Central Asia The Red List of Trees of - Antonia Eastwood, Georgy Lazkov and Adrian Newton - Global Trees Campaign
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Trees of
The Red List of
Central Asia
Antonia Eastwood, Georgy Lazkov and Adrian NewtonFAUNA & FLORA INTERNATIONAL (FFI), founded in 1903 and the
world’s oldest international conservation organization, acts to conserve
threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that
Published by Fauna & Flora International,
are sustainable, are based on sound science and take account of
Cambridge, UK.
human needs.
© 2009 Fauna & Flora International
ISBN: 9781 903703 27 4
Reproduction of any part of the publication for
educational, conservation and other non-profit
purposes is authorized without prior permission from
the copyright holder, provided that the source is fully
acknowledged.
BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL (BGCI) Reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes
is a membership organization linking botanic gardens in over 100 is prohibited without prior written permission from the
countries in a shared commitment to biodiversity conservation, copyright holder.
sustainable use and environmental education. BGCI aims to mobilize
The designation of geographical entities in this
botanic gardens and work with partners to secure plant diversity for the document and the presentation of the material do not
well-being of people and the planet. BGCI provides the Secretariat for imply any expression on the part of the authors or
Fauna & Flora International concerning the legal status
the IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.
of any country, territory or area, or its authorities, or
concerning the delineation of its frontiers or boundaries.
AUTHORS
Dr Antonia Eastwood was previously Tree Red List
Officer at Fauna & Flora International and is now Plant
Ecologist at the Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen,
Scotland.
THE GLOBAL TREES CAMPAIGN is a joint initiative between FFI and Dr Georgy Lazkov is a plant taxonomist at the Institute
BGCI in partnership with a wide range of other organizations around of Biology and Pedology, National Academy of
Sciences, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
the world. The aim of the Campaign is to save the world’s most
threatened trees and the habitats in which they grow through the Professor Adrian Newton is Professor in Conservation
provision of information, delivery of conservation action and support for Ecology at the School of Conservation Sciences at
Bournemouth University and the Vice Chair of the
sustainable use.
IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.
The opinion of the individual authors does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of either the editors or
Fauna & Flora International.
The authors and Fauna & Flora International take no
responsibility for any misrepresentation of material from
THE IUCN/SSC GLOBAL TREE SPECIALIST GROUP forms part translation of this document into any other language.
of the Species Survival Commission’s volunteer network of over 7000
volunteers working to stop the loss of plants, animals and their habitats. COVER PHOTOS
Front cover: Walnut harvest, Kyrgyzstan. The walnut is
SSC is the largest of the six Commissions of IUCN-The World
a key component of the highly threatened fruit and nut
Conservation Union. It serves as the main source of advice to the Union forests of Central Asia and is also of great economic
and its members on the technical aspects of species conservation. The importance to people in the region (Chris Loades/FFI).
Back cover: Forest, Kyrgyzstan (Chris Loades/FFI).
aims of the IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist Group are to promote and
implement global red listing for trees and act in an advisory capacity to COVER DESIGN
the Global Trees Campaign. John Morgan, Seascape.Trees of
The Red List of
Central Asia
Antonia Eastwood, Georgy Lazkov
and Adrian NewtonThe Red List of Trees of Central Asia
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements 3
Acronyms 3
Foreword 4
Introduction 5
THE RED LIST OF TREES OF CENTRAL ASIA 12
Species evaluated as Least Concern 19
Species not evaluated 21
References 22
ANNEX 1
IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria 24
2The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
he production of this Red List of Natalya Nelina (Institute of Botany and Translation between Russian and English
T Trees of Central Asia would not
have been possible without the
collaboration, commitment and
Phyto-introduction, Kazakhstan), Magjan
Isin (Research Institute of Plant Protection,
Kazakhstan), Abdukhalil Kayimov (State
was done by Igor Smirnov, BGCI Russia.
Amy Hinsley, Programme Officer at FFI,
coordinated final editing and production of
participation of regional and international Agrarian University, Uzbekistan) and the report. Georgina Magin, Global Trees
experts. The experts who participated in Jarkyn Samanchina (Bashat-Community Campaign Coordinator at FFI, provided
the regional workshop held in Bishkek in and Business Forum, Kyrgyzstan). oversight and editorial input and Sara
July 2006 were: Nadezhda Yakovleva, Oldfield, Secretary General of BGCI and
Kamil Ashimov, Tirkesh Murzaev, Elina The Global Trees Campaign is very grateful Chair of the IUCN/SSC Global Tree
Prokhorenko (Kyrgyz Agrarian University, to the Kyrgyz Agrarian University, Bishkek Specialist Group, provided expert advice
Kyrgyzstan), Sayra Kissanova (Association for hosting the workshop, particularly for and technical knowledge. Elizabeth Allen,
of Reserves & Natural Parks, Kazakhstan), the support provided by Dr Almazbek Editorial Assistant of Oryx at FFI, assisted
Iskandar Mirkhashimov (GEF/UNDP Irgashev, Akylbek Kasymov and Dr Almaz with final editing, Liesje Birchenough wrote
project; In-situ Conservation of Orozumbekov. We would also like to thank the case study on the walnut-fruit forest in
Kazakhstan’s Mountain Agrobiodiversity, Nuska Botoiarova, formerly FFI’s Central Kyrgyzstan and Jarkyn Samanchina, FFI’s
Kazakhstan), Sovetbek Kenjebaev Asia Project Coordinator, for all her Project Officer in Kyrgyzstan, coordinated
(Institute of Biosphere, Kyrgyzstan), Akbar organisational, administrative and logistical production of the Russian version of this
Mamadrizokhonov (Khorog State assistance that helped ensure the report.
University, Tajikistan), Evgeny Botman, workshop was such a success.
