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The conservation of the endemic vascular flora of Ascension Island and threats from alien species

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2005

Alan Gray
Affiliation:
Ecology and Resource Management, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Darwin Building, The King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JU, UK
Tara Pelembe
Affiliation:
Ascension Island Conservation, Conservation Centre, Georgetown, Ascension Island, ASCN IZZ, South Atlantic Ocean.
Stedson Stroud
Affiliation:
Ascension Island Conservation, Conservation Centre, Georgetown, Ascension Island, ASCN IZZ, South Atlantic Ocean.
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Abstract

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We present the first assessment of the endemic vascular flora of Ascension Island for over 20 years. Combining new with existing data the following IUCN Red List categorizations are proposed: Anogramma ascensionis, Dryopteris ascensionis, Oldenlandia adscensionis and Sporobolus durus (Extinct); Pteris adscensionis and Euphorbia origanoides (Critically Endangered); Sporobolus caespitosus (Vulnerable); Asplenium ascensionis, Marattia purpurascens and Xiphopteris ascensionensis (Near Threatened). The primary cause of the four presumed extinctions appears to be introductions of exotic species and subsequent alteration of ecological conditions. M. purpurascens, A. ascensionis, and X. ascensionensis appear to be under no immediate threat of extinction, although long-term survival is uncertain. E. origanoides, P. adscensionis, and S. caespitosus require active conservation measures to ensure their survival.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
2005 Fauna & Flora International

Footnotes

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Supplementary material: PDF

Gray Supplementary material

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