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THE UNEP WORLD CONSERVATION MONITORING CENTRE is the THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR BAMBOO AND RATTAN (INBAR)
biodiversity assessment and policy implementation arm is a non-profit, international organization established in
of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 1997 by Treaty. As of June 2002, INBAR’s Establishment
the world’s foremost intergovernmental environmental Agreement had been signed by 26 countries. INBAR’s
organization. UNEP-WCMC aims to help decision-makers mission is to improve the well-being of producers and users
recognize the value of biodiversity to people everywhere, and of bamboo and rattan within the context of a sustainable
to apply this knowledge to all that they do. The Centre’s bamboo and rattan base by consolidating, coordinating
challenge is to transform complex data into policy-relevant and supporting strategic and adaptive research and
information, to build tools and systems for analysis and development.
integration, and to support the needs of nations and the
international community as they engage in joint pro-
grammes of action.
Authors Acknowledgements
N Bystriakova1,2 The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the
V Kapos2 International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), the UNEP
C M A Stapleton3 World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and
I Lysenko2 Missouri Botanical Garden. UNEP-WCMC and the Royal Botanical
Gardens, Kew are thanked for providing working facilities.
1 International Network for Bamboo and Rattan
Beijing, China Additional photo credits
2 UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Page 7 (left to right) 1-3: Zhu Zhaohua; 4: Jeevanandhan
Cambridge, UK Duraisamy; 5: Zhu Zhaohua
3 Royal Botanic Gardens Page 8 A Borissenko
Kew, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK; c.stapleton@rbgkew.org.uk Page 9 M Sanbluch/UNEP/Topham
URL: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/resources/publications/UNEP_WCMC_bio_series/14.htm
Citation: Bystriakova, N., Kapos, V., Stapleton, C. & Lysenko, I. 2003. Bamboo Biodiversity. UNEP-WCMC/INBAR.
The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP, INBAR or contributory organizations. The designations employed and
the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP, INBAR or contributory organizations concerning the legal
status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
2
Bamboo biodiversity
Contents
Foreword
Preface
BAMBOO BIODIVERSITY 7
References 16
3
Bamboo biodiversity
Foreword
T
he bamboo plant supports an international trade survival of many potentially important bamboo species may
which (even according to our currently imperfect be threatened.
trade statistics) is worth more than US$ 2 billion This work is a first step towards quantifying bamboo
per year. Yet international trade represents only a small resources in the world. It presents an innovative approach to
proportion of total bamboo usage – domestic use is quantifying the likely range of the various bamboo species.
estimated to account for at least 80 per cent. Bamboo is It also, through the aggregation of overlapping ranges, has
thus a major world commodity. something to contribute to knowledge about bamboo
Despite this, very little is known about the biodiversity.
distribution and resources of bamboo. Certain bamboo The innovative approach used here can be applied
species (e.g. Chinese Moso bamboo, Phyllostachys edulis) to the study of other species associated with mapped
have formed the basis for major industrial development and ecosystems.
have been domesticated into plantations. Perhaps 50 or This study would not have been possible without
100 bamboo species are preferred for use and are under- the collaboration between INBAR and UNEP-WCMC. It was
going some degree of domestication. However there are the detailed map-based databases of UNEP-WCMC that
estimated to be nearly 1 500 species in total. The vast made the development of the methodology possible. Thus,
majority of these occur only in their native ranges, and many this study is an excellent example of two organizations
may have uses of local or wider significance that have yet to working together to combine their strengths.
be documented. Unfortunately, as obligate components of
forested ecosystems, their futures are bound up with the Ian Hunter
survival of their forest habitats. This publication indicates Director General
that as forest ecosystems shrink under human pressure the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan
4
Bamboo biodiversity
Preface
B
amboo – an intriguing name for a quite Conservation of biodiversity is a necessary step
extraordinary group of plants! Essentially a family towards solving the problems of poverty alleviation and
of giant woody grasses, they are used for every sustainable development – this message is clear from the
conceivable purpose, from scaffolding to boats, cooking Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development.
