Agathis flavescens | Threatened Conifers of the World (en-GB)

Araucariaceae

Agathis flavescens Ridl.

Only known from two mountains in Peninsular Malaysia where the total population is thought to be less than 1000 mature individuals.

Distribution

Restricted to the tops of two mountains in Peninsular Malaysia: Gunung Tahan (Taman Negara) and Gunung Rabong (Kelantan). The total extent of occurrence is estimated to be 65km². Less than 1000 individuals are likely to exist in three separate localities.

Habitat and Ecology

The species occurs in lower and upper montane forest on quartzite soils at elevations of 1200–2100m. Individuals frequently display yellowing leaves suggestive of poor nutrient conditions.

Conservation Status

Global status

Vulnerable D1

Global rationale

Agathis flavescens is only known from two mountains in Peninsular Malaysia. The total population is estimated to be less than 1000 mature individuals. No specific threats have been identified and no decline has been recorded to date. However, its small population size means that it falls within the thresholds for listing as Vulnerable.

Global threats

No specific threats have been identified for this species. However, as it has such a restricted distribution and small population size it could easily become threatened in the future.

Conservation Actions

The total population is protected under the Permanent Forest Estate.

References and further reading

de Laubenfels, D. J. (1988). Coniferales. P. 337-453 in Flora Malesiana, Series I, Vol. 10. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic.
Lim, C.L. (2007). Status of Agathis flavescens (Araucariaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Blumea 52: 563-567.
Lim, C.L. (2010). Agathis flavescens - Malaysia Plant Red List taxon data information sheet. Forest Research Institute Malaysia.
Lu, L.C. & Thomas, P. (2011). Agathis flavescens. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. . Downloaded on 09 March 2013.
Meijer-Drees, E. (1940). The genus Agathis in Malaysia. Bulletin Jardins Botanical Buitenzorg, Series 3, 16, 455-474.
Whitmore, T.C. (1977). A first look at Agathis. Tropical Forestry Papers No. 11. University of Oxford Commonwealth Forestry Institute. 54p.
Whitmore, T.C. (1980). A monograph of Agathis. Plant Systematics and Evolution 135: 41-69.