The species is potentially undergoing some decline at the lower end of its altitudinal range due to the
impacts of forestry operations such as the establishment of Cryptomeria plantations. But it is not clear if
this is causing a continuing decline and in how many locations this would be.
Description
An endemic of the mountonous regions of Taiwan where the species is potentially undergoing some decline at the lower end of its altitudinal range due to the impacts of forestry operations such as the establishment of Cryptomeria plantations.
Distribution
Endemic to Taiwan
Habitat and Ecology
Pinus morrisonicola occurs in the mountains of Taiwan on rocky ridges and spurs at various altitudes
between ca. 300 m and 2,300 m a.s.l. Occasionally it occupies slopes where the forest canopy has been opened, e.g. due to rock slides, so it can compete for a time with broad-leaved trees until the forest succeeds to a closed canopy again
Human Uses
Taiwan White Pine is a minor timber tree for local use, with wood properties similar to those of P.
parviflora and other E Asian white pines. It is better known in Asian horticulture, especially in the art of bonsai culture, and particularly in China. In Western horticulture it is uncommon and probably often confused with the much more commonly used Japanese white pine (P. parviflora), to which it is closely related, but differs in the longer leaves and larger seed cones. As an endemic species of Taiwan, it should not be difficult to establish its identity in cultivation, provided that proper records of provenance were kept with the plants in tree nurseries. Reported to be used in Chinese medicine.
Conservation Status
Global Status & Rationale
Near Threatened
The extent of occurrence (6,898 km²) and the area of occupancy (800 km²) are both within the thresholds to qualify this species for Vulnerable under criterion B. While there is likely to have been some decline in the past resulting from conversion of native forests for plantations and for agricultural purposes, its extent is unknown. The population is not severely fragmented and there is no indication of current or continuing decline. The number of locations is uncertain but likeley to exceed ten. Regeneration is occurring in some areas. On this basis an assessment of Least Concern rather than Near Threatened (almost qualifies under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) best reflects its conservation status.
Global Threats
The species is potentially undergoing some decline at the lower end of its altitudinal range due to the
impacts of forestry operations such as the establishment of Cryptomeria plantations. But it is not clear if this is causing a continuing decline and in how many locations this would be.
Conservation Actions
Some subpopulations are found within protected areas. Further research is required on this species to
assess its conservation status, in particular information is required on any threats and the extent of these and also on population size and trends and the degree of fragmentation.
References and further reading
Thomas, P. & Luscombe, D. 2013. Pinus morrisonicola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T42384A2976679. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42384A2976679.en. Downloaded on 16 December 2016.