Abstract
Phoebe hainesiana Brandis synonym P. bootanica (Meisn.) Gangop (Lauraceae) is an economically significant timber-yielding forest species endemic to Northeast India in Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot (IMBH). Due to its high demand in regional timber industries, the species populations have been fragmented through illegal felling and over-harvesting. Despite its commercial significance and rare sighting, the botanical description of the species is not well-documented. It is considered the ‘least-concerned’ species in the IUCN Red List, which requires revision. The study found the species populations in very confined regions of Manipur state in India. A significant variation in intra-specific wood density (450 to 800 kg/m3) determined the scope of robust selection for the genetic improvement of the species. The conservation status assessment resulted in the status of the species as ‘endangered’ due to a rapid decline in its population, a limited ‘extent of occurrence,’ and a small ‘area of occupancy.’ The taxonomical review found that P. hainesiana can be identified based on its distinct lobes of the fruiting perianth among the other four species from the genus found in India. We recommend a sincere effort to conserve the species population and develop silvicultural systems for sustainable management in the IMBH region.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the State Forest Development Agency (State Forest Department), Government of Manipur, India, for funding support and permitting access to the forests of Manipur, and DST-SERB, New Delhi for fund support. The institutional support from the competent authority, Manipur University, is also gratefully acknowledged.
Funding
State Forest Development Agency (SFDA), Government of Manipur, India and DST-Science and Engineering Research Board, New Delhi, India.
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Significance statement: The present work accounts for the ecology, silviculture, and conservation status of a tree species Phoebe hainesiana Brandis synonym P. bootanica (Meisn.) Gangop, of Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot in India, which is significantly utilized for timber in the regional market. The wood density of the species ranged from 450 to 800 kg/m3, which requires genetic improvement for the mass multiplication of superior stocks. The species population is endangered due to its limited extent of occurrence with low natural regeneration and over-exploitation for timber. We recommend updating the conservation status of this species in the IUCN Red Data List and developing a propagation protocol for the conservation of the species.
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Devajit, Y., Aashish, L., Wairokpam, B. et al. Ecology and Silviculture of Phoebe hainesiana Brandis: A Data Deficient but Commercially Significant Timber Species of Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot in India. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 94, 1–7 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-023-01454-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-023-01454-7