utensils to furniture, for food, fuel, landscaping, ornamental But conservation in today’s world means the adoption of an
display and a thousand other uses. Their direct and overarching, ecosystem approach that takes into account
widespread importance to our social and economic well- species, their habitats and the landscapes in which they
being may be self-evident but, surprisingly, we still know occur. The mapping approach used in the analysis
relatively little about most bamboos in the wild. Although undertaken here facilitates building this bigger picture for
their importance to a few threatened species, such as the conservation. This report will help range states to
giant panda, is legendary, the distribution and conservation recognize, and value, the bamboo genetic resources on
status of bamboos themselves largely remain a mystery. their own doorsteps, and to conserve them for future
The results described in this publication expand our generations.
knowledge base substantially. Information drawn from a I welcome this opportunity to collaborate with
wide range of botanical and other sources has been treated INBAR, the world’s bamboo and rattan trade network. I
with sophisticated analytical tools to generate a new hope that our first analysis will form the basis for future
overview of the distribution of bamboos in the Asia-Pacific assessments of bamboo resources and their conservation
region. By providing insight into centres of diversity and the status. Bamboos are a fascinating group of plants that bring
amount of habitat remaining for individual species, it will benefits to people everywhere; they should be conserved as
help to identify priorities for planning and management of an important resource for all our futures.
bamboos. They are essentially forest plants and their future
is linked to the survival of forest habitats – under pressure Mark Collins
worldwide from the expansion of agriculture, plantation Director
forestry and climate change. UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
5
Bamboo biodiversity
Bamboo biodiversity
B
amboos are distinct and fascinating plants, with 20-120 years. Inhabiting moister, more benign habitats
a wide range of values and uses. They play a in old-growth forests, they are often associated with
significant role in biodiversity conservation and threatened plants, and there are many specialized animal
contribute to soil and water management. They are species that depend upon them. The best known of these in
important for biomass production and play an increasing Asia is the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), but the
role in local and world economies. This study used an red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and the Himalayan black bear
innovative approach to map potential current distributions (Selenarctos thibetanus) are also heavily dependent on
of nearly 1 000 individual bamboo species that occur bamboo. The world’s second smallest bat (Tylonycteris
naturally within remaining forests of the Asia-Pacific pachypus, 3.5 cm) roosts between nodes of mature bamboo
region. The maps were also combined to generate regional (Gigantochloa scortechinii ), which it enters through holes
maps showing potential species and generic richness. created by beetles. The recent discovery of a colony in a
By quantifying the area of forest cover remaining within bamboo stand in Hong Kong highlighted the conservation
each species’ range, this study shows that more than importance of bamboos on that island, where all bats are
400 bamboo species are potentially threatened by the protected (Ades 1999). More than 15 Asian birds live almost
destruction of natural forest cover. Conservation and exclusively in bamboo; many of these are rare, and many
sustainable management of wild populations of bamboo threatened birds use bamboo as a significant proportion
should be a high priority, especially where diversity is high of their habitat (BirdLife International 2000). There are
or deforestation is a significant threat. also many little-known invertebrates specially adapted
Bamboos are of conservation significance in their to the environment within hollow bamboo culms. Studying
own right and as indicators of high biodiversity in other these specialized relationships, which reflect a long history
groups. They are an ancient group of forest plants, of co-evolution between bamboos and other species, can
intrinsically vulnerable to deforestation. The vulnerability of shed light on evolutionary and ecological processes.
some species is increased by the simultaneous flowering Because the extensive rhizome system of bamboos
and subsequent death of entire populations in cycles of lies primarily in the top layers of soil, they often play a
7
Bamboo biodiversity
8
Bamboo biodiversity
9
Bamboo biodiversity
World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have important bamboo species outside forest cover (Annex IV),
collaborated to compile and synthesize available infor- but the synthesis maps do not reflect this.