Evgeny Butkov (Centre for Horticulture and
Forestry, Uzbekistan), Kairkul Shalpykov We would also like to take this opportunity
(Institute of Biology and Pedology, to thank the Red List Unit (IUCN Species
Kyrgyzstan), Galina Malosieva, Leonid Programme), in particular Helen Temple
Andreychenko, Ishenbay Soodonbekov and Craig Hilton-Taylor, for providing
(Bishkek Botanic Garden, Kyrgyzstan), technical guidance on the application of
Gulnara Sitpaeva, Alfia Kurmantaeva, IUCN categories and criteria.
ACRONYMS
BGCI Botanic Gardens Conservation International IUCN The International Union for Conservation
CEC Commission of the European Communities of Nature
CECON Nature Conservation Centre, Guatemala NTFP Non-Timber Forest Product
CI Conservation International SSC Species Survival Commission
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the UK United Kingdom
United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme
FFI Fauna & Flora International USDA United States Department of Agriculture
GEF Global Environment Facility
GIS Geographical Information System
3The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
FOREWORD
rees are important to the well-being In many ways Target 2 underpins the
T of people in every country of the
world, providing
ecological, economic and cultural
essential
other ambitious targets that relate to in
situ and ex situ conservation and
sustainable use and trade in plants.
services. In Central Asia, a vast and varied Projects of the Global Trees Campaign
region with generally relatively low forest carried out in partnership with
cover, tree species are of great value in organizations and individuals around the
defining forest ecosystems and providing world help to deliver these various targets.
resources such as fuelwood, timber, fruits The projects contribute to halting the loss
and nuts. In fact the genetic diversity of of forest biodiversity and the provision of
fruit and nut trees within the region is of support to rural livelihoods.
outstanding global significance. As
elsewhere in the world, the trees of The Global Tree Specialist Group is
Central Asia face an onslaught of threats committed to undertaking a global
from habitat destruction, over-grazing, assessment of the conservation status of
over-harvesting and the increasing impact tree species. Results of the global
of global climate change. This report assessment will be published as
presents a review of the conservation components of the work are completed.
status in the wild of the trees of Central This will ensure that regular indicators of
Asia, facilitated by FFI and the IUCN/SSC progress are produced, updated tree
Global Tree Specialist Group. conservation data are made widely
available and that tree conservation
Since its establishment in 2003 the initiatives around the world can be
primary role of the IUCN/SSC Global Tree supported.
Specialist Group has been to assess the
global conservation status of tree species This report highlights 67 tree species that
in selected geographical areas and are globally threatened, near threatened
taxonomic groups. This report is the fifth or of concern because of insufficient
publication in the series. information on their status in the wild. It
highlights the actions that urgently need
The collection of information on tree to be undertaken to prevent the extinction
species of conservation concern is vital for of these species. Fortunately we have the
planning conservation action. The ability to act, working with nature
secondary role of the IUCN/SSC Global conservation and forestry agencies,
Tree Specialist Group is to act as an botanic gardens and germplasm banks of
advisory body for the Global Trees the region. Fauna & Flora International and
Campaign, which aims to save the world’s Botanic Gardens Conservation
most threatened tree species and the International, the international partners in
habitats where they grow. The Global the Global Trees Campaign, are
Trees Campaign provides an important committed to helping save these tree
practical mechanism for implementation species from extinction.
of the Global Strategy for Plant
Conservation of the Convention on
Biological Diversity. Global tree red listing
contributes directly to Target 2 of the Sara Oldfield
Strategy, which calls for a provisional list of Chair of the IUCN/SSC Global Tree
threatened plant species by 2010. Specialist Group
4The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
INTRODUCTION
Central Asia forms a vast region that The vastness of the region (almost FORESTS AND WOODLANDS OF
stretches from the Caspian Sea in the 4,000,000 km2), its landscapes and CENTRAL ASIA
west to the great Tien Shan mountain altitudinal zonation have led to a wide The aridity of the region means that the
range in the east. The region is range of ecosystem types that include proportion of land under forest or
composed of five independent republics: steppe, riparian tugai, taiga, wetlands, woodland is relatively low when compared
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, snowfields and deserts. These in turn are to more humid regions such as South
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. All five home to threatened species such as America. Tajikistan has the least, with
countries were once part of the Soviet snow leopard Uncia uncia, saiga antelope around 3.9% of its total land area covered
Union until their independence in 1991. Saiga tatarica tatarica and beluga by forest or woodland, whilst Uzbekistan
The largest of the Central Asian countries sturgeon Huso huso. has the most, with 10.1% of its land
is Kazakhstan, with a total land area wooded (FAO, 2006a). Kyrgyzstan,
of just over 2,700,000 km2. Tajikistan The region supports some 8,300 species Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have 6.2%,
is the smallest country, occupying of vascular plants (Kamelin, 2002) of 7% and 8.8% forest and woodland cover
143,100 km2. which approximately 10% are thought to respectively. A large proportion of the
be endemic. The mountains of Central woodland in Kazakhstan and
Central Asia is a region of contrasting Asia are a recognized global biodiversity Turkmenistan is composed of desert
landscapes. In the west it is dominated hotspot (Davis et al., 1995), supporting saxaul Haloxylon spp. shrublands (FAO,
by the barren, rocky Ustyrt Plateau and over 300 wild fruit and nut species. These 2006a). Located primarily in the
the vast Turan Plain, with the Kara-Kum include wild species of apple (four mountains, the forests of Central Asia play
Desert in the south and the Kyzyl-Kum species), almond (8–10 species), cherry a pivotal role in environmental protection,
Desert in the centre. The Kopetdag (8–10 species), plum (4–5 species), and preventing soil erosion and desertification,
Mountains in the south-west form a walnut (one species) as well as many and regulating watersheds.
