Determining Priority Conservation of Endemic Palms in the Philippine Islands Using a Localized Conservation Priority Index

Abstract

The mass production of palms for economic and cultural use in the Philippines leads to risk of extinction, genetic erosion, and biodiversity loss. This study aimed to identify top-priority endemic Arecaceae species in the Philippine Islands using a modified localized conservation priority index (LCPI), which considered factors such as distribution, harvesting risk, and economic and cultural use. A taxonomic list of 89 species was constructed, spanning 12 genera, with Calamus being the most speciose genus containing 25 endemic species. The LCPI assessment designated 31 high priority species for conservation, 24 as medium priority, and 34 as low priority. High-priority palms scored highly on the LCPI due to their limited distribution, high susceptibility to overharvesting, and significant economic and cultural value to local communities. The study reveals the diversity and importance of endemic Philippine palms needing urgent conservation efforts to sustain their valuable ecosystem services.