Conservation of threatened plant species in xuan nha nature reserve, son la province

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT VIETNAM FORESTRY UNIVERSITY STUDENT THESIS Title CONSERVATION ON THREATENED PLANT SPECIES IN XUAN NHA NATURE RESERVE, SON LA PROVINCE Major: Natural Resources Management Code: D850101 Faculty: Forest Resources and Environmental Management Student: Pham Thi Thao Student ID: 1153090353 Class: K56 Natural Resources Management Course: 2011 - 2015 Advanced Education Program Developed in collaboration with Colorado State University, USA Supervisor: Assoc.Prof Hoang Van Sam Ha Noi, October/2015 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my very great appreciation to Assoc Prof Hoang Van Sam from Vietnam Forestry University and Prof Lee MacDonald from Colorado State University, my research supervisors, for their enthusiastic encouragement and useful critiques of this research work Without their thoughtful, patient guidance through every step of my research, their knowledge on how to correct and analyze the data I collected, this thesis could not have been realized Thank to Vietnam Forestry University and Colorado State University cooperation together especially faculty of Forest Resource and Environmental Management and all professors I would like to extend my thanks to Mr Nguyen Hung Chien, the Vice Director of Xuan Nha Nature Reserve for accepting the responsibility of my research in his nature reserve as well as for his useful and constructive recommendations on this project Many other people have contributed to the success of this thesis but I would like to particularly thank Mr Nam, and my partners Tung Anh, Duc and Hai for their support during the entire process of doing research CONTENTS I INTRODUCTION II OBJECTIVES 2.1 Investigate the threatened plants species in Xuan Nha Nature reserve, Son La province 2.2 Investigate conservation status of some threatened plant species in Xuan Nha nature reserve 2.3 Study silviculture characteristics of three high value threatened plant species in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve: Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et How, Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam and Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte 2.4 Propose solutions for conservation of threatened plant species and plant resources in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve III METHODOLOGIES 3.1 Field Investigation methods 3.1.1 Investigate the distribution characteristics of threatened plant species in 10 transects of Xuan Nha Nature Reserve 3.1.2 Collecting data 3.2 Data analysis 3.3 Interview method 3.3.1 Interview ranger 3.3.2 Interview local people 3.4 Statistic, analysis natural resources status, economic conditions, social population in research area 3.5 Method of map, diagrams IV RESEACH AREA 10 4.1 Location and boundaries 10 4.2 Topography 12 4.3 Geology and Soils 12 4.4 Climate and hydrology 13 4.5 General situation of the flora 14 4.6 Population, ethnic, labor, population distribution, population growth rate 15 4.7 The economic situation 15 4.7.1 The economic activities 15 V RESULTS AND DISCUSSSION 18 5.1 Composition of threatened plants species and distribution of some threatened plant species in Xuan Nha Nature reserve 18 5.1.1 Composition of threatened plant species in Xuan Nha reserve 18 5.1.2 Distribution of threatened plant species by elevation in Xuan Nha reserve 21 5.2 Conservation status of threatened plant species in Xuan Nha nature reserve 24 5.2.1 Conservation status of each species is determined by the Vietnam Red List (2007) and International Council of conservation organization IUCN after assessing the status of species 24 5.2.2 Exploitation status, uses and management status of some threatened plant species 27 5.3 Morphological characteristics, distribution, ecological and natural regeneration of three high value threatened plant species: Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam, Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et How and Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte 28 5.3.1 Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et How 28 5.3.2 Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam 31 5.3.3 Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte 34 5.4 Propose conservation solution for threatened plant species in Xuan Nha Nature reserve 37 5.4.1 Technical Solutions 37 5.4.2 Social- economic solutions 38 5.4.3 Solutions of mechanisms and policies to attract investment 39 5.4.4 Completing the institution, policy and law 40 IV CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 42 6.1 Conclusion 42 6.2 Recommendations 42 REFERENCES LIST OF ACRONYMS IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature UNEP United Nations Environment Programme WWF World Wildlife Fund VU Vulnerable EN Endangered CR Critically Endangered NT Near Threatened LC Least Concern IA Prohibiting exploitation and use for commercial purposes IIA Restricting exploitation and use for commercial purposes LIST OF TABLE No Name of table Table 5.1 Composition of threatned plant species in Xuan Nha reserve Page 18 Table 5.2 Conservation status of threatened plant species in Xuan Nha 24 nature reserve Table 5.3 Natural regeneration of Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et 30 How by survey transects Table 5.4 Natural regeneration of Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam by 33 survey transects Id Name of figure Figure 5.1 Distribution of threatened plant species by elevation Page 21 Figure 5.2 Map of distrbution of threatened plant species in Xuan Nha nature reserve 22 Figure 5.3 Map of Burretiodendron hsienmu chun et how distribution in Xuan Nha nature reserve 31 Figure 5.4 Map of Madhuca pasquieri (dubard) h.j.lam distribution in Xuan Nha nature reserve 34 Figure 5.5 Map of Aquilaria crassna pierre ex lecomte distribution in Xuan Nha nature reserve 36 ABSTRACT This paper provided information regarding the threatened plant species in Xuan Nha nature reserve, Son La province This study aimed to determine the composition, conservation status and propose solutions to protect threatened plant species in the research site Based on observations and measurements of the general characters, results indicated that there were 23 threatened plant species distributed in Xuan Nha nature reserve, belonging to 18 families Of them 16 species are listed in the IUCN(2014), 19 species listed inViet Nam Red book (2007), species are listed in Decree 32/2006 / ND CP The research also provide distribution map of threatened plant species in study areas.This research also identified three morphology characteristics as well as regenerated capacity of total 23 threatened plant species They are Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et How, Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte and Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam Last but not least, some solutions were proposed to preserve and develop threatened plants genetic resources in the study site I INTRODUCTION In recent years, the number of individuals of the species, especially threatened species with high values in Viet Nam is decreasing Development of socio-economic, along with the use of unreasonable and the poor management of forest resources, degradation, loss of biodiversity is now worrying issue And most of those activities are mainly due to human exploitation that leads many species at risk of being destroyed or disappeared Xuan Nha Nature reserves is one of 166 protected areas in Vietnam has been approved in 1986 in Moc Chau District, Son La province Xuan Nha forest is varying in terms of species and forest ecosystems Xuan Nha Nature Reserve supports 22,172 of nature forest In 2003, the research “Đặc điểm tài nguyên thực vật Khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên Xuân Nha” by Master Nguyen Quang Huy, along with the rangers in Moc Chau, and staffs in forest development center of Forestry University reported 1101 plant species in this nature reserve, including globally endemic and threatened species listed in Viet Nam Red List as well as the World such as : Michelia mediocris Dandy, Keteleeria evelyniana, Madhuca pasquieri, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Chukrasia velutina, Parashorea chinensis This Nature reserve is a place with the rugged terrain, steep, low temperature, and high elevation The characteristics of climate which is quite suitable for the growth and development of threatened plants, especially in the high mountains where there are adapted to low temperature such as Fokienia, Keteleeria evelyniana Dipterocarpus retusus, Madhuca pasquieri and Parashorea chinensis Some species supply high value timber for handicraft for example, Fokienia hodginsii or for construction Many species also can use as spice or drugs not only in traditional medicine for example, Nageia Fleuryi but also modern medicine( Taxus Wallichiana) In recent years, although the departments and local people in the region have made great efforts to protect forests and protect biodiversity The rules and laws outside and around the nature reserve is enforced to prevent from illegal exploiting However, due to many different causes such as illegal exploitation, overpopulation and cultivation, the solutions are not really efficient Burning occurs frequently and especially exploit and trade of wildlife and valuable species illegally with large amounts still occur which reduces the number of species and those habitat Therefore, plant resources in general and threatened plant species in particular has been devastated The threatened plant species are often at greater risk because of high economic value or special uses In situ conservation should be complemented by ex situ conservation and silviculture programs overall These programs should include education plan as well as collect and preserve seeds, plant recovery and enrichment in and around protected areas The introduced plant species can have a role in supporting in situ conservation Researches on Xuan Nha nature reserve: • “Investigating biodiversity and ecosystems off Xuan Nha nature reserve and proposed conservation solutions” (2007) by Dr Tran Huy Thai of Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources The research reported about fauna, flora and insect diversity in Xuan Nha Updated one more rare plant species for Pinaceae family: Cunninghamia konishii, a rare species with a very narrow distribution in Vietnam • In 2013, a researcher group belongs to the center of Man and Nature (Pan Nature) gave the report " Guidline for Pinaceae in Mai Chau- Moc Chau, Hoa Binh - Son La" The Pinaceae family here are recorded on a number of threatened species such as Taxus chinensis, Amentotaxus argotaenia, Podocarpus neriifolius, Dacrycarpus imbricatus • With the aim of studying