natural border between Turkmenistan domesticated varieties. The rich diversity
and Iran. The extensive lowland plains in of fruit and nut species in the region led Despite the relatively low forest/woodland
the west and centre of the region, the Russian geneticist and plant breeder cover, Central Asia supports a diverse
comprising largely desert and arid N.I. Vavilov to propose it as one of the range of forest and woodland types,
steppe, eventually give rise to the uplands world’s eight centres of crop origin and some of them unique to the region. The
and then the great mountain ranges of domestication (Hawkes, 1998). In fact, main and most notable forest and
the Tien Shan, the Altai and the Pamir. recent molecular genetic studies strongly woodland types of the region are:
The highest peaks in Central Asia are support the hypothesis that the domestic
Ismoil Somoni Peak (7,495 m), Pobedy apple originated from Kazakhstan (Harris Saxaul Haloxylon spp. shrublands can
Peak (7,439 m) and Lenin’s Peak et al., 2002). be found in the desert and arid steppe
(7,134 m). At altitudes above 3,500 m regions, mostly in Turkmenistan and
permanent snow, rock and glaciers There are 500–600 arborescent species Kazakhstan. These shrublands, which
dominate the landscape. Although the in Central Asia, of which 100–150 can be typically include drought resistant species
region is largely arid, a number of large classified as trees, the remainder being such as Salsola, Calligonum and
rivers such as the Amu-Darya and the shrubs (Lazkov, pers. comm., 2008). This Elaeagnus, play an essential role in
Syr-Darya flow down from the mountains includes taiga species such as Abies preventing soil erosion.
to form lakes such as Issyk-Kul in sibirica and Picea schrenkiana as well as
Kyrgyzstan and the Aral Sea, which lies desert shrubs such as Haloxylon Riparian tugai is restricted to the
on the border of Kazakhstan and persicum and H. aphyllum. High species floodplains of the region and is found
Uzbekistan. These large rivers are diversity and endemism is particularly alongside river courses and streams.
responsible for the verdant, fertile valleys, notable in the shrubby genera Tugai is typically composed of a mixture
such as the Fergana Valley, which today Calligonum, Tamarix, Astragalus, of willow Salix spp., poplar Populus spp.
are intensively irrigated for crops. Cotoneaster, Rosa and Crataegus. and birch Betula spp..
5The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
Broadleaved fruit and nut forests are environmental protection, recreation and priority. The majority of protected areas
found in the foothills and slopes of the wildlife management (FAO, 2006a). and leskhozes are severely under-
Tien Shan, Pamir-Alai and the Kopetdag Central Asian forests are regionally resourced and lack the necessary
mountains between 800–2,000 m. These recognized as being essential in institutional capacity, financial support and
fragmented forests are incredibly rich in protecting common watersheds and expertize for the effective management of
wild fruit- and nut-bearing species such arresting land degradation and biodiversity and law enforcement (MEP,
as walnuts Juglans regia, apples Malus desertification. 1998; MNPT, 2002; Cornet and
spp., pears Pyrus spp., plums Prunus Rajapbaev, 2004; Jashenko, 2006).
spp. and almonds Amygdalus spp.. State forestry enterprises are also
responsible for the management of some FOREST USE
Juniper (archa) woodlands/shrublands forested protected areas, such as the Despite the low forest cover in Central
are found typically in the dry foothill Badai-Tugai Strict Nature Reserve in Asia, the people of the region have
regions or at mid to high altitude (up to Uzbekistan. The rest of the protected always had a strong association and
3,500 m above sea level), where they areas tend to be managed by nature dependency on forests to provide
take on prostrate forms. Species include protection agencies. All five Central Asian firewood, timber and food (nuts, fruit,
Juniperus seravschanica, J. semiglobosa countries largely inherited the former mushrooms and honey). In fact, the name
and J. turkestanica. Soviet system of protected areas, which of Kazakhstan’s former capital, Almaty,
includes Strict Nature Reserves literally means ‘the Father of Apples’. The
Taiga forests comprising predominantly (zapovedniks), National Parks, Nature long association of humans with apples
spruce and fir species are restricted to Monuments and Special Purpose in the region is demonstrated by the lack
the northern slopes of the Tien Shan Reserves (zakazniks). The highest of distinction between some wild species
between 1,700 m and 2,700 m. Typical protection is provided by zapovedniks and their cultivated varieties (Juniper and
species include Picea schrenkiana and (IUCN Category I), whilst zakazniks have Mabberley, 2006).
Abies sibirica. The endemic Semenov fir the least protection (IUCN Category IV).
Abies semenovii is restricted to small To date, there are 39 zapovedniks, 14 Wood fuel is still important in Kyrgyzstan
areas in western Kyrgyzstan. National Parks, some 67 Nature and Tajikistan where a high proportion of
Monuments and around 150 zakazniks in the population live in rural areas and do
Pistachio Pistacia vera woodlands are Central Asia. These numbers are likely to not have access to fossil fuels. In
found on the lower, drier foothills and increase in the near future as more Tajikistan more than 80% of rural
mountain slopes of western Tien Shan, protected areas are designated. A households rely on wood fuel as a main
Pamir-Alai and Kopetdag. One of the number of zapovedniks were established source of cooking energy (FAO, 2006a).
most notable areas of pistachio is in the to conserve distinct forest types such as Since independence all the Central Asian
Badghyz Strict Nature Reserve the Zaaminsky State Reserve (unique countries apart from Turkmenistan have
(Turkmenistan), where the trees form juniper forest) in Uzbekistan and Sary seen an increase in the demand for wood
extensive open groves covering around Chelek Biosphere Reserve (fruit and nut fuel (FAO, 2006a). Primarily due to low
76,000 ha (MNPT, 2002). forest) in Kyrgyzstan. productivity, forest plantations make up
only a small proportion of the total forest
FOREST MANAGEMENT AND The political and economic collapse of the cover in Central Asia. These are mainly
NATURE CONSERVATION Soviet Union between 1989 and 1991 has set aside for protective measures rather
The majority of the forests and had a profound effect on all the Central than for wood production. Most of the
woodlands in Central Asia are still owned Asian countries, with consequences Central Asian countries depend on
by the state, and management is still including war and civil unrest (UNDP, imported wood, although imports have
largely based on the Soviet system of 2005). The ensuing sharp economic drastically reduced since the break-up of
state forestry enterprises or leskhozes decline has had a huge impact on the Soviet Union (FAO, 2006a). Although
(FAO, 2006a). The main objectives of people’s lives in the region, with nature logging is officially illegal in the majority of
forest management in all the Central conservation and environmental the indigenous forests in Central Asia,
Asian countries are focused on protection subsequently receiving low substantial quantities are still removed
6The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
(FAO, 2006a). Trees are felled for timber Safarov, 2003; Cornet and Rajapbaev, The forests of the Tien Shan and Pamir-
and, in the case of walnut, to produce 2004; IRIN, 2003) all indicate that Central Alai mountains and the floodplain tugai
veneer for furniture. The amount of illegal Asian forests and woodlands are under forests provide crucial environmental
felling that is currently taking place is not severe threat from over-exploitation, protection and ecosystems services to
known. desertification, pests and diseases, over- the predominately arid Central Asian
grazing and fires. A combination of region. Their loss and degradation not
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such factors including the cessation of only threatens globally unique biodiversity
as walnuts, apples and pistachios are an subsidized timber from the former Soviet and rural livelihoods but also endangers
important source of livelihoods for rural Union, rural poverty, a lack of alternative water supply and regulation, essential to
communities in Central Asia. Collection of energy sources and the lack of fertile agricultural areas such as the
NTFPs ranges from subsistence institutional capacity to protect and Fergana Valley and major metropolises in
harvesting to collection for international regulate forests have all added to the the region.
