Extinction threat evaluation of endemic fig trees of New Caledonia: priority assessment for taxonomy and conservation with herbarium collections

摘要: This article focuses on the relationship between priority-setting in conservation and taxonomy. A simple generally applicable scheme is presented based prior quantitative extinction threat evaluation. In main part of study we describe assessment herbarium voucher collection date time series 21 endemic fig tree species Ficus sect. Oreosycea (Moraceae). The then compared with available IUCN Red List data information two other groups radiations New Caledonia: ebonies Diospyros Maba (Ebenaceae) Iguanura palm lineage (Arecaceae). We find a remarkably low level evident but pronounced need to differentiate true rarity putative potential taxonomic artifacts. To this end it proposed how such numerical evaluations can be used set future priorities for or validation status taxa. limitations implications evaluation are discussed relevant criteria meaningful analysis records listed. Finally, putting our results woody plants into perspective, briefly review general situation outlook Caledonia, acknowledging both its high priority potential.