mation on the distribution of bamboo resources within
remaining forested areas of the Asia-Pacific region. To DISTRIBUTION OF BAMBOO DIVERSITY IN THE ASIA-
determine likely present distributions and estimate the total PACIFIC REGION
area of remaining forest potentially containing bamboo, The potential current distributions of nearly 1 000 individual
information on the distribution of bamboo species in the bamboo species within natural forest were mapped. The
region was compiled from taxonomic and floristic literature largest national complement of species was for China,
and combined with regional data on remaining forest cover. which had 626 described species (Table 1), followed by India
Maps showing regional patterns of potential bamboo (102 species) and Japan (84 species). Species varied in
species richness have been generated to support decision- extent of potential distribution from those widely distributed
making in forest management and bamboo conservation across the region, such as Cephalostachyum pergracile
(Bystriakova et al. 2003). with a total of nearly 1.5 million km2 of forest within its
This study was confined to woody bamboos, as these distribution range (see Map 19, Annex IV), to those
are most important from the socio-economic point of view, apparently confined to very limited remnants of natural
and the present section focuses only on those species that forest (e.g. Dinochloa dielsiana (just over 4 600 km2; see
occur naturally in the forests of the Asia-Pacific region. Of Map 28, Annex IV). For a few species (e.g. Dendrocalamus
the 88 genera in the Bambuseae, the tribe of woody giganteus, Map 23, Annex IV) it was possible to show that
bamboos (Ohrnberger 1999), only the 60 genera occurring maintenance of bamboo stocks within cultivated landscapes
in the Asia-Pacific region (24 countries plus the Russian has apparently vastly increased the extent of their present
Sakhalin and Kuril Islands) were included in this study potential distribution.
(Annex III). We gathered data on 1 012 species that occur
naturally in the region. Table 1. Numbers of species of Bambuseae occurring in
For each species bibliographic sources were the countries of the Asia-Pacific region
searched to acquire data about its distribution. These data COUNTRY/ NUMBER OF COUNTRY/ NUMBER OF
were principally political units (country, province, locale), TERRITORY NATURALLY TERRITORY NATURALLY
altitudinal range (minimum and maximum altitude) and OCCURRING OCCURRING
forest type. They were entered into an Access database SPECIES SPECIES
containing 13 fields and multiple records for each species (a Australia 3 Korea, DPR 2
total of 2 190 records). For some species and locations the Bangladesh 18 Pakistan 3
information available in the bibliographic sources was more Bhutan 21 Papua New
detailed than for others: only 980 records (45 per cent) Brunei 6 Guinea 22
contain information about altitudinal range, while 1 846 Cambodia 4 Philippines 26
records (84 per cent) have data about species distribution at China 626 Russia
the provincial level. Hong Kong 9 (Sakhalin and
For each species in the database, a single potential India 102 Kuril Islands) 1
distribution map was generated using ArcView geographic Indonesia 56 Singapore 3
information systems (GIS) software to combine data on Japan 84 Korea, Rep. 6
political units, altitude and forest type according to the Laos 13 Sri Lanka 11
information about natural distribution of the species. The Malaysia 50 Thailand 36
information about the distribution of existing forest cover Myanmar 75 Viet Nam 69
provided by UNEP-WCMC (Iremonger et al. 1997; UNEP- Nepal 25
WCMC 2000) was used as a mask to eliminate areas not Total species in all countries 1 012
forested. In cases where there was no information about Source: Ohrnberger 1999
distribution of a species within the country, the whole
country was regarded as a smallest distribution unit. When Individual grids (maps) for each species were sorted
multiple data on altitudinal range existed for the same and merged by genus to generate potential distribution
species, the broadest range was applied. maps for the 60 genera of the tribe Bambuseae that occur
It is important to recognize that many bamboo within the region. The genera range from widely distributed
species persist outside forest, and the study did not address (e.g. Bambusa, Map 1, Annex IV) to nationally endemic (e.g.
this. For the purposes of this publication an attempt was Ochlandra, Map 6, Annex IV). Most genera were distributed
made to map the distribution of some economically across several countries but not the whole region (Maps
10
Bamboo biodiversity
Figure 2. Map of potential generic richness for the Asia-Pacific region, derived by integrating all 60 genera in a single grid.