trade with, for example, China or Turkey. pressure on vulnerable forests of the
In southern Kyrgyzstan, walnut is the region. The forests and woodlands METHODOLOGY USED FOR
most important NTFP and can be a major growing on the foothills of the Tien Shan, CONSERVATION STATUS
source of income for the local population, Palmir-Alai and Kopetdag mountains, ASSESSMENT
especially during years of good harvest especially those near rural settlements, The IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist
(Fisher et al., 2004). are most threatened. This includes the Group, in association with the Global
slow-growing juniper forests of Tajikistan Trees Campaign, uses a number of
For rural communities the forests also and Kyrgyzstan, which are threatened by approaches to undertake global
provide grazing for livestock and the firewood collection and over-grazing. assessments of the conservation status
under-storey of wood pastures is cut for Kyrgyzstan, for example, lost some 35% of tree species (Newton and Oldfield,
hay to provide fodder during the winter of its montane juniper in just a few 2008). These include, most importantly,
months. Although grazing is illegal in the decades (MEP, 1998). As firewood close collaboration with regional and
majority of leskhozes in Kyrgyzstan, becomes increasingly scarce around international experts in botany and
livestock grazing in woodland is very settlements, villagers have to go deeper forestry, as well as extensive literature
much the norm (Fisher et al., 2004). and deeper into the forest to satisfy their reviews and searches on online
daily fuel needs. taxonomic and herbarium databases,
THREATS TO FORESTS AND supported by GIS mapping.
WOODLANDS Although an important source of income
The Global Forest Resources for rural communities, unsustainable rates To undertake an assessment of the
Assessment 2005 (FAO, 2006b) indicates of harvesting of NTFPs such as walnuts conservation status of Central Asian trees
that the extent of forests and woodlands continue to pose a huge threat to the the Global Trees Campaign organized a
in Central Asia has remained relatively region’s unique fruit and nut forests. The workshop in July 2006 to bring together
unchanged since 1995. However, the threat is further compounded by a range of regional experts from the
reliability of the data provided for the unregulated logging, grazing, hay-making Central Asian countries. A total of 25
assessment is uncertain owing to the and, more recently, pests such as the participants from Kyrgyzstan,
region’s lack of capacity to monitor and gypsy moth Lymantria dispar. In the Jalal- Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and
conduct forest inventories since the Abad province of Kyrgyzstan local the UK attended the workshop in
break-up of the Soviet Union. There is foresters and residents have noticed Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Regrettably, the
also very little official information on the marked reductions in the walnut and workshop organizers were unable to
actual status of forests, their associated apple harvest in recent years (IRIN, 2003). arrange for an expert from Turkmenistan
species and levels of degradation. A biodiversity hotspot report by to attend. Over the 3-day workshop the
Conservation International (CI, 2008) participants, through much discussion
A number of reports, national biodiversity states that some 90% of fruit and nut and debate, produced a list of nationally
strategies and the experience of regional forest habitats have been lost in the last threatened tree species, a candidate list
experts (MEP, 1998; MNPT, 2002; 50 years. of globally threatened Central Asian tree
7The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
species, and a preliminary Red List of SUMMARY OF RESULTS Ribes malvifolium, are threatened by
globally threatened trees from Central over-harvesting of fruits and collection of
Asia using the IUCN Red List categories Conservation Number of saplings as rootstock for grafting. More
and criteria (IUCN, 2001). During the Status taxa specifically, Calligonum triste is directly
workshop a map of regional forest cover, Extinct 0 threatened by desertification and soil
derived from satellite remote sensing Critically Endangered 23 salination resulting from the drainage of
imagery, was used to define the potential Endangered 13 the Aral Sea.
distributional range of selected species. Vulnerable 8
For this purpose the Moderate Resolution Near Threatened 5 A number of the species that are
Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Data Deficient 17 Endangered or Vulnerable are wild
Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) Least Concern 30 relatives of domesticated fruit and nut
product was used (Hansen et al., 2003). Total Evaluated 96 varieties. This includes wild apricot
This product depicts the percentage tree Not Evaluated 12 Armenica vulgaris (EN), which is
cover at a resolution of 500 m using a threatened by unsustainable harvesting
supervised regression tree algorithm. For Of the 96 taxa evaluated, 44 are and over-collection by national and
each species considered distributional categorized as Critically Endangered, international plant-breeding companies.
ranges were derived by exploring the Endangered or Vulnerable, meaning that Two wild apple species, Malus
expert data elicited during the workshop they are threatened with extinction in the niedzwetzkyana (EN) and Malus sieversii
using ArcView v. 9.1 (ESRI, Redlands, wild according to the IUCN Red List (VU), are still found in the fragmented fruit
USA; www.esri.com). Following the categories and criteria. A further five taxa and nut forests of Central Asia and are
workshop the preliminary Red List was are Near Threatened and 17 are Data threatened by habitat degradation, mainly
reviewed and revised with the assistance Deficient. Data Deficient taxa are those from agricultural development and over-
of the Red List Unit, IUCN Species taxa that are deemed not to have sufficient grazing.