composition characteristics of threatened plants species in the study area and proposing some solutions for conservation, I conduct the thesis “Conservation of threatened plant species in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, Son La province” I hope to provide information in order to better management of plant resources and threatened plant species in particular in Xuan Nha Nature reserve blade elliptical lanceolate, 8-12.5 cm x3.5-5.5 cm, with swollen marginal vein Inflorescence an axillary umble, flowers yellow, fine- haired, pedicel up to 1cm long; flora tube campanulate, about mm long calyx lobes 5, ovate, accrescent, 12-15mm x 11-12mm, with 10 small petaloid appendages; stamens 10 in two whorls, pistil with mm long style and blackish, globose stigma Fruit a flattened, suborbicular capsule, 3-4cm x 3cm, yellow-haired, opening with valves Seed 1-2, glossy a) Distribution Based on 10 survey transects in Xuan Nha I just see Aquilaria crassna distributed on survey transects Nam Den-Pha Luong mountain, we identified 02 individuals The big tree with D1.3 = 10.5cm, Hvn = 4.2m, and the small one with D1.3 = 8.5cm, Hvn = 3.5m Aquilaria crassna scattered around Nam Den hamlet where a difficult area to go is Morever,I was not see any individual in the foot of mountain, I just found Aquilaria crassna distributed in the middle of ridges of Pha Luong mountain, in where has light, on sloping land with a slope more than 30 degree, well-drained, distributed at elevations between 800-1000m above the sea b) Ecology Aquilaria crassna in Xuan Nha nature reserve lives in tropical forest trees, light demanding species When as a sampling, this species is suitable to grow under the forest canopy mixed with broad-leaved species such as Lithocarpus truncatus, Gironniera subaequalis, Illiciagrifithii, Mytilariarhodentha, Hydnocarpushainanensis, Endospermumchinensis, Ormosia balansae, Castanopsiscerebrina, Schefflerapes-avis, Callophyllumpoilanei… c) Regeneration Regeneration from seeds and stump sprouts: The survey results show that Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam regenerated in both seeds and stump sprouts Natural regeneration primarily by seeds occupied 71.42%, occupied 28.58% regeneration by stump 35 sprouts However, they regenerated by stump sprouts around seed trees (already cut) very strong and grow well Through regeneration surveys in transects, i didn’t see any regenerated individual on the survey transects Need have a broader study on regenerated ability and require specials solutions to protect for this species in Xuan Nha nature reserve Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte- Trầm hương Figure 5.5 MAP OF AQUILARIA CRASSNA PIERRE EX LECOMTE DISTRIBUTION IN XUAN NHA NATURE RESERVE The survey result in Xuan Nha nature reseve identified 23 threatened plant species but in the framework of my research, i just focus on morphological characteristics, distribution, ecology and natural regeneration capacity of threatened plant species above Other species such as Fokenia hodginsii, Calocedrus macrolepis, Dipterocarpus retusus, Parashorea chinensis, Dacrycarpus imbricatus, Pinus kwangtungensis, Keteleeria evelyniana, Chukrasiatabularis, Carya tonkinensis, Meliantha suavis, Paris Polyphylla, …I just only list the number of threatened plant species on transect surveys 36 P ro pse co nse rva tio n slu tio n frth e a tne dp la ntspe cisn X u n a N h a N tu rese rv In the Xuan Nha Nature reserve, the threatened plant species are rarely growed Some species such as Podocarpus annamiensis, Dacrycarpus imbricatus… are growed in the garden and around their house, some other are growed for vegetatable and medicine such as Rau sang, hoang tinh hoa trang however, the number of those species are still limited In the other hand, the illegal exploitation of threatened plant species and the cultivation for farming causes the decreasing number of threatened palnt species So, conservation and development of threatened plant species in Xuan Nha Nature reserve is urgent and necessary issue Following survey results and interview the experts as well as local people, I show some the conservation solutions for threatened plants species in Xuan Nha nature reserve: 5.4.1 Technical Solutions 5.4.1.1 In-situ conservation Strengthen patrol, inspection and strict protection, especially Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et How, Fokienia hodginsii (Dunn) Henry et Thomas addictions, Markhamia stipulata (Roxb.) Seem, Disporopislongifolia Craib, Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam because of limited number species Besides, along with the police, district ranger, local government, villagers protect threatened plant species from other causes Encourage the local people about the importance of strictly protected areas; prevent the people from coming in and exploiting in this region Mobilize the villagers actively participate in forest protection and management, set up mailboxes to prevent, handle the people who have illegal deforestation acts, establish the rules and conventions in the villagers as well Speed up regeneration by clearing the vegetation to enhance the light under the canopy for developing seedlings Help the seedlings to survive and organize to make soil under the forest canopy increasing the exposure of the seeds and facilitate for germination process Good performance of scientific research programs 37 Intensitive researching