Figure 3. Regional scale map of potential bamboo species richness, derived by integrating all 998 species in a single grid.
11
Bamboo biodiversity
1-8, Annex IV). Integration of all genera in a single grid significant component of forest biodiversity, and suggests
provided a map of potential generic richness for the whole that certain species may be highly vulnerable because of
Asia-Pacific region (Figure 2), which showed a maximum their limited distributions (as currently known) and the
generic richness of 22 genera per km2 found in southern restricted availability of forest habitat within their
China. About a quarter of the bamboo-containing forest distribution range. In conjunction with knowledge of
of the Asia-Pacific region potentially contains one to two deforestation and practicalities of implementing biodiversity
genera. and conservation activities, the results constitute a useful
Integration of 998 species in a single grid generated planning tool.
a regional-scale potential species richness map (Figure 3), One of the major achievements of this study is
which was broadly similar to the generic richness map, the development of an approach that makes it possible to
suggesting that richness at either taxonomic level may generalize, combine and visualize information about
be an adequate indicator of biodiversity distribution in distribution of individual species. Compared with the dot
bamboos, at least at broad geographical scales. maps commonly used to record potential occurrence of
The regional map of potential bamboo species species, the resulting distribution polygons provide better
richness (Figure 3) shows that more than 5.3 million km2 possibilities for analysis of patterns, threats and potential
of forest in the Asia-Pacific region potentially contains management options. This approach can also help to
bamboo. The maximum potential species richness in the analyse and compare data, and to detect inconsistencies
region, 142 species per km2, was recorded for a total area among datasets.
of about 900 km2 in southern China. More than 28 per cent The results on species distributions and diversity
(1.5 million km2) of the total area of forest would have from patterns should be regarded as a first approximation of
1 to 5 species per km2 (Figure 4), while potential species the possible regional distribution of bamboo species and
richness of more than 50 species per km2 was recorded for genera in natural forests of the Asia-Pacific region. They
189 000 km2 (3.5 per cent of the regional total). reflect the present level of compiled knowledge about
taxonomy and distribution of the subfamily Bambusoideae
in the Asia-Pacific region (Ohrnberger 1999) and are subject
1 800 to its limitations. The rather sharp differences in species
1 684
1 519 richness levels on opposite sides of national boundaries
(Figure 3) reflect the great variation in standards of bio-
Forest area ('000 km )
1 083
countries. To improve the situation, collaborative inter-
national biodiversity research and conservation pro-
grammes should replace fragmentary national studies,
548
which often yield contradictory results across national
339 boundaries.
189
The regional synthesis maps of species and generic
0 richness (Figures 2 and 3) support the existing theories of
1-5 6-10 11-20 21-30 31-50 51-142 bamboo species distribution (Ohrnberger 1999), in which
Number of bamboo species overlapping the highest diversity of Asian woody bamboos is attributed
Figure 4. Total area of the Asia-Pacific region covered by to the monsoon belt of Southeast Asia and southern China.
forest in each potential bamboo species richness class. The highest overall diversity of Asian bamboos is seen in
The classes refer to the number of species whose dis- southern China (Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan), but
tributions overlap in each 1 km2 cell of the ArcView grid. relatively high levels of deforestation there may mean that
some species do not, in fact, persist in forest areas where
they could potentially occur. The importance of bamboos
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS persisting in cultivated landscapes is therefore increased.
