Conserving Quercus steenisii, a Narrow Endemic and Endangered Oak in Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Project Contact: Enggal Primananda, Researcher, Research Center for Plant Conservation, Botanic Gardens and Forestry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Kusnoto Building, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 18 Bogor, West Java, 16122, Indonesia.

Project Summary: This project will carry out the first population study for this species, using a focused survey method to assess distribution, population size and structure, habitat preferences, and current threats; the project will also initiate a set of efforts for ex-situ conservation. The findings of this study will provide the most recent population status of Quercus steenisii and will be used to update the conservation status of the species according to the IUCN Red List Criteria.

Executive Summary: Quercus steenisii (Fagaceae), a single mountain endemic of Quercus species, was first discovered in 1937 and later in 1975. Due to threats from habitat degradation for logging and land conversion, the species is threatened with extinction and categorized as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. So far, this species was only recorded five times from a single trail in the Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP), Aceh Province, and the population data was never gathered. The species is also not present in ex-situ collections. Our project aimed to carry out the first population study using a focused survey method, to assess distribution, population size and structure, habitat preferences, and current threats as well as to initiate a set of efforts for ex-situ conservation. The findings of this study will provide the most recent population status of the species and will be used to update the conservation status of the species according to the IUCN Red List Criteria. To initiate the first ex-situ conservation of this species, seeds, wildings, and/or cuttings of the species will be collected from the field and cultivated at the Bogor Botanical Gardens and the local arboretum aimed to be used as materials for campaign and learning. The living ex-situ collections will be used as a resource in future conservation programs including habitat restorations as well as campaign programs like teaching to university students or the public. A set of outreach activities to the local stakeholders, mainly the GNLP, will be held to raise awareness of the species and its conservation.