to each of threatened plant species existing in Xuan Nha Nature reserve to have a detailed assessment of the distribution, ecology, regeneration capacity, development capability of these species in this area 5.4.1.2 Ex-situ conservation Need to establish nurseries, seed quality and expand the conservation and reforestation, training Species that have not any research on improved seed should urgently conduct research for conservation Conserve and develop the threatened plant species by asexual propagation by cuttings Develop guidelines, processes and techniques to grow threatened plant species to develop in different ecological zones 5.4.2 Social- economic solutions As the demand for socio-economic development, biodiversity conservation issue must be reasonable given depending on the specific conditions of each location, but mostly preserved to ensure social security and associated the economic development of Xuan Nha The pressure for development needs affecting conservation activities require a wise development strategy, focused on promoting the value of biological resources to serve economic development in the buffer zone Xuan Nha Awareness of the management and conservation of biological diversity of community groups, including local leaders Therefore, there should be a plan of action for media to raise awareness about nature conservation towards all groups in society with many different approaches Due to the dependence of people on forest are great Nature Reeserve should have the appropriate route for each period ahead to reduce the burden and pressure on forests by local people, to help local people live not depend on forests by reforestation programs encourage forest protection and people get benefit from forest protection The livelihoods of the majority of inhabitants dependent on forest resources This is a social problem is extremely complex requiring the coordinated settlement smart and 38 appropriate roadmap to transform the livelihoods of the community group And the need for impact assessment and periodic management plan to adapt in the future Mechanisms to encourage community participation in resource management is just beginning, need for intensive research on the subject, particularly the co-management mechanism for wide application Deployment of programs and projects for the protection, regeneration, reforestation to raise income, alternative products from natural forests with plantations of products, reduce pressure on resources forest resources in protected areas Collaborate with governments at all levels to build and implementation of advocacy programs, advocacy and education about forest protection law for members; detecting, combating and preventing violations of law; organize mass movements engaged protect and develop forests Gradually develop ecotourism in the Reserve should be completed infrastructure However, the facilities are not fully met, including human resources, with a focus to developing ecotourism forms on the basis of the planning and development of eco-tourism in the province 5.4.3 Solutions of mechanisms and policies to attract investment Need to improve the system national policy on conservation and development of plants to perform conservation and development in the wild that still ensures the legitimate interests of the community in terms of income and livelihood Develop a policy on the management, protection and trade for this threatened plant species The planting these species could be a business that brings incomes to the local peole It also contributes to poverty reduction, improved lifestyles for people living near the forests and also promotes community cooperation in protecting species populations that are overexploited 39 Need to develop and complete the institutions, particular policy to attract community to take part in the conservation and development of forest vegetation Develop long-term program about conservation and development of plant species in the province; encourages scientific research projects to determine the amount, reserves and the distribution of the plant species Exploit effectively funds in local through project supporting social-economic development in the buffer zone working by both the gorvernment and local people Increase training for staffs in conservation through the long-term and short- term professional courses; enhance learning experiences in protected areas as well the nature reserve Update information, apply scientific and technology advances, modern facilities to deploy the conservation research programs, especially conservation on threatened plant species in Xuan Nha nature reserve 5.4.4 Completing the institution, policy and law Strengthening manage, detect, prevent and prohibit the mining acts, export trade of species under the provisions of law Coordinate advocacy to raise awareness of staff and the people so that they understand and executive by the Law on Forest Protection and Development, the Law on Biological Diversity Capacity building for law enforcement rangers in the nature reserve, ensure qualifications, competence, health performing efficiently educational propaganda law, handling violations in the forest protection Increasing the ability of staff and managers to better their works about inspection, testing, monitoring and dealing with violations of conservation and development of forest vegetation Strengthen the management of conservation and development of forest