This study served principally as a pilot study to assess the Myanmar and Borneo also have relatively high levels of
value of the technique and identify gaps in current bamboo diversity as well as more substantial areas of
knowledge. It was not intended to produce finalized remaining forest (Figure 3).
distribution maps or to allow detailed or definitive Bamboos have not yet been the subject of detailed
conclusions to be drawn on the conservation status of biogeographical studies, but it has often been assumed that
individual bamboo species. However, it does contribute to areas that have high current diversity represent ancestral
an understanding of where bamboo is most likely to be a homes of woody bamboos (Wen 1983; 1985). In fact,
12
Bamboo biodiversity
Figure 5. Map of potential bamboo species richness in Africa and the Americas, derived by integrating 370 individual
species maps.
however, bamboos may not have existed in these areas for dependence upon bamboo in its rural economy and
any great length of time. The current global distribution of culture, and its rich forest biodiversity. Northeast India is
woody bamboos (Figures 3 and 5), with a second important, another such area – biodiversity is high (although bamboo
though less rich, centre of bamboo biodiversity in South taxonomy still has substantial shortcomings), and recent
America (Bystriakova et al. 2002a), suggests that early intense deforestation has prompted a total ban on tree
ancestors of woody bamboos evolved in Gondwanaland in felling that may have intensified pressure on non-tree
the southern hemisphere in post-Cretaceous times. High species such as bamboos. China evidently has the highest
biodiversity in southern China may only reflect relatively bamboo biodiversity levels, as well as a high degree of
recent diversification there, unless woody bamboos have deforestation and degradation of habitats, but conser-
evolved more than once in separate, unrelated lineages. vation is now seen as a priority, political stability makes
Such considerations are currently under investigation. interventions feasible, and taxonomic studies are
Many of the individual species maps (Annex IV) show progressing. Areas such as the Upper Yangtze watershed
very restricted potential ranges. A similar preponderance of are receiving more protection, primarily for downstream
very small ranges has been found in South America (Clark flood limitation purposes.
2001), where Andean woody bamboos were shown to have The data produced in this study give an indication of
nearly four times the endemicity of other grasses. Possible the maximum possible forest habitat remaining for each
reasons for this include scarcity of effective dispersal bamboo species. This corresponds approximately to “extent
mechanisms, isolation of populations in often dissected, of occurrence”, one of the criteria used by IUCN–The World
mountainous terrain and, for many species, relatively recent Conservation Union to identify species that are endangered
radiation into new habitats following tectonic and orogenic or threatened with extinction (IUCN 2001). Among the woody
activity. bamboos of the Asia-Pacific region, many species appear to
The results of this study can also be used to have very small areas of remaining habitat (Figure 6), giving
identify areas of high forest bamboo biodiversity where a very heavily skewed, almost exponential frequency
deforestation may be threatening many bamboo species. distribution of remaining habitat area among species.
Of particular concern are those areas where biodiversity, Nearly 450 species (Annex V) have within their ranges less
deforestation and taxonomic uncertainties are highest. than the 20 000 km2 of remaining forest habitat that would
Myanmar is unfortunately a case in point, despite the high correspond to the threshold extent of occurrence used by
13
Bamboo biodiversity
450 status. All the currently included Red List bamboos require
400 verification of their claim to specific status, possible
Number of species
0
<20
-99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
00
Thus, the results of this study can both contribute
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-4
0-5
0-6
0-7
0-8
0-9
20
≥1
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Area of forest in range ('000 km2) 90 to an understanding of where bamboo is most likely to be
a significant component of forest biodiversity, and help to
Figure 6. Numbers of bamboo species in the Asia-Pacific identify which species are most likely to be at risk. For
region according to the area of forest habitat remaining threatened bamboo species, protection of their natural
within their ranges. populations in situ is apparently the only feasible
conservation technique at present, as ex-situ conservation
IUCN as a criterion for inclusion in the Red List (IUCN 2001). techniques are currently not practical for bamboos
This suggests that many uncultivated forest bamboos may (Stapleton and Rao 1996). Bamboo seed is infrequently
be particularly susceptible to erosion of their habitat and produced and has poor viability, and plantations are difficult
their genetic diversity, and therefore may need to be to raise and protect on a large enough scale. Therefore,
considered threatened. areas where high bamboo richness and species potentially
The remaining forest habitat extents for species at risk coincide should be among the highest priorities
currently on the IUCN Red List (Figure 7) are very similarly for action to secure the persistence of wild populations
distributed to those of all bamboo species (Figure 6). This is of bamboo and improve the knowledge base for their
counter to the expectation that a subset of highly threatened conservation and management. Forests of Hainan Island
species would have a substantially higher proportion with and the Upper Yangtze are among the areas where bamboo
severely limited remaining habitat area. The pattern is conservation activities are required, practicable and likely to
heavily influenced by Chimonobambusa quadrangularis be successful.
