NEWS FROM IUCN ON ‘EXTINCT’ SPECIES

Two forest tree species, listed as “extinct” or “probably extinct” in IUCN's Plant Red Data Book (IUCN 1978) have recently been rediscovered (see Threatened Plants Committee Newsletters No.5 and 6; details on this Newsletter can be found on p.55 of FGRI No.9).

Eucalyptus steedmannii C.A. Gardner, a small tree 8–12 m high originally described from Western Australia, has recently been rediscovered in two localities near Lake Cronin, less than 5 km apart. Both populations are in an area which has been intensively surveyed for nickel mining. Dr. S.D. Hopper, who rediscovered the species, intends to advise the mining company of the importance of Eucalyptus steedmannii.

Sophora toromiro, endemic to Easter Island and the island's only indigenous tree species, was listed as “probably extinct” by IUCN in 1978. However, soon after the publication of the Red Data Book it was discovered that the famous explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, had collected seeds from the last tree on the island and sent them to the Botanical Garden at Gothenburg, Sweden. On his next visit to Easter Island, Heyerdahl found that the tree had died. But the seeds germinated in cultivation and there are now three plants of Sophora toromiro growing in Gothenburg. The next task is to see if the species can be reintroduced to Easter Island: