Comprehensive Solution for the Rescue and Conservation of the Critically Small Population of Firmiana major
Full Solution
Firmiana major and Its Habitat in the Sichuan Panzhihua Cycad National Nature Reserve
Sichuan Panzhihua Cycad National Nature Reserve Protection Center
Firmiana major is an endemic species of China. It was declared extinct in the wild by the IUCN in 1998. Later, it was rediscovered in the Sichuan Panzhihua Cycad National Nature Reserve. However, the population size remains extremely small, natural regeneration is limited. The species faces several threats, including low seed plumpness, challenges in seed preservation, harsh habitat conditions in the dry-hot valley, and a lack of protective policies. Integrate field surveys, artificial propagation, in situ conservation, genetic diversity research, and policy advocacy. Core measures include sowing immediately after collection, habitat management. The wild population has increased nearly 400 individuals. More than 500 seedlings have been artificially cultivated. The species has been reclassified as a National Key Protected Wild Plant (Class II), assessed as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN, and its conservation efforts have been integrated into local ecological plans.
Last update: 30 Oct 2025
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Context
Challenges addressed
Environmental Challenges: Firmiana major grows in the dry, hot valley of the Jinsha River, where the annual average temperature is 21.8℃ and the annual precipitation is 614 mm. The soil is barren calcareous soil. Its seeds lose viability after a six-month dry season, with a plumpness rate of only 48.44%. Additionally, natural regeneration of the species is difficult due to predation by squirrels and birds.
Social Challenges: After 1998, the species was removed from the National Protected Species List, leading to insufficient attention to its conservation. Human activities such as grazing and firewood collection have further harmed wild populations.
Economic Challenges: Conservation funding is limited, and the absence of sustainable utilization mechanisms results in low community engagement.
Location
East Asia
Process
Summary of the process
BLOCK 3 (Genetic Diversity Assessment and Conservation Unit Delimitation Technology for Firmiana major) relies on molecular systematic data. By analyzing the genetic indicators of samples, it delineates conservation units, providing a scientific basis for BLOCK 2 (In-situ Conservation and Habitat Optimization Technology) to identify priority conservation areas and for BLOCK 1 (Efficient Seed Propagation and Seedling Management Technology) to select high-quality mother trees. BLOCK 1 cultivates seedlings through sowing immediately after collection, following the technical parameters of artificial propagation. These seedlings are then planted in habitats optimized by BLOCK 2. BLOCK 2 enhances habitats through vine clearance and low-intensity burning, increasing the seedling survival rate to 80%. Meanwhile, monitoring data from BLOCK 2—including sprouting rate and seed set—are fed back to BLOCK 3, which dynamically adjusts genetic conservation strategies. Together, the three BLOCKs form a closed loop of "scientific guidance – practical implementation – data feedback, jointly promoting the population recovery of Firmiana major.
Building Blocks
Efficient Seed Propagation and Seedling Management Techniques for Firmiana major
This module aims to improve the low seedling survival rate caused by poor seed quality and harsh environmental conditions. The key steps include: 1) precise seed collection; 2) seed disinfection to prevent fungal diseases; 3) sowing seeds immediately after collection or shade-drying them for sowing the following spring; and 4) seedling stage management, which involves controlling soil moisture and protecting dormant seedlings to reduce mortality. Data show that seedlings sown immediately after collection can reach a height of 50.2 cm during the rainy season of the following year, which is 60% taller than seedlings grown from stored seeds.
Enabling factors
Precise seed collection timing; soil disinfection and optimized substrate ratios to enhance the germination environment; protection of dormant seedlings; and regular monitoring of seedling growth.
Lesson learned
Long-term seed storage is ineffective because seeds lose their germination capacity over time. It is recommended to sow seeds immediately after collection or store them short-term by shade-drying. Dormant seedlings have weak drought resistance and require supplementary watering and mulching to retain soil moisture. Seedlings sown in spring exhibit a low initial survival rate but achieve higher survival during the rainy season, as they are better adapted to that environment. Avoid over-fertilization, as seedlings are sensitive to nutrients and prone to root rot.
In Situ Conservation and Habitat Optimization Technologies for Firmiana major
This module focuses on habitat optimization to sustain wild populations and enhance their natural regeneration capacity. Key measures include: 1) Habitat cleaning—removing invasive vines and competitive species to reduce shading; 2) Targeted fertilization—applying fertilizers based on soil test results; 3) Grazing control—establishing enclosures and guiding herders to avoid seedling areas to prevent goat browsing; and 4) Stimulating sprouting through controlled, low-intensity burning—adult trees can produce 4 to 10 sprouts during the rainy season after burning, thereby maintaining population continuity. Monitoring indicates that habitats where vines have been removed show a 20% increase in seed set.
Enabling factors
Include policy support from nature reserves, community participation, monitoring tools to track animal disturbances, and scientifically timed burning to prevent excessive damage.
Lesson learned
Invasive species removal must be conducted regularly, as vines regrow rapidly in warm climates. Avoid excessive intervention; artificial fertilization should be applied sparingly to prevent soil eutrophication. The intensity of burning is critical: high-intensity burns damage roots, while low-intensity burns only destroy above-ground parts and may stimulate sprouting. Enclosures should be eco-friendly to minimize habitat fragmentation. Community cooperation is essential; providing compensation for herders’ grazing restrictions can enhance their participation.
Genetic Diversity Assessment and Conservation Unit Delimitation Technology for Firmiana major
This module aims to address the lack of a scientific basis for the conservation of Firmiana major, which stems from an unclear understanding of its population genetic structure. Its methodology integrates molecular systematics and landscape genetics through the following key steps: (1) Sample collection: gathering 398 wild samples from 14 distribution sites across Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, while recording GPS coordinates and habitat information; (2) Molecular experiments: extracting DNA, designing primers for polymorphic loci, and assessing genetic diversity indicators; (3) Data analysis: delineating conservation management units (MUs) using landscape genetics parameters; and (4) Application: guiding the selection of mother trees for artificial propagation and identifying priority areas for in situ conservation. The results of this module were published in the international journal Forest Ecology and Management, providing scientific support for targeted conservation efforts.
Enabling factors
Comprehensive sample coverage includes populations of various sizes and age classes to prevent genetic bias. Advanced technical support is provided through molecular laboratories equipped for DNA extraction, sequencing, and genetic data analysis. Integration of multi-source data combines genetic information with field survey data to enhance the accuracy of delimitation. Cross-institutional collaboration facilitates sample sharing and technical exchange. Additionally, funding from national projects ensures the successful implementation of long-term experiments.
Lesson learned
Sample quality is crucial. Avoid collecting damaged or aged leaves; fresh, young leaves collected during the rainy season yield higher-quality DNA. Primer design requires optimization: initially using non-polymorphic primers wasted time. It is recommended to pre-test more than ten primer pairs to select the optimal combination. Small populations exhibit low genetic diversity, necessitating priority protection to prevent genetic drift. Initially ignoring habitat differences led to inaccurate delimitation of conservation units; results became more accurate after integrating landscape data. Long-term genetic monitoring is essential, as a single sampling cannot capture dynamic changes. Data sharing is indispensable; delayed sharing of data from the Lijiang population slowed overall analysis. Establishing a unified genetic database is recommended for future research.
Impacts
Environmental Impacts: The wild population has increased from over 100 to more than 400 individuals. Additionally, over 500 artificially planted seedlings in the Sichuan Panzhihua Cycad National Nature Reserve have a survival rate of 60%. Habitat quality has improved significantly: vine coverage has decreased by 80%, and soil moisture has increased by 15% following habitat optimization. The species has been reclassified as a National Key Protected Wild Plant (Class II) and assigned an Endangered (EN) status on the IUCN Red List, thereby raising global awareness of its conservation.
Social Impacts: Trained more than 20 local researchers to monitor rare plants; enhanced community conservation awareness, resulting in 80% of herders in surrounding villages reducing grazing activities within the reserve; and established a monitoring network to enable long-term population tracking.
Economic Impacts: Developed as a pioneer tree species for afforestation in dry-hot valleys, over 100 seedlings have been used for local ecological restoration. Additionally, its potential for landscaping has been explored by trial-planting 30 seedlings in urban green spaces.
Beneficiaries
Direct Beneficiaries: Wild populations of Firmiana major ; researchers in nature reserves; local forestry departments.
Indirect Beneficiaries: Dry-hot valley ecosystem of the Jinsha River; surrounding communities; global biodiversity conservation.
Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
GBF Target 4 – Halt Species Extinction, Protect Genetic Diversity, and Manage Human-Wildlife Conflicts
GBF Target 20 – Strengthen Capacity-Building, Technology Transfer, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation for Biodiversity
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 15 – Life on land
Story
In 2004, Yu Zhixiang, a researcher at the Sichuan Panzhihua Cycad National Nature Reserve, discovered a cluster of shrubby trees while surveying Cycas panzhihuaensis. These trees, with palm-shaped leaves and pink flowers, perfectly matched the characteristics of Firmiana major—a species previously declared extinct in the wild. "My hands were shaking when I took the photos," he recalled. "We counted them, and there were only 77 individuals, most growing in rock crevices, with not a single seedling found under the forest canopy."
The team soon encountered challenges: summer temperatures in the dry, hot valley reach 40℃, and seeds collected in September lose viability by June of the following year. Yu Zhixiang led seed propagation experiments, which involved sowing immediately after collection, disinfecting the soil with carbendazim, and constructing small shelters for dormant seedlings. "In 2011, we planted 200 seedlings in Houzigou. By July, the survival rate was 80%, and some had grown to 50 cm tall," he said.
Grazing remained a threat, as goats often fed on young shoots. The team collaborated with surrounding villages by training herders to identify Firmiana major and providing subsidies for alternative pastures. "Some herders initially opposed the construction of enclosures, but after seeing the seedlings survive, they now take the initiative to help with patrols," Yu Zhixiang said with a smile.
By 2020, the number of Firmiana major individuals in the reserve had increased to over 400, and the research findings of Yu Zhixiang’s team were published in Forest Ecology and Management. "This species made me realize that extinction is not permanent—with patience, we can bring it back," he said. Today, the seedlings planted in 2011 have grown to three meters tall and bloom every year, serving as the best testament to the success of the conservation efforts.