Quercus boyntonii Conservation Action Plan

Partners at The Morton Arboretum, in collaboration with members of the Global Conservation Consortium for Oak (GCCO), recently published the Quercus boyntonii conservation action plan in July 2024 (you can access the final plan here). This report is the culmination of three years of work with multiple partners, including local communities in Alabama and more than 20 representatives from gardens, NGOs, the USFS and other government agencies, private landowners, and others. This report is a crucial step towards conserving this Critically Endangered (according to the IUCN Red List of Oaks 2020 report) oak species, as it outlines the key actions needed to reduce its threats and safeguard existing populations in the wild and in botanic gardens. 

Authored by Amy Byrne, GCCO Coordinator, and Patrick Thompson, Curator of Special Collections at Donald E. Davis Arboretum, Auburn, and Species Steward for Quercus boyntonii, the report includes a description of the species, eco-geographical information, and a summary of current knowledge and research and the gaps that remain. It outlines the threats the oak faces and describes a strategy for conservation, including six goals and the actions needed to meet them. It is encouraging to see that Qboy, as the species is fondly referred to in the report, is being well taken care of!