Collaborations needed to host and conduct a
successful Red List workshop
Case study: Oaks at The Morton Arboretum
Murphy Westwood
The role of gardens in Red List efforts
Why do it?
• Wealth of botanical expertise
• Specialists in certain taxonomic groups or geographic regions
• Access to relevant networks
• Knowledge of species in the wild
• Capacity
What’s in it for me?
• Informs collecting and conservation priorities
• Guides policymakers, natural area managers, the public
• Helps you champion your species/group
The role of gardens in Red List efforts
Vanishing Acts
The role of gardens in Red List efforts
Kunming Botanical Garden
Quercus sichourensis conservation grove
The genus Quercus
Trees or shrubs
Deciduous or evergreen
Cool temperate to tropical habitats
Mostly northern hemisphere
Ecologically and economically important
Iconic in US Midwest
Research & conservation priority
Quercus petrea
Quercus alba
State tree of Illinois
The genus Quercus
~450 species – no comprehensive checklist or monograph
Total evaluated= 175 (<50%)
Threatened= 56 (33%)
DD or Not Evaluated >330
Lacked distribution maps
Never published on IUCN RL
Oak Red List workshop(s)
October, 2015
The Morton Arboretum
Oak experts, no Red List experience
Red List experts,(mostly) no oak knowledge
Oak Red List workshop(s)
IOS:
• Brief overview of IUCN RL process
Oak Red List workshop(s)
IOS:
• Brief overview of IUCN RL process
Oak Red List workshop(s)
IOS:
• Brief overview of IUCN RL process
• Discussed taxonomy
You don’t need a rock solid species list
to get started – JUST DO IT!
Oak Red List workshop(s)
IOS:
• Brief overview of IUCN RL process
• Discussed taxonomy
• Reviewed preliminary assessments
You don’t need a rock solid species list
to get started – JUST DO IT!
Oak Red List workshop(s)
IOS:
• Brief overview of IUCN RL process
• Discussed taxonomy
• Reviewed preliminary assessments
• Flagged species of concern
You don’t need a rock solid species list
to get started – JUST DO IT!
Oak Red List workshop(s)
IOS:
• Brief overview of IUCN RL process
• Discussed taxonomy
• Reviewed preliminary assessments
• Flagged species of concern
• Reviewed distribution maps
You don’t need a rock solid species list
to get started – JUST DO IT!
Oak Red List workshop(s)
GTSG:
• Reviewed assessments
Oak Red List workshop(s)
GTSG:
• Reviewed assessments
• Discussed challenging cases
Q. havardii
single genotype=
7km2
Oak Red List workshop(s)
GTSG:
• Reviewed assessments
• Discussed challenging cases
• General discussion of threats, trends
Oak Red List workshop(s)
GTSG:
• Reviewed assessments
• Discussed challenging cases
• General discussion of threats, trends
• Developed new initiatives and strategies
Global Tree Assessment
Red List of North American Tree Species
Tips for a Red List workshop
• Know your audience
 Content or process experts?
• Be prepared
 Species checklist
 Assessments/maps to review
 Encourage SIS training when possible
•Follow ups are incredibly important!
 Content experts
 Fill in species information sheets
 Identify additional experts
 Review assessments
• Apply it!
 Living collections
 Germplasm collecting trips
 Conservation efforts
 Education
 Interpretation