Diversity, distribution and regional conservation status of the Egyptian tree flora

Abstract

The present study aims at determining the phytogeographical distribution and economic potential and documenting the degree of risk to the extinction of tree species, and the changes these species have undergone over the past 20 years. Field surveys were conducted at many locations in Egypt between January 2017 and March 2020. From each location, GPS coordinates were taken and the number of individuals was estimated. Also, specimens and seed samples for each species were collected from different habitats as can as possible. Other data were collected through herbaria visits and existing literature. The recorded taxa were arranged alphabetically according to Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system (APG IV). Evaluation of conservation status was based on IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. In the present study, we applied Criterion B that concerns the geographical range in the form of both B1 (extent of occurrence: EOO) and B2 (area of occupancy: AOO). Calculations of both AOO and EOO and the assessment process were assisted using the GeoCAT software. Fifty‐seven taxa were recorded, and most of them occur in Elbanian sector. Among them, five alien species were recorded. Many taxa offered economic goods such as medicinal, timber and fuel values; and environmental services as shaders and phytoremediators. Fifty taxa suffered from over‐collecting and over‐cutting. Among the 52 native trees in the present study, 31 taxa are evaluated as threatened with extinction; 10 taxa are Critically Endangered, 16 are Endangered and 5 are Vulnerable. There are two taxa assessed as Near Threatened and 15 as Least Concern. On the contrary, four taxa fall in the category of Data Deficient. There are 28 in situ conserved taxa in the protected areas. Also, 28 taxa are under ex situ conservation. In conclusion, land‐use patterns, climate change and human impact lead to put about 61% of the trees in Egypt under threat of extinction. Consequently, nature conservation organisations should take an action towards the conservation of these valuable taxa.

Indigenous knowledge and conservation status of wild plants collected from Garyaum, North Waziristan, Pakistan

“…The decline in the population size of these species was due to its small population, over harvesting, and grazing, urbanization, adverse climatic conditions, and marble mining. The results are comparable to Ali et al (2018); Shaltout and Bedair (2022); Qin et al (2022). It was noticed that the inhabitants of the area relay on natural sources firstly due to lack of resources and secondly due to high cost of mark product.…”

The Goods and Services Offered by Native Plants from Wadi Degla Protected Area, Northeastern Desert, Egypt, A Conservation Perspective.

“…Threats are the primary and secondary causes of species extinction and environmental deterioration. Nine different categories of dangers were found during field trips in the current study and according to Seif El-Nasr and Bidak (2005); Ahmed (2009); Ahmed et al, (2014); Bedair et al, (2020); Hussein et al, (2021); Shaltout and Bedair (2022);Alhobishi et al, (2023) and Arief and Ahmed (2023): (1) solid wastes (SW), (2) habitat loss (HL) (industrial & urban growth and coastal development), (3) overcollecting and over-cutting(OC), (4) urbanization and tourism (UT), (5) climatic changes and environmental conditions (CE), ( 6) mining and quarrying (MQ), ( 7) disturbance by cars or trampling (DT), ( 8) browsing and overgrazing (BO), and (9) clearance for agriculture (CA).…”

“…Ecosystem services are the priceless, continuous advantages healthy ecosystems offer (Turner and Daily, 2008). The services provided by the documented species were assessed using field observations and by using the following references Täckholm (1974); Ayyad (1998); Heneidy and Bidak (2004); Seif El-Nasr and Bidak (2005); Ahmed (2009); Shaltout et al, (2010); Shaltout and Ahmed (2012); Bidak et al (2015); Afefe (2020); Bedair et al, (2020); Shaltout and Bedair (2022); Alhobishi et al, (2023) and Arief and Ahmed (2023). There were twelve service-related aspects described: Segetal weeds, windbreaks, and sand accumulation aesthetic issues (tableau, dried flowers, vases, etc.…”

Investigation and Detection of the dieback on Juniperus Phoenicea trees in al-Jabal Al-Akhdar

“…As evidenced by phoenicea trees, this species is vulnerable to a number of biotic and abiotic conditions that can result in dieback. Fungal diseases, insect infestations, and animal grazing are a few examples of biotic variables (Blanco-Cano, et al, 2022: Shaltout & Bedair, 2022: Farahat, 2020. However, abiotic elements including soil salinity, drought stress, and extremely high or low temperatures can also cause dieback in Juniperus phoenicea trees.…”