A high elevation species endemic to NW Yunnan and possibly extending into SW Sichuan. Listed as Near Threatened due to past logging and deforestation.
Distribution
Endemic to China: NW Yunnan, possibly extending into SW Sichuan.
Habitat and Ecology
Grows in cool temperate to subalpine forest zone, often the last woodland tree before the alpine zone (occurs at 3,200 to 4,200 m asl). Stands are usually pure but may be associated with Betula utilis, Betula szechuanica or Larix potaninii.
Human Uses
The timber is a low quality wood that may be used for construction or pulp.
Conservation Status
Global Status and Rationale
Near Threatened (VU A2cd)
The available evidence for the population decline over the past century suggests that it is approaching 30% so that Near Threatened is the appropriate category (almost qualifies under criterion A2cd). Should the level of population loss increase, reconsideration would be justified.
Global Threats
Logging and deforestation present a risk to the taxon. Fire and grazing following logging present the greater threat.
Conservation Actions
The Government of China has recently imposed a logging ban in western China.
References and further reading
Zhang, D, Katsuki, T. & Rushforth, K. (2013). Abies forrestii var. smithii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T191562A1989209. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T191562A1989209.en. Downloaded on 01 December 2016