vegetation between government and localities; develop policies to encourage, support and ensure the benefits to organizations and individuals in the protection and development of threatened plants resources in forest 40 41 IV CONCLUSION 6.1 Conclusion Plant in Xuan Nha nature reserve is high conservation value with 23 threatened plant species belonging to 18 families Of them 16 species are listed in the IUCN(2014), 19 species listed inViet Nam Red book (2007), species are listed in Decree 32/2006 / ND CP The research also provide distribution map of threatened plant species in study areas The survey results of threatened plants species by elevation in Xuan Nha nature reserve show that most widely distributed species elevations, most species at levations from 500m - 1,000m with 13 species accounted for 56.5% From 1000m to 1500m, there are species of 30.4% and from 1500m to 1886m there are species accounted for 21.7% of threatened plant species in the study area This study was initially provided silvicultural characteristics threatened plant species in the research site which are : Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H.J.Lam., Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte,and Burretiodendron hsienmu Chun et How Some solutions were proposed to preserve and develop threatened plants genetic resources in the study site 6.2 Recommendations Need to continue investigate and research the existing of threatened plant species in research areas Conduct research and planting breeding for threatened plant species in study area More survey transects and sample plots are needed to collect and assess specimens on different types of terrain to determine the composition of threatened plant species in the study area more completely Should have policy mechanism to attract domestic and foreign investment for nature conservation 42 Conduct the program of scientific research effectively and developed programs of socio-economic buffer zones to reduce the pressure on natural resources Diversify forms of propaganda and dissemination of policies, undertakings, laws and information on environment and sustainable development for staff and local people; Enhance training and improve the capacity of law enforcement for the special-use forest rangers; Create jobs for local people, encourage local people to take part in protecting forest 43 REFERENCES In English IUCN- WCPA, 2000, The world Commission on protected areas 2nd Southeast Asia Regional Forum, Pakse, Lao PDR, pp 25- 32, 221- 222 The IUCN species survival Commission, 2009 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened speciesTM, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources (CD) The genus Dipterocarpus Gaertin.F Thailand by Tem Smittnand, F.L.S.S Chief, section Division of Botony and Zoology, Forest products Research Division Royal Forest Departmen BLUMEA journal of plant taxonomy and plant geography ISSN 0006-5196 by Hoang Van Sam, Khamseng Nanthavong & P.J.A Kebler: Trees of Laos and Vietnam Brummitt R.K, 1992 Vascular Plant Families and Genera, Royal Botanic Gadent, Kew In Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Birdlife Intertional in Indichina (2004), information on the nature reserves and proposes in Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology and Institute of Science and Technology of Vietnam (2007), Red data book Part II - plants, Publisher of Natural Sciences and Technology, Hanoi Thai Van Trung (2000), The ecological systems of tropical forests in Vietnam, publisher: Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh city Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (1995): Handbook of Forest Inventory and Planning, publisher of Agriculture, Ha Noi 10 Le Mong Chan, Le Thi Huyen (2000), Flora, Publisher of Agriculture, Ha Noi 11 Ngo Quang De, Trieu Van Hung, Phung Ngoc Lan, Nguyen Huu Loc, Lam Xuan Sanh, Nguyen Huu Vinh(1992), silviculture 2, Vietnam foresty university, Ha Noi 44 12 Vu Tien Hinh (1995), Forest inventory, Vietnam Forestry University, Ha Noi 13 Nguyen Tien Hiep, Phan Ke Loc, Nguyen Duc To Luu, Philip Ian Thomas, Alios Farjon, Leonid Averyanov Jacinto Regalado Jr (2004), Thông Việt Nam nghiên cứu trạng bảo tồn 2004, Nxb Lao động xã hội, Hà Nội 14 Nguyen Hoang Nghia (1999), Biodiversity conservation, Forest Science Institute of Vietnam, Publisher of Agriculture, Hà Nội 15 Hoang Van Sam, Tran Duc Dung 2013 Diversity and conservation status of Gymnosperm in Pu Luong Nature reserve,Nghe An, Journal of Science and forestry technology No1 40-47 16 Hoang Van Sam 2012 Traiditional kowledge of Muong and Dao ethnic minority groups on medicinal plants in Ba Vi National Park Vietnam Journal of Biology Vol 32 87-90 17 The People's Committee of Son La Province FPD, 2003 Additional adjustments Project construction Natural Reserve Xuan Nha, Son La 18 People's Committee of Son La Province FPD, 2003 The situation of people's livelihood, economic and social condition in Xuan Nha nature reserve 45 Some pictures collected in the Xuan Nha nature reserve, Son La Pinus armandii Franhchet (Thông Xuan Nha) Pinus sumatra Jungh, 1840(thông lá) 46 47 Amentotaxus argotaenia (Hance) Pilger Calocedrus macrolepis Kurz- Bách xanh Dacrycarpus imbricatus (Blume) D Laub( thông nàng) Keteleeria evelyniana Mast (du sam núi đá) Fokenia hodginsii (Po mu) Cephalotaxus mannii Hook.f( đỉnh tùng) 48 Amentotaxus argotaenia (Hance) Pilger Podocarpus neriifolius D Don- Thông tre 49