Quantitative study on priority conservation of wild rare plants in Saiwudang National Nature Reserve, Hubei

We quantitatively investigated wild rare plant resources in Saiwudang National Nature Reserve, Hubei Province, China. The priority conservation of rare plants was analyzed using the threatened coefficient, genetic coefficient, and species value coefficient. The endangerment and conservation priority levels were then determined. Results showed that:(1) There were 33 species of rare plants belonging to 33 genera and 26 families, including 15 vulnerable species, 11 near threatened species, and seven safe species; (2) The priority conservation values of these species ranged from 0.2631 to 0.6985. Accordingly, six species were ranked as first grade, 13 species were ranked as second grade, 12 species were ranked as third grade, and two species were ranked as fourth grade conservation priority; (3) The endangerment and conservation priority levels varied significantly between our research and rare plant lists. These differences may result from habitat fragmentation and human disturbance, which severely threaten most plants in this area. Therefore, it is essential that the management of these rare and endangered plants is intensified.