title: Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae), a threatened tree of the Brazilian Caatinga?
abstract: Spondias tuberosa Arr., a fructiferous tree endemic to the northeast Brazilian tropical dry forest called Caatinga, accounts for numerous benefits for its ecosystem as well as for the dwellers of the Caatinga. The tree serves as feed for pollinators and dispersers as well as fodder for domestic ruminants, and is a source of additional income for local smallholders and their families. Despite its vantages, it is facing several man-made and natural threats, and it is suspected that S. tuberosa could become extinct. Literature review suggests that S. tuberosa suffers a reduced regeneration leading to population decrease. At this juncture S. tuberosa cannot be considered threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria, as it has not yet been assessed and hampered generative regeneration is not considered in the IUCN assessment. The combination of threats, however, may have already caused an extinction debt for S. tuberosa. Due to the observed decline in tree density, a thorough assessment of the S. tuberosa population is recommended, as well as a threat assessment throughout the entire Caatinga.
authors: Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics - Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 13, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Mertens
authors: Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics - Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 13, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Germer
authors: Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas, Centro de Referência para Recuperação de Áreas Degradadas da Caatinga - CRAD, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Avenida José de Sá Manicçba, s/n, Centro, CEP 56306-410, Petrolina, PE, Brazil.
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Siqueira
authors: Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics - Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 13, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Sauerborn
mesh_terms: D027926:Anacardiaceae / Q000502:physiology*; D001938:Brazil; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D056727:Endangered Species; D000071421:Life History Traits; D011157:Population Dynamics; D014197:Trees / Q000502:physiology*