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A model for determining ex situ conservation priorities in big genera is provided by analysis of the subgenera of Rhododendron (Ericaceae)

Biodiversity and Conservation volume 26, pages 189–208 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

The large size and complex taxonomy of big genera complicates decision making for conservation. We propose that Rhododendron, comprising some 1215 taxa, divided into nine subgenera and many sections, can be used as a model for other big genera. Although Red List assessments placed 715 taxa in a threat category, or listed them as Data Deficient, and moreover Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation requires 75 % of Red List taxa to be held in ex situ collections by 2020, to date there have been few studies of Rhododendron ex situ collections or conservation priorities. Utilising the subgenus structure of Rhododendron as a framework for examining conservation priorities, we analysed the Red List and determined that subgenera Vireya and Hymenanthes have the most acute conservation issues. Examination of taxa in cultivation shows that 844 of 1215 taxa (70 %) are in cultivation, with subgenera varying from 45 to 100 %. Of the 715 Red List taxa, 400 (56 %) are in cultivation, with subgenera varying from 28 to 72 %. Subgenera Vireya and Azaleastrum have the poorest representation in cultivation and should have precedence for ex situ conservation. As no subgenus reaches the requirement for Target 8, further planning is needed for ex situ conservation of Rhododendron. After combining the two analyses, we propose the priorities for ex situ conservation should be ordered (i) Vireya, (ii) Azaleastrum and (iii) Hymenanthes. Finally, we propose five conservation actions for Rhododendron, and summarise our approach as a model for conservation of other big genera.

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Notes

  1. In this study we use the terms “plant collections”, “ex situ collections” and “collections” to refer to botanic gardens or other sites that contain an assemblage of living plants. The terms do not refer to the activity of ‘plant collecting’ where samples (herbarium, seed, or propagation material) are gathered from the field.

  2. Number of Data Deficient/(Threat categories + Data Deficient) × 100.

  3. To avoid confusion between Rhododendron the genus, and Rhododendron the subgenus, italic text is used for the genus, and plain text is used for the subgenus (and the other subgenera).

  4. Under our data sharing agreement with New Zealand collection owners, individual sites are not named in publications.

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Acknowledgments

This study has sourced data from several online databases and we appreciate the opportunity to access those databases. We also thank collection owners in New Zealand who contributed data to this study. We are very grateful to the New Zealand Rhododendron Association, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, and Massey University for supporting this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand

    Marion MacKay

  2. The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11-600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand

    Susan E. Gardiner

Authors
  1. Marion MacKay
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  2. Susan E. Gardiner
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marion MacKay.

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Conflict of interest

We do not identify any particular conflicts of interest; however, we have various roles in the Rhododendron community. We are both members of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association. Susan Gardiner is a member of the Board of the Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden (Federal Way, USA) and of the Council of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association. Marion MacKay is a member of the Trust Board of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust (New Zealand).

Additional information

Communicated by Jan C. Habel.

This article belongs to the Topical Collection: Ex-situ conservation.

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MacKay, M., Gardiner, S.E. A model for determining ex situ conservation priorities in big genera is provided by analysis of the subgenera of Rhododendron (Ericaceae). Biodivers Conserv 26, 189–208 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1237-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1237-0

Keywords

  • Ex situ collections
  • Red List
  • Target 8
  • Botanic gardens
  • Vireya
  • Hymenanthes
  • Azaleastrum

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