IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Palm Specialist Group

Overview and description

Description:

This Specialist Group is a global network of experts who volunteer their time and expertise to build a scientific and practical foundation for the conservation of palms (Palmae or Arecaceae).

Group leadership

Dr Thomas COUVREUR

Commission Member

I am Thomas L.P. Couvreur (HDR, DR2), researcher and botanist at the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD). My main interest lies in understanding the evolution, resilience and diversity of tropical biodiversity, and rain forests in particular, one of the most complex and diverse ecosystems on the planet. Rain forests are important global climate regulators and provide subsidence such as food and shelter to millions of people across the tropics. I undertake research in taxonomy, conservation, molecular phylogenetics and phylogeography using DNA sequence data, morphological evolution, and modelling of species distribution at different time intervals. I also undertake research on economically important species (socio economic studies and documentaries). I focus on two wonderful tropical rain forest plant families palms and the Soursop family Annonaceae. My research has an impact in tropical biodiversity conservation and provides fundamental data towards assessing the influence of ongoing climate change on tropical rain forest biodiversity.

More about the Specialist Group

This conspicuous and abundant family occurs in a wide range of ecosystems and habitats. They are often keystone species upon which entire ecosystems depend for food, shelter and services. Because palms are threatened in many habitats throughout the world, the PSG is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of palms.

To conserve palms by developing and implementing programs to save, restore and manage palm species and their habitats.

Specialist Group work

Goals

To assess the conservation status of palm species throughout the world;
To identify conservation priorities for palm species and their habitats and develop strategies for their conservation;
To provide an expert assistance for the conservation of palm species diversity.