Conifers which become stressed following habitat disturbance are often out-competed by better adapted native plant species. For example, in Bosnia and Herzegovina regeneration in some populations of Picea omorika is being supressed by native Fagus sylvatica because of being better adapted to colonising disturbed forest areas. In Western USA fire-supression has reduced the ability of Cupressus bakeri (which is fire-dependent) to regenerate, hence it is gradually being replaced by Abies magnifica and A. concolor. Native mistletoes species of the genera Arceuthobium, Phoradendron and Psittacanthus can have a deterimental affect on conifers in North America and Mexico. These shrubby, aerial parasites, which are bird dispersed or have explosive fruits, cause deformation of the infected stems, growth loss, increased susceptibility to other disease agents or insects, and reduced longevity. Species of Abies, Cupressus and Juniperus are particularly susceptable to infestation especially if stressed by habitat disturbance.
Endemic to the coastal mountain ranges in California, USA. Even though it has a relatively large range, it is threatened by fire Read full species entry >
Endemic to the Caribbean in the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica and St Lucia where threats include logging, fire and urbanisation Read full species entry >
Endemic to one mountain in St Lucia where only about 50 mature individuals survive and are threatened by wild-fires Read full species entry >
Endemic to the West Indes where it occurs in the Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica. Here it is threatened by fire, cutting and invasive pathogens. Read full species entry >
Endemic to Bermuda where historically it underwent a catastrophic decline of almost 95% due to scale insects, recent recovery is hampered by invasive plant species. Read full species entry >
The only species of Juniperus occurring in the Azores where it is endemic and threatened by competition from invasive alien species and by the expansion of agricultural land. Read full species entry >
Native to a very small area in the Blue Mountains of Australia where threats include pollution, invasive plants species and extreme fire events Read full species entry >
Restricted to the Klamath Ranges of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon where the main threat is from fire and climate change. Read full species entry >