Abies fabri subsp. minensis (Bordères & Gaussen) Rushforth


Endemic to western Sichuan in China where acid rain is the main present-day threat

Associated Names:


Endemic to China where it occurs in western Sichuan, from Songpan to the southwest where it meets A. fabri subsp. fabri west of Chengdu

No clear data for this taxon but from inference from other species in the area a population decline of circa 30% over the past 100 years is estimated. As logging is now banned, further loss should be restricted to acid rain and occasional fire risks.

Habitat and Ecology

Forms pure forests or with other conifers, mainly Picea and Tsuga, and some broadleaved trees such as Acer and Betula.

Human Uses

Locally used for construction.

Conservation Status

Global status

Vulnerable A2cde

Global rationale

The effect of past logging, estimated at 30% and continuing damage from acid rain to at least parts of the subpopulation justifies the vulnerable status under the A2 criteria.

Global threats

Acid rain is the main current threat to the subspecies now that logging is banned.

Conservation Actions

The Government of China has recently imposed a ban on logging in western China.