Programme and additional research in information available to assign a Red List
the literature and online databases. category. In the current evaluation this is A number of species are directly
primarily because of the lack of knowledge threatened by over-collection for
RESULTS OF EVALUATION of the conservation status of species firewood. This includes Juniperus
Over the course of the 3-day workshop whose distributions extend outside Central schugnanica (VU), Calligonum calcareum
25 experts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Asia, for example, into Afghanistan or Iran. (CR) and Calligonum paletzkianum (VU).
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the UK In addition, the lack of capacity of scientific Populations of these species have all
evaluated 96 Central Asian tree and institutions to undertake fieldwork, seen dramatic declines in recent years,
shrub species according to the IUCN Red particularly since the break-up of the particularly those in the vicinity of rural
List categories and criteria (IUCN, 2001). Soviet Union, has reduced the availability settlements.
Twelve tree and shrub taxa listed in the of up-to-date information. This is especially
Red Data Book of Turkmenistan pertinent for Kazakhstan, the ninth largest The experts evaluated both walnut
(Atamuradov et al., 1999) were not country in the world. Juglans regia and pistachio Pistacia vera
evaluated as no national experts from as Near Threatened even though recent
Turkmenistan attended the workshop. A high proportion of the threatened taxa paleontological evidence for walnut in the
The full Red List of globally threatened are Critically Endangered, that is, they Fergana Valley (Kyrgyzstan) suggests it
trees from Central Asia with associated face an extremely high risk of extinction may have an anthropogenic origin, rather
categories and criteria can be found on in the wild. Many of these are narrow than native (Beer et al., 2007). For walnut,
page 13. A summary of the results of the endemics, such as Abies semenovii and the experts have taken a precautionary
evaluation are in the table below. Crataegus knorringiana, whose approach until further evidence becomes
fragmented populations are threatened available because of the global
by cutting and/or over-grazing. Others, significance of the walnut forests in
relatives of domesticated fruit trees and Central Asia and their importance as an
shrubs such as Pyrus korshinskyi and international genetic resource.
8The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
Box 1: Examples of recent forest conservation projects in Central Asia
CURRENT CONSERVATION
MEASURES FOR THREATENED • Archa JUMP Project on the Sustainable Management of Juniper Forests in
TREES OF CENTRAL ASIA Southern Kyrgyzstan (CEC)
As described in the introduction, all five • Central Asia Transboundary Biodiversity Project in West Tien Shan (GEF)
countries of Central Asia have a long- • Conservation of Tugai Forests and Strengthening Protected Areas System in the
established tradition of nature protection Amu-Darya Delta of Karakalpakstan (UNDP and GEF)
and forest management. This is also true • Impact of the Transformation Process on Human-environmental Interactions in
for scientific research in the biological Southern Kyrgyzstan (Volkswagen Foundation)
sciences and is evident in the extensive • In-situ Conservation of Kazakhstan’s Mountain Agrobiodiversity (UNDP/GEF)
network of botanic gardens, arboretums, • Kyrgyz-Swiss Forestry Support Programme (Intercooperation)
universities and academic research • Community Conservation of Globally Important Fruit and Nut Forests in
institutions throughout the region. Kyrgyzstan (FFI)
However, as previously discussed, the
region has undergone dramatic economic, recognized with a number of internationally throughout the region. Not only do the
social and political transition following funded projects. Some of these projects Central Asian countries share a recent
independence from the former Soviet are listed in Box 1. political legacy, watersheds and mountain
Union in 1991. This has had a profound ranges, but they also share many similar
impact on the capacity of forestry, nature Although the above projects vary greatly issues and problems regarding nature
protection and scientific institutions to in scope it is essential that any lessons conservation, environmental protection,
survey, manage and monitor forests, learnt, best practice and possible rural development and the sustainable
woodlands and threatened species. The solutions are disseminated effectively use of natural resources.
majority of state conservation agencies and
research institutions are severely under-
resourced and are unable to conduct Case Study: Community Conservation of the Walnut-fruit Forests in Kyrgyzstan
baseline surveys, let alone regulate and
manage forest resource use. In turn, FFI is working with local partners in Kyrgyzstan to improve the conservation of walnut-
botanic gardens and germplasm banks fruit forests by promoting the involvement of local communities in forest management.
lack the staff and basic equipment to Threats to forest integrity include: limited natural regeneration because of grazing
maintain globally important ex situ pressure and hay-making within the forest; illegal cutting of trees and collection of
collections of threatened trees. firewood; over-harvesting of fruits and nuts; pests (such as gypsy moth) and disease.
There is immense pressure on Central In recent times, local people have had little opportunity to engage in forest
Asian forests and woodlands to provide management and planning, although they do have access to forest resources
firewood, timber and NTFPs. State forestry through the leasing of forest plots. These fruit and nut forests are a vital resource for
agencies and protected areas therefore local people, providing fuelwood, food, fodder and grazing for livestock, as well as
face huge challenges in the conservation an important income from the walnut harvest.
of threatened trees and the sustainable use
of forest products. These challenges are The project is initially working in Kara Alma, bringing together community
exemplified by the 44 globally threatened representatives, the local forest service and other stakeholders for open discussions
tree species, a significant proportion of on key issues, resulting in a collaborative conservation management plan for the
which are wild relatives of globally sustainable use of the forest. In addition, following a participatory needs assessment,
important fruit crops. training and essential equipment are being provided to the local forest service to
increase their capacity to work with local communities to protect and manage the
The global importance and plight of the forest. Through the provision of small grants and associated training, local people
unique forests and fruit and nut diversity of are being supported to adopt environmentally sustainable livelihood options to reduce
Central Asia has recently begun to be socio-economic pressures on the forest. These small-scale income generation
initiatives have included bee keeping, fruit preservation, and various small workshops.
Liesje Birchenough, Eurasia Programme Manager, Fauna & Flora InternationalThe Red List of Trees of Central Asia
PRIORITY NEEDS FOR ACTION in ex situ collections should be established Soviet times and their current conservation
The forests of Central Asia, with their as soon as possible to act as an insurance status is not known. Other DD species
incredibly rich diversity of fruit and nut trees, policy against extinctions in the wild. require collaboration with experts in China,
are of global significance. The conservation National plant genetic resource authorities Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan in order to
of this unique inheritance is paramount, not should be provided with the necessary establish their conservation status.
only for the region but for the whole legal and policy training to establish multi-
international community. It is therefore lateral agreements for the exchange and
imperative that the international community utilisation of plant genetic resources. Once
provides the necessary financial resources, established, these agreements could be a
investment and training to build the mechanism to ensure long-term funding for
capacity of scientific institutions, nature the conservation of globally important
conservation and forestry agencies, genetic resources. It is a sad irony that the
botanic gardens and germplasm banks to progenitor of the domesticated apple,
manage and conserve this unique heritage Malus sieversii, is threatened by extinction
effectively. in its natural environment, whilst the export
value of apples from the top ten apple-
The region’s state forestry agencies and producing countries is over US$3 billion a
protected areas network require substantial year (FAO, 2008). More poignantly, Malus
investment and capacity building. With so sieversii germplasm collected in the 1990s
many challenges faced by these agencies, from Kazakhstan is currently being used by
training in the development of participatory the USDA Agricultural Research Service to
forest management plans, local community improve disease resistance in current apple
engagement, rural development and cultivars (Forsline et al., 2003). So far,
natural resource management is urgently researchers have discovered Malus
needed. Many of the state agencies lack sieversii samples that show resistance to
basic equipment and infrastructure such as apple scab, fire blight, drought and
uniforms, horses or vehicles, numerous soil pathogens (Pons, 2006).
communication equipment and ranger These research findings once again
posts. In order to alleviate the immediate highlight the global importance of
pressures on forests from firewood conserving the wild relatives of
collection and illegal logging, pilot projects domesticated fruit and nut trees.
that provide alternative sources of energy
to villagers should be trialled, assessed and Twenty-three of the trees and shrubs
rolled out. evaluated are Critically Endangered.
Species recovery plans using both in situ
A review of the status of the region’s and ex situ methods need to be developed
botanic gardens, gene bank facilities and and implemented urgently. Close
ex situ tree collections needs to be collaboration between different agencies in
undertaken. This should be coupled with a neighbouring countries may be required for
review of the ex situ collections held transboundary species.
outside the region. Once the state of these
institutions is known a programme of Eighteen of the species are Data Deficient
institutional capacity building, possibly with (DD). For a number of species this is
the formation of a regional network of because of scientific institutions’ lack of
ex situ conservation facilities, should be capacity to conduct basic surveys. A
initiated. Representatives of the 44 number of potentially threatened species
threatened tree species not yet conserved have not been surveyed since before
10The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
CENTRAL ASIA
R u s si a R u s sia
yl
Tab
Astana
Esil
Oral Karaganda Alta
i Mo
unt
ain
s
a
Zhayy
Irtish
KAZA K H S T A N
Lake Balkhash
Aralsk
Syr-
Aral Dar
ya
Sea
Ile
Almaty
C
UZB
a
EK Bishkek
s
KYRGYZSTAN
p
IS
ia
Bukhara TA Tashkent
Naryn
n
N
Tien Shan Mountains
S
ea
TURKMENISTAN Samarkand
Ashgabat
C hin a
TAJIKISTAN
ns
Am
ntai
Kop u-
Da
et d Garagum Kanaly rya Dushanbe
Mou
ag
Mo
unt
ain
ir
s
Pam
A f g h a n is ta n
I ran Kushka
0 300 600 900 1200 Kilometres
0 186 372 558 744 Miles
11The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
THE RED LIST OF TREES OF CENTRAL ASIA
Abies semenovii B.Fedtsch. naturally occurs. In Kazakhstan, it is only known from three
CR B1ab(v) localities: Talgar, Turgen and Torkulak. Threats to the species
Kyrgyzstan include construction, development of tourist resorts, cutting for
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop fuelwood, harvesting of fruit and the collection of germplasm by
Endemic to Kyrgyzstan, this species has a very narrow both national and international plant-breeding companies. The
distribution range. It is restricted to two localities (Talas and distribution of wild apricot in China needs to be determined.
Chatkal) with an extent of occurrence less than 100 km². Threats
include cutting and disease. Atraphaxis muschketowi Krassn.
EN B1ab(iii)
Ammopiptanthus kamelinii Lazkov Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
CR B2ab(iii,v) Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Kyrgyzstan The species has a very restricted range in Central Asia. In
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Kazakhstan it only occurs between the Kaskelen and Talgar
A recently described species, A. kamelinii (Lazkov, 2006) was gorges where individuals are sparsely distributed. Expanding
previously included in Ammopiptanthus nanus (Popov) Cheng. tourism and other recreational activities threaten localities.
Endemic to Kyrgyzstan, the species has a very limited
distribution restricted to Kavak-Too Mountain between 1,600– Berberis iliensis Popov
2,000 m above sea level. Threats include mining, fossil VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
exploration, poor regeneration and natural hazards. The total Kazakhstan, China
number of individuals in Kyrgyzstan is around 3,000–4,000. Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
This Berberis species is restricted to the Ili River basin in
Amygdalus bucharica Korsh. Kazakhstan and China. The small fragmented sub-populations
VU B2ab(iii,v) are threatened by water extraction, cutting and fire.
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Berberis karkaralensis Kornilova & Potapov
Endemic to Central Asia, this species is in decline in Uzbekistan. CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
Main threats are grazing, collection of fruit for almond oil and Kazakhstan
poor regeneration caused by intermittent fruiting. Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
A narrow endemic restricted to central Kazakhstan in the Kent
Amygdalus ledebouriana Schlecht. and Karkaraly mountains. Although the species occurs in
EN B1ab(iii) protected areas it continues to be threatened by tourism,
Kazakhstan grazing and natural fires.
