Biodiv Sci ›› 2012, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (6): 761-768.  DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2012.08059

• Bioinventory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A preliminary assessment of extinction risk from six species in the genus Pternopetalum based on herbarium specimen data

Lisong Wang**(), Lina Zhao, Haining Qin   

  1. Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093
  • Received:2012-02-14 Accepted:2012-05-01 Online:2012-11-20 Published:2013-01-04
  • Contact: Lisong Wang*

Abstract:

Based on parameters established by the IUCN red list, including extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, numbers of subpopulations and location, we investigated the extinction risk of six species from the genus Pternopetalum. Our results indicated that the six species are threatened; P. leptophyllum is critical endangered, P. rosthornii is endangered, and P. tanakae, P. vulgare, P. molle and P. delavayi are vulnerable. For IUCN red list assessment, herbarium specimens are most important, sometimes an only data source, in getting quantitative parameters. It is practically an irreplaceable data source when assessment activity covering large scale area and huge species number. However, herbarium specimen bear with innate bias in estimating quantitative parameters, which resulted effect for assessment need further study.

Key words: Apiaceae, China, IUCN Red List, conservation biology, Pternopetalum