionally, field data on life form, microhabitat, number of
individuals on the site, state of flowering or fruiting, dispersers and pollinators, fruit/seed collection
data (if in fruiting state), phenology were also documented.
3. PHENOLOGY STUDY
Phenological observations were made on several mature female individuals of the six gymnosperm
species being studied, and to collect seeds for conservation propagation. Based on forestry plant
propagation criteria in the conservation and gene development, mother plants must be selected
among individuals that reached maturity, good growth, and in full development. In our study, for
propagation study, mother plants were selected from plants growing mainly on limestone hills at
remote areas, and in forest valleys within Cuc Phuong National Park. However, for most species,
enough mature mother individuals could not be found. In the first year of the gymnosperm
conservation study at Cuc Phuong National Park, only 4 species were found that provided seeds for
the initial Gymnosperm Conservation Research. The result of phenology observations are given in
Table 2.
Table 2: Phelonogy data collections of gymnosperm conservation study at Cuc Phuong
National Park
Species
1
2
3
Month (1 = January)
4
5
6
C. hoabinhgensis
Lm,
Lo
Lm,
Lo
Ly,
Lm
Ly,
Lm
Ly,
Lm,
Cm
C. dolychophylla
Lm,
Lo
Lm,
Lo
Ly,
Lm
Ly,
Lm,
Cm
Ly,
Lm,
Cm,
Cf
Ly,
Lm,
Cm,
Cf
Lm,
Cf
7
8
9
10
11
12
Ly,
Lm,
Cf
Lm,
Fy
Lm,
Fy
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Lm,
Fy
Lm,
Fy
Sh,
Lm,
Fy
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Lm,
Fr
11
C. seximinifera
Lm,
Lo
Lm,
Lo
Sh,
Ly
Ly
Lm,
Cm
Lm,
Cf
Lm,
Fy
Lm,
Fm
C. balansae
Lm,
Lo
Lm,
Lo
Sh,
Ly
Ly
Ly,
Lm
Lm,
C
Lm
Podocarpus nerriifolius
Ml,
Lo
Ly,
Lm,
Lo
Ly,
Lm
Ly,
Lm
Ly,
Lm,
Cm
Lm,
Fy
Nageia fleuryi
Ml,
Lo
Ly,
Lm,
Lo
Ly,
Lm
Ly,
Lm,
Cm
Ly,
Lm,
Cm
Lm,
Cm,
Cf
Ly,
Lm,
Cm,
Cf
Lm,
Fy
Lm,
Fy
Note: Abbreviation
Sh – Shoot
Cm - Male cone
Lm - Mature leaf Fy - Young fruit
Fm - Mature fruit Ly – Young leaf
S – Seed
Lo – Old leaf
Sh,
Lm,
Fy
Sh,
Lm
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Ly,
Lm
Sh,
Lm,
Fm
Ly,
Lm
Lm,
Fr
Lm,
Fy
Lm,
Fm
Lm,
Fr
Lm,
Fr
Lm
Lm,
Fm
Lm,
Fr
Lm,
Fr
Lm
Lm
Lm
Cf - Female Cone Fr- Ripe fruit
4. INITIATION OF EX-SITU GYMNOSPERM CONSERVATION AT CUC PHUONG
The project set up one hectare plot as a living Gene Bank of Endangered and Threatened
Gymnosperm species at Cuc Phuong National Park in line with the mission of the park, namely, to
manage and to protect natural resources, and to conduct scientific research.
As a first step in the implementation of the project, 6 category E and V gymnosperm species have
been planted in a one hectare conservation zone at Cuc Phuong National Park.
4. a. Propagation
• Seed germination
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Collected seeds of three species (Cycas dolichophylla; Cycas sexseminifera; Nageia fleuryi) were
planted in the ex-situ site described above for the period of May to October, 2008. Seeds were
germinated in the park’s nursery. The results to date are presented in Table 3.
Table 3: Gymnosperm seeds propagation study.