(Map 20, Annex IV) and Brachystachyum densiflorum (Map As well as providing information from which to plan
17), which have relatively wide distributions. Indeed, conservation strategies, the data and maps produced by this
Chimonobambusa quadrangularis is considered an invasive study may also constitute a first step in quantifying national,
weed in Hawaii and other areas where it has been regional and global forest bamboo resources more effectively.
introduced. These contrasts highlight the need for a better Such quantification is important both for managing those
understanding of bamboo distributions and conservation resources and for adequately assessing the importance of
forests in terms of their provision of non-timber forest
products and attendant social and economic benefits.
50
% all species
However, at present the field-based abundance information
40 % Red List species that would be necessary to build on this initial step is almost
% of species
-99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
00
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-4
0-5
0-6
0-7
0-8
0-9
≥1
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
14
Bamboo biodiversity
Figure 8. Global distribution of potential rattan species richness, based on maps of more than 600 species (Bystriakova et
al. 2002b).
bamboos would need back-up information on bamboo 1. Verifying the taxonomic and conservation
identification as well as special training. status of current Red List species.
The methodology developed in the study could be
successfully applied to develop information to support 2. Verifying the taxonomic and conservation status
management of other species including non-timber forest of species with the smallest estimated geo-
products. For example, Bystriakova et al. (2002b) used a graphical ranges and remaining habitat.
similar approach to map distributions of nearly 600 species
of rattan (subfamily Calamoideae) within natural forests in 3. Filling information gaps, such as taxonomic
Africa and the Asia-Pacific region (Figure 8). This effort inconsistencies and inadequate knowledge of
showed that the greatest potential species richness of the distribution of woody bamboo species,
rattans (perhaps as many as 90 species per km2) is through both national capacity building and
concentrated in forests of Sarawak, Malaysia, with other international collaboration.
areas of high potential richness in northern and eastern
Borneo (Sabah and Kalimantan). The contrast between 4. Developing appropriate methods for assessing
these results and those for bamboo highlights the bamboo resources and the pressures on them
importance of developing policy, planning and management and incorporating these methods into NTFP
strategies targeted at individual groups based on appro- elements of national forest inventories.
priate specialized information sources.
5. Assessing the value of existing reserves and
CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK reserve networks (especially those in China)
This study makes clear that information on distribution, for conserving the biological diversity of
abundance and conservation status of bamboo resources bamboos.
is far from complete. Significant effort is still required to
assemble an adequate information base as a foundation for 6. Refining the assessment of available habitat
policy and management decisions affecting bamboo and to size by including climatic and soil data and
ensure the survival of their full biological diversity. Future applying these approaches for other groups of
efforts should include: conservation concern and/or providing NTFPs.
15
Bamboo biodiversity
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Information for planning conservation and
management in the Asia-Pacific region
Bamboos are distinct and fascinating plants, with a wide range of values and
uses. They play a significant role in biodiversity conservation and contribute
to soil and water management. They are important for biomass production
and play an increasing role in local and world economies.
This study used an innovative approach to map potential current
distributions of nearly 1 000 individual bamboo species that occur naturally
within remaining forests of the Asia-Pacific region. The maps were also
combined to generate regional maps showing potential species and generic
richness.
By quantifying the area of forest cover remaining within each species’
range, this study shows that more than 400 bamboo species are potentially
threatened by the destruction of natural forest cover. Conservation and
sustainable management of wild populations of bamboo should be a high
priority, especially where diversity is high or deforestation is a significant
threat.
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