Primary results on conservation of Taiwania cryptomerioides in Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai distrist, Yen Bai province

Taiwania cryptomeroioides has been assessed with Vunerable status at theglobal level: A1d and critically Endangered status at the national level: A2c, B1ab (i-v), B2ab (i-v), C2a(ii). In-situ and ex-situ conservations of this species are urgently needed. During four years (2005- 2009), propagation by cutting andgermination, ex situ and in situ conservation of T. cryptomerioides have been attempted as an emergency conservation measure in Phinh Ngai and Lung Cung villages, Nam Co commune, Yen Bai Province (around 210 53' 43'' N to 210 54' 46'' N &1040 16' 42'' E to 104018' 20'' E. at elevation 1650-1900 m a.s.l.). Highestgermination rate of fertile seeds is 5-30 days after sowing and percentage ofgermination could reach the value of 40 to 48%. For ex situ conservation, March is the optimum time for planting out seedlings bygermination of Taiwania seeds. During four years after out-planting in the conservation area, T. cryptomerioides saplings have attained an increase ingrowth by average of 27 to 50cm per year, and survival rate could reach the value of 83%. So far in the ex situ conservation area, 202 individuals of Taiwania survive, 69% of them reach 1 to 2 meters in height and 31% reach under of 1 m in height. At Phinh Ngai and Lung Cung villages, the size of the Taiwania’s wild population is currently estimated to be around only 20 trees within an occupancy area of less than 3 km2. All trees had been numbered by aluminum tags, and basic data (D1.3, height, coordinates & altitude, habitat andgrowing conditions) of the existing trees had beengathered. 13 trees reach 20 to 70cm and 12 to 35 m in height; 7 trees are smaller and younger, their basic data reach 10 to 17cm and 6 to 10 m in height. Ex situ and in situ conservation activities are managed by two H’Mong families in cooperation with the Nam Co’s People Committee and Nam Co’s farmer’s association.

Nguyen Tien Hiep, Nguyen Quang Hieu, Phan Ke Loc, Pham Thuy Duyen
Centre for Plant Conservation, VUSTA
Nguyen Sinh Khang
IEBR, VAST
Nguyen Duc Canh
Vinaseed