No
1
2
3
No
1
2
3
Species
Series
Fruit
weight
Number
(Seeds)
Cycas
dolichophylla
Cycas
sexseminifera
Nageia fleuryi
I
II
I
II
60 fruits/kg
30
550
35
72
196
Species
Series
Date of
Germination
Number
germinated
Germination
percentage
Cycas
dolichophylla
Cycas
sexseminifera
Nageia fleuryi
I
II
I
II
5/7/2008
15/6/2008
15/7/2008
12/6/2008
25/6/2008
18
254
60
46
60
85
71
220 fruits/kg
98 fruits/kg
Exterminated
mushroom
method
To
exterminate
mushroom
before sowing
through Benlat
solution.
21
139
Sowing
date
Sowing
method
10/3/2008
20/3/2008
4/4/2008
20/3/2008
2/4/2008
Sand &
moisture
soil (to
exterminate
by Daconile
for sowing
environment)
Mixed soil
bag
Transfer
date to PE
plastic bag
27/10/2008
29/9/2008
20/10/2008
26/9/2008
29/9/2008
95% soil + 4
% organic
fertilizer + 1
% NPK
Cycas dolichophylla has a germination percentage of 46 – 60%; Cycas sexseminifera 60 –
85%; Nageia fleuryi 71%.
In addition, propagation experiments found harmful insects (worms of the butterfly species
Chilades pandava) destroyed young leaves during the germination period from March to
September. Periodic spraying of pesticide was made for two weeks (during the period of
young development) with Vitashield 40 EC or Boverin product, Permecide 50 EC 1%
concentration and Diazan 10 H against termites.
• Stem cutting propagation
Gymnosperm cuttings gathered during field surveys and from plants confiscated from
collectors for ornamental exploitation were used in the propagation study. Entire cuttings
were used in the Ex-situte Gymnosperm Conservation site at Cuc Phuong National Park.
The growth from cuttings showed a high percentage (Table 4).
Table 4: Cutting propagation study.
No
1
2
3
4
Species
Collection
date
Number of
Cuttings
Germination
substrate
Cycas dolichophylla
Cycas sexseminifera
Cycas hoabinhensis
Cycas sp
5/5/2008
7/6/2008
6/4/2008
5/6/2008
30
25
20
20
Soil
Percentage
of Living
individuals
100%
96%
95%
90%
• Transplant of saplings
Saplings of regenerating individual plants of Nageia fleuryi and Podocarpus neriifolius
were transferred to the ex-situ Gymnosperm Conservation site. The regeneration
percentages are high 75% - 82% (Table 5).
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Table 5: Transfer of sapling study
No
1
2
Species
Collection
date
Number of
Saplings
Nageia fleuryi
Podocarpus
neriifolius
20/4/2008
17/4/2008
230
80
Percentage
of living
plants
75%
82%
Note
Growing in
Gymnosperm
Conservation
site
• Gymnosperm seed collection
To support a long-term gymnosperm conservation effort, small amounts of seeds of
gymnosperm species were collected from sites of the gymnosperm populations and are
grown in Cuc Phuong National Park’s nursery.
No
1
2
3
4
Species
Cycas dolichophylla
Cycas sexseminifera
Cycas hoabinhensis
Nageia fleuryi
Collection
date
20/12/2008
24/12/2008
26/12/2008
30/12/2008
Amount
(kg)
3
1.5
1.5
2.5
Preservation
conditions
Dry
Note
Seeds to
support
conservation
propagation
at
CPNP in the
future.
4. b. Planting Activities in Gymnosperm Conservation Area
The project implemented ground-breaking and cleanup of a 1-hectare area near the
headquarters of Cuc Phuong National Park. The project included the preparation of a small
nursery to receive propagules (cuttings, transplants, and seeds for germination). This activity
is part of Cuc Phuong’s effort to conserve rare, vulnerable, and endangered Gymnosperm
species found in the park.
Gymnosperm conservation is focused on protecting threatened and endangered gymnosperm
species at Cuc Phuong National Park and Vietnam.
• It is the first Ex situ conservation effort of rare genetic pools of Gymnosperm species
found in the park;
• The study involved local people, students and volunteers as active participants in the
Gymnosperm Conservation program at Cuc Phuong National park. Study was initiated by
planting 6 Gymnosperm species in the Gymnosperm Conservation Area. Individual plants
developed well under care in controlled conditions, free of harmful insects. The next step
was to transfer strong individual plants to the Gymnosperm Conservation site (Fig. 8).
