Mesoamerica, the region extending from the United States–Mexico border through Panama, is a global center for biodiversity of oaks (the genus Quercus). In Mexico alone, it is estimated that there are 164 species of oak. Despite this incredible diversity of species, little is understood about the population size, trends, occurrence, or threats for many species of Mesoamerican oaks.
To assess the status and to prioritize conservation of oaks in this region, The Morton Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program and its collaborators produced the Conservation Gap Analysis on Native Mesoamerican Oaks.
The report is available in both English and Spanish.
The purpose of this conservation gap analysis is to help coordinate and prioritize conservation action to protect Mesoamerican oaks for both in situ populations (those found in native ecosystems) and ex situ populations (those found in managed collections such as public gardens).
In this report, researchers surveyed oak populations in the region, consulted experts and local partners, and assessed available information for 59 native species of oaks listed as threatened or Data Deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The analysis estimates the geographic distribution and ecological representation of Mesoamerican oak species in ex situ collections; identifies major threats and local conservation efforts for at-risk species; and provides recommendations for the most urgently needed conservation activities.
Each target species of oak is analyzed in a detailed profile, providing an in-depth summary of distribution and threats, as well as ex situ and in situ conservation status and needs.
The results of the analysis highlight the urgent need for expanding survey and exploration work in the geographic region of Mesoamerica, as well as increasing the representation of oak species managed in botanic gardens and arboreta, particularly those gardens and arboreta in Mesoamerica.
The gap analysis also highlights priority regions, provides species-specific plant profiles, and recommends activities to focus both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts.
