Endemic to two mountain ranges in Taiwan where over-exploitation for its high quality wood has depleted the populaton considerably
Distribution
Taiwan (Mt. Alishan, Mt. Yushan).
The overall population trend is uncertain but a decline is suspected
Habitat and Ecology
In mountains, occasional in woodland dominated by Tsuga chinensis, Pinus taiwanensis, understorey with Acer morrisonense, Rhododendronrubropilosum, Ilex spp. and Viburnum parvifolium. Also found in Chamaecyparis spp. forest. Observed at altitudes between 1800 and 2800 metres above sea-level.
Human Uses
Exploited for its timber, but used only locally.
Conservation Status
Global status
Endangered B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii)
Global rationale
Previously, the Conifer Specialist Group had assessed this taxon as EN under A1c, using the older version 2.3 (1994) now superseded by version 3.1 (2000). Given its small extent of occurrence and area of occupancy and presumably a continuing decline where exploitation has not ceased, it meets criteria B1 and B2 for Endangered.
Global threats
This variety of 'soft pine' is the only representative of Pinus subsection Strobi native to Taiwan and the timber of pines in this subsection is very much superior for high grade carpentry and furniture making. As a result, the resource has been overexploited and the population has dwindled.
Conservation Actions
At present, several remaining stands are protected within Yushan National Park.
References and further reading
Farjon, A.(2010). A Handbook of the World's Conifers. Koninklijke Brill, Leiden.
Farjon, A. (2013). Pinus armandii var. mastersiana. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 13 July 2013.