14
Fig. 8: Gymnosperm species planted in the Gymnosperm Conservation Area
Gymnosperm Conservation Area & Collection Conservation Section at Cuc Phuong National park
Gymnosperm Ex-situte conservation has found encouraging support and enthusiasm from
Youth members of Cuc Phuong’s Youth Union and the local people. To date, 60 individuals
of Podocarpus neriifolius, 200 individuals of Nageia fleuryi (from seed propagation and
transferred saplings), and 95 individuals from cuttings of 4 Cycas species are already
established at the Collection Conservation Section. Gymnosperm Conservation project has
helped encourage biodiversity conservation activities among minority communities who live
in areas surrounding Cuc Phuong National Park. The study has also helped in increasing
conservation awareness on Threatened and Endangered species and in conservation
management at Cuc Phuong National Park.
V. PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE PROJECT
Activities of the Gymnosperm Conservation Study included interviewing local people, managers,
rangers, and scientists on the distributions and conservation status of gymnosperm species at Cuc
Phuong National Park (Figs. 9 – a,b,c,d ).
15
Figs. 9 (a,b,c,d): Interviewing local people, managers, rangers, and scientists on
the distributions and conservation status of gymnosperm species at Cuc Phuong National
Park
58 local people who currently grow ornamental plants have been interviewed 41.5 % of them have
collected C dolychophylla for ornamental purposes. We told them that this species is rarely found in
nature. 8.6 % of the people have collected hoabinhensis, 40 % have collected C seximinifera,, and
8.6 % have collected Cycas spp. A 3.4 % have collected other species that are rare in nature (see
Fig. 10).
Interview showed that Nageia fleuryi has been previously collected for timber use purposes for
building house and to make chopsticks. Fortunately, at present this activity has stopped. On the
other hand, local people said that Podocarpus neriifolius has never been seen in nature at Cuc
Phuong National Park.
Fig. 10: Gymnosperm species are threatened by the demands of human ornamental
Exploitation
VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
This study indicates the presence of 6 gymnosperm species at CPNP, whose populations are
currently decreasing in number. Low regeneration rate has clearly impacted in the maintenance of
the population size of these species in their natural conditions. Consequently, it is compelling to
take action to propagate and to maintain mature female plants in their natural conditions, as well as
in ex-situ setting
16
Gymnosperm conservation should maintain and evaluate species in ex-situ conditions as a longterm effort. Working in this project with the participation of local people will build conservation
managers who can assist in gathering information on the conservation status of gymnosperm
species.
Meanwhile, investments in in-situ and ex-situ gymnosperm conservation should be strengthened not
only at Cuc Phuong National Park, but throughout Vietnam as well. Staff of CPNP should
continually be trained to develop better expertise in biodiversity conservation work, which will help
supervise special projects, such as mapping the distribution of endangered gymnosperm in Cuc
Phuong National Park.
Investments to upgrade facilities of the gymnosperm collection conservation areas will ensure the
survival of these species in North of Vietnam. Cooperation and coordination in research on gene
conservation with local and international organizations, as well as with private stakeholders should
be initiated to define future gymnosperm conservation targets at Cuc Phuong National Park.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to express sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Soejarto who kindly made comments and
suggestions on this report and offered useful criticisms. Thanks also expressed to the Vietnam
Forest Protection Department, Cuc Phuong National Park for permission to undertake the field
study. Research for this study gymnosperm conservation program has been supported by a grant
(RSG_ID: 24.12.07) from Rufford Foundation Small Grant Program, which is greatly
acknowledged and thanked.
REFERENCE
IUCN. 2008. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species www.iucnredlist.org Soejarto, D.D., Hiep, N.T.,
Loc, P.K., Cuong, N.M., Bien, L.K., Dai, T.D., Jack R. (2004) Seed Plants of Cuc Phuong National
Park, Vietnam. A Documented Checklist. Published by Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh,
Vietnam. Agricultural Publishing House, Hanoi, Vietnam, pp. i-xxxiv, 1-760, plates IXCIX.
Thin, N. N. (1997). The Vegetation of Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. Sida 17(4): 719-759.