New distributional records, conservation status and propagation of the critically endangered and narrow endemic tree Actinodaphne quercina Blume (Lauraceae)

Actinodaphne quercina Blume (Lauraceae) is a narrow endemic tree species found only in Sawarna Village of Lebak Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia. Due to its narrow distribution, small population size, and threat from habitat conversion, the species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR). In the present study, we report the new distributional records of A. quercina on Nusakambangan Island of Central Java Province c. 300 km southeast of the previous location, alongside population data and characteristics of the habitat of the species in the new locations. A total of 31 individuals were observed from two locations, with the majority (87 %) being immature. Only four individuals are deemed mature, with a diameter at breast height ranging from 17 to 28 cm. Based on our findings, the species is still qualified for CR status under criteria CR C2a(i),D. We observed that in the locations, habitat conversion into agricultural lands is the main threat to the species. To enhance the conservation of the species, a propagation trial had been conducted and the results showed that sand media could be used to propagate the species from shoot cuttings. Furthermore, by employing species distribution models, we provided the potential distribution map of the species to assist future population surveys and species recovery initiatives.