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
The species is endemic to east Kazakhstan in the Altai and Betula jarmolenkoana Goloskokov
Tarbagatai mountain ranges. It occurs on mountain slopes and CR B1ab(iii,v)+ B2ab(iii,v)
along river valleys. The extent of occurrence is less than 100 Kazakhstan
km2. Threats include cutting, habitat reduction and the collection Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
of fruit and flowers. The flowers are particularly in demand for A narrow relict endemic restricted to three river basins (Kokpa,
international women’s day. The nuts are used for almond oil Tekes and Bayankol/Narynkol) in one mountain range. Declines
production. in the extent of habitat have been observed, primarily because
of fire.
Armeniaca vulgaris Lam.
EN B1ab(iii) Betula kirghisorum Sawicz
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan CR B2ab(v)
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Kazakhstan
The wild apricot, the origin of all cultivated apricots, is Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
considered very rare in all three Central Asian countries where it Although known from four localities, including the Siberian
12The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
lowlands of Kustanai province and the Chingiz Tau Mountains in Calligonum calcareum Pavlov
eastern Kazakhstan, the species has a very restricted area of CR B2ab(iii,v)
occupancy (less than 10 km²). The total population is less than Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
1,000 individual trees and regeneration is poor. Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
The species is restricted to a specific soil type in the Sokh River
Betula pamirica Litv. basin. It is threatened by over-grazing and cutting. Its timber is
VU B2ab(v) highly valued for tandoori cooking.
Tajikistan (possibly Kyrgyzstan)
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Calligonum elegans V.P.Drobow
This birch species is restricted to the Pamir-Alai range in EN B2ab(iii,v)
Tajikistan (possibly also Kyrgyzstan) at altitudes between 2,500– Uzbekistan
3,300 m. The species is scarce, declining and only known from Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
five localities (Darvaz, Vanj, Rushan, Gunt and Shokhdara). The The species is restricted to a narrow ecological niche in the Sokh
species is considered to be a synonym of B. tianschanica Rupr. River basin, southern Ferghana. It is threatened by cutting and
by some taxonomists. grazing.
Betula schugnanica (B.Fedtsch.) Litv. Calligonum matteianum V.P.Drobow
CR B2ab(v); C1 EN B2ab(iii,v)
Tajikistan Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
This birch species is endemic to the Gorno-Badakhshan range The species is restricted to a narrow ecological niche in Bukhara
in Tajikistan at altitudes between 2,000–2,500 m. It is restricted province. Threats include cutting and grazing.
to four localities (Shabdara, Gunt, Rushan and Darvaz) with a
total population size of less than 250 and declining. The species Calligonum molle Litv.
is considered to be a synonym of B. tianschanica Rupr. by some EN B2ab(iii,v)
taxonomists. Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Betula talassica Poljakov The species is restricted to a narrow ecological niche in the
EN B2ab(iii) Bukhara province. Threats include cutting and grazing.
Kazakhstan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Calligonum paletzkianum Litv.
The species is restricted to two localities in Kazakhstan: the VU B2ab(iii,v)
Aksu River basin and rivers in the Karatau mountain range. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Although some protection is afforded to the Aksu sub- Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
population, as it is located in a protected area, declines have The species is found along the Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan border
been observed in the Karatau range. The species is sometimes and is restricted to a narrow ecological niche. The sparsely
treated as a synonym of B. pendula Roth. distributed populations are threatened by grazing and collection
for firewood.
Betula tianschanica Rupr.
EN A2ac; B2ab(ii,iii) Calligonum triste Litv.
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan
The species occurs in river basins and valleys of western Tien Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Shan (Ugam, Pskem and Chatkal). Populations are fragmented In Kazakhstan this species is only known from one locality, the
and in decline, threatened by livestock, avalanches and tourism. Pri-Aral Moyunkum. It is threatened by the drainage of the Aral
Sea, desertification and soil salination. The species is considered
endangered in Turkmenistan although details on its distribution
are not known.
13The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
Crataegus darvasica Pojark. Lonicera paradoxa Pojark.
CR B2ab(iii,v) EN B2ab(iii,v)
Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
This very rare endemic hawthorn is only found in south-west This honeysuckle species is considered to be extremely
Darvaz of Tajikistan. It is in decline because of over-grazing and threatened in all the Central Asian countries where it occurs.
cutting. Threats include cattle grazing and tourism.
Crataegus necopinata Pojark. Malus niedzwetzkyana Dieck.
CR B2ab(iii,v) EN B2ab(iii,v)
Tajikistan (possibly Afghanistan) Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
The species occurs in the Darvaz Range and downstream of A very rare species in Central Asia, with individuals sporadically
the Vanj River in Tajikistan, although it may also occur in distributed in fragmented populations. Threats include loss and
neighbouring Afghanistan. The species is threatened by cutting degradation of habitat because of agricultural expansion and
for timber. development, genetic erosion (grafting of commercial varieties
and hybridization) and over-grazing. As a wild relative of
Crataegus knorringiana Pojark. domesticated apple the species is of global importance as an
CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) international genetic resource.
Kyrgyzstan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M.Roem.
The species has a very limited distribution with only one locality, VU A2acde
a ravine in the Alai Mountains. Human disturbance, over-grazing China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and cutting threaten the species. Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Juniperus schugnanica Komarov As with M. niedzwetzkyana, threats include loss and degradation
VU A2ad of habitat because of agricultural expansion and development,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan genetic erosion (grafting of commercial varieties and
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop hybridization) and over-grazing. In Kazakhstan its habitat has
The species is endemic to eastern Tajikistan (Gorno- declined by over 70% in the last 30 years. Molecular genetic
Badakhshan) and the adjacent area of Kyrgyzstan in the work strongly indicates that Malus sieversii is one of the main
Pamir-Alai Range. The fragmented populations are restricted to progenitors of domesticated apples (Harris et al., 2002) and is
valleys and gorges and are threatened by cutting for firewood. therefore a species of significant global importance. With most
Populations in the vicinity of settlements are most threatened commercial apple cultivars having a narrow genetic base it is
with observed declines of over 30% in the last 20 years. imperative that the wide genetic diversity in this species is
conserved both in situ and ex situ.
Lonicera karataviensis Pavlov
CR B2ab(iii) Picea schrenkiana Fisch. et. Mey. prostrata K.Isakov
Kazakhstan VU B2ab(iii,v)
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
The species is only known from two localities in the Karkara Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
gorge in Kazakhstan. The total population is 600–700 individuals This alpine form of P. schrenkiana has a very narrow altitudinal
and although the populations occur in a protected area the range (2,800–3,100 m). There are only seven known localities in
species is still threatened by tourism development. A recent the northern Tien Shan. Threats include cattle grazing, cutting
taxonomic revision in Kyrgyzstan described populations and climate change. There is taxonomic uncertainty about the
previously thought to be L. karataviensis as L. sovetkinae. distinctness of this form in Kyrgyzstan.
14The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
Polygonum toktogulicum Lazkov Ribes malvifolium Pojark.
CR B2ab(iii) CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
This species has a very limited distribution with an area of This wild currant species has a very limited distribution with only
occupancy less than 1 km². It grows close to a large settlement two known localities. Threats include fruit collection and
and is threatened by over-grazing. There are only approximately livestock grazing.
2,000 individuals of this species.
Rhus coriaria L.
Populus berkarensis Poljakov VU B2ab(iii)
CR D Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop The species has a very limited and fragmented distribution and
A narrow endemic, with a total population of less than 50 is threatened by over-grazing.
individuals. It grows in mountain gorges and rocky slopes at
altitudes of 1,000–1,200 m. Very little is known about rates of Sibiraea tianschanica (Krassn.) Pojark.
decline or threats. CR B2ab(iii)
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Prunus tadzhikistanica V.I.Zapryagaeva Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
EN B2ab(iii,v) The species is listed in the national Red Data books of
Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It has a very limited distribution and
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop has not been collected for several years. Threats include
A species endemic to western Pamir (the Gisar mountain range) agricultural expansion, tourism and housing developments.
between 1,800–2,000 m. Threats include cutting and
agricultural expansion. Rosa pavlovii Chrshan.
CR B2ab(iii)
Pyrus cajon V.I.Zapryagaeva Kazakhstan
EN B2ab(iii,v) Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Tajikistan Considered as a distinct species by Kazakh botanists, this
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop narrow endemic occurs at only a few localities in north-east
A rare endemic of Gorno-Badakhshan province, this wild pear Kazakhstan. It grows in wet meadows alongside the river Irtish
species is threatened by agricultural expansion. (Dzhangaliev et al., 2003). It is in decline and threatened by
housing developments and urban sprawl from Pavlodar city.
Pyrus korshinskyi Litv. Rosa pavlovii is considered to be a synonym of R. majalis Herrm.
CR B2ab(iii,v) by some taxonomists.
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Spiraeanthus schrenkianus (Fisch. et Mey.) Maxim.
This wild pear is known from only a few fragmented sub- EN B2 ab(iii,v)
populations. It is threatened by over-grazing, fruit harvesting and Kazakhstan
the collection of saplings for rootstock. Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
In Kazakhstan there are only three known localities, in the
Pyrus tadshikistanica V.I.Zapryagaeva Betpak-Dala Desert and the Syrdarga Kara-Tau. Threats include
CR B2ab(iii,v) habitat degradation and cutting. The species may occur in
Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan.
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Restricted to the Darvas Mountains at 1,300–1,600 m,
populations of this endemic pear are very small and fragmented.
The species is threatened by cutting.
15The Red List of Trees of Central Asia
Sophora korolkovii Koehne SPECIES EVALUATED AS NEAR THREATENED
CR B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii)
Kyrgyzstan Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop NT
Although considered to be a synonym of Styphnolobium China (west Xinjiang), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
japonicum (L.) Schott (ILDIS, 2007), Kyrgyz botanists consider Uzbekistan
this to be a distinct species of Sophora. With a very limited Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
distribution Sophora korolkovii is threatened by grazing, This species of ash, which grows along rivers in open deciduous
construction and mining. forest, is threatened in Kazakhstan. Threats in Central Asia include
cutting for timber and changes to water regimes.
Swida darvasica (Pojark.) Sojak
CR B2ab(iii,v) Juglans regia L.
Tajikistan NT
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan,
The species has a very limited distribution and is threatened by Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan
agricultural expansion, cutting and over-grazing. Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Although recent palaeontological evidence for walnut in the
Zygophyllum bucharicum B.Fedtsch. Fergana Valley (Kyrgyzstan) suggests that walnut may be
CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) anthropogenic in origin rather than native to the region (Beer et al.,
Uzbekistan (possibly Tajikistan) 2007) the evaluation has taken a precautionary approach because
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop of the global significance of the walnut forests in Central Asia and
Growing along the border of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and their importance as an international genetic resource.
restricted to a narrow ecological range the species is threatened
by over-grazing. Juniperus seravshanica Kom.
NT
Zygophyllum darvasicum Boriss. Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan
CR B2ab(iii,v) Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Tajikistan (possibly Afghanistan) Although widespread in Central Asia declines have been observed
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop in the region, particularly in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The
The species is endemic to Gorno-Badakhshan; in the Dervas timber is favoured for saunas and the species is also threatened
Range and by the Pange River. It is very scarce and threatened by over-grazing and fires.
by cutting. It may also occur in Afghanistan but its current status
there is not known. Populus pruinosa Schrenk
NT
Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Although the species has a wide distribution it has a very narrow
ecological range, restricted to river banks in arid areas. The
species is threatened by changes in water regime (irrigation and
hydroelectric power stations), cutting and agricultural conversion.
Pistacia vera L.
NT
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Assessor: Central Asian regional tree Red Listing workshop
Although widely distributed throughout Central Asia the pistachio
is threatened by fruit collection, livestock grazing and cutting.
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