Distributed in three States in northwestern Mexico. A rare but widely dispersed species that has three recognised varieties.
Distribution
Mexico: Chihuahua, Sonora, Durango. The three varieties are currently known from a total of eight localities. The actual area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated to be around 10km² (Mastretta-Yanes, 2012). Herbarium based estimates using an expanded grid size give an estimate AOO of up to 176km²
At each locality stands are localised. Total population is estimated to be less than 1000 mature individuals.
Habitat and Ecology
Generally along streamsides in montane pine-oak forest. One variety is known from two mountain summits.
Human Uses
May be locally used for fence posts and firewood.
Conservation Status
Global status
Near Threatened
Global rationale
The highly fragmented distribution of this species, limited area of occupancy and small localised subpopulations would suggest an assessment of either Vulnerable or Endangered. At this stage there is insufficient evidence of decline so an assessment of Near Threatened is more appropriate. Should a decline become evident, then a reassessment will be necessary.
Global threats
Stands of the typical variety are often located within highly fragmented landscapes, usually surrounded by pasturelands. Grazing may be affecting regeneration at some localities. Localised use for fence posts and firewood may also be potentially problematic due to the small subpopulation sizes. Most stands are susceptible to stochastic events.
Conservation Actions
Some subpopulations are located within Community Forest Reserves while others are located in areas where there is little human impact.
References and further reading
Adams, R.P. (2011). Junipers of the World: The genus Juniperus. Trafford Publishing Co., Bloomington, Indiana.
Farjon, A. (2005.) A Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Farjon, A. (2013). Juniperus blancoi. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 06 July 2013.
Mastretta-Yanes, A., Wegier, A. Vazquez-Lobo, A. & Pinero, D. (2012). Distinctiveness, rarity and conservation in a subtropical highland conifer. Conservation Genetics 13: 211-222.
Moreno‐Letelier, A., Mastretta‐Yanes, A. and Barraclough, T.G., 2014. Late Miocene lineage divergence and ecological differentiation of rare endemic Juniperus blancoi: clues for the diversification of North American conifers. New Phytologist, 203(1), 335-347.
