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IUCN/SSC Cycad Specialist Group

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Global Cycad Population Database

Cycads generally occur in discrete populations comprised of a few to several thousand individuals. These populations are the units of the genetic repertoire of each species and, as such, are also the units on which selective evolutionary forces act to create new species. The status of a species over time is usually expressed in terms that describe the health of, and threats to, individual populations. Unfortunately, the exact number, location, and status of all populations of the majority of cycad species are unknown. The CSG would like to enlist all interested parties, both professionals and enthusiasts/collectors, to help obtain this information and begin building a Global Cycad Population Database.

An outline of this database proposal was presented and discussed at a special meeting held during the 7th International Conference on Cycad Biology (CYCAD 2005) in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, in January 2005. Experts from the majority of the countries and regions with extant cycad populations were present and expressed their opinions. Most of the participants agreed, in principal, that such a database would be beneficial for researchers and for monitoring the status of species over time. However, the majority also declined to participate because of concerns about the security of the information and national sovereignty over valuable resources. Nevertheless, we are proceeding to compile a database of whatever data is available from any source, and we will attempt to persuade any and all national authorities with relevant information to participate at future CSG and other scientific meetings.

If you would like to participate in our effort to compile information on cycad populations, please contact either the CSG ChairDr. John Donaldson , the CSG SecretaryJody Haynes , or the CSG Cycad Population Database Subgroup leaderDr. Tim Gregory . The minimum information that we require is as follows:

• Name and address of reporting individual

• Date of observation

• Genus and, if possible, species of cycad

• Location of population, including GPS coordinates and a written description of how to access the population (Note: GPS coordinates can vary based on the settings of the unit; click here for Dr. Mark Bonta’s standardized GPS protocol.)

• An approximation of the number of individuals observed and the extent of the population

Other valuable relevant information includes:

• A description of the status of the population, such as “on a cliff face unsuitable for agriculture,” “population bisected by a new road,” or “remnant plants retained in a cornfield”

• A description of perceived threats or lack thereof, such as “being burned for conversion of land to agriculture,” “currently in pristine habitat that could be converted to agriculture in the future,” “protected by villagers for leaf harvesting,” or “signs of recent poaching evident”

• Observations of the presence or absence (and an estimate of the number) of cones, seedlings, and/or juvenile plants
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Chair: Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag X7, Claremont 7735 South Africa
Secretary: Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156-4242 USA