Tanintharyi semi-evergreen forest

Description

This semi-evergreen forest is scattered across eastern Tanintharyi, Kayin and Mon states. The tree canopy is primarily deciduous, although some evergreen species may occur (Davis, 1960; Connette et al., 2016). Connette et al (2016) defined this ecosystem as having a closed canopy (>80% canopy cover) comprising a mixture of trees with and without leaves during the dry season, and estimated that it accounts for about 10.8% of Tanintharyi state. Occurs in areas with highly seasonal rainfall, averaging 1,500 to 2,500 mm per annum. The ecosystem is mostly contiguous intact forest, however, road development is opening large areas of Tanintharyi up for deforestation and plantation (Connette et al., 2016).

Assessment summary

This ecosystem is increasingly threatened by land use change for plantations, and some studies have suggested nearly half of its extent can be considered degraded. However, our analysis suggests that it does not yet meet any category thresholds and was therefore initially assessed as Least Concern. However, the post-assessment review indicated degradation has been observed and ongoing threats are likely to increase in the future. The ecosystem was therefore assessed as Data Deficient, and we recommend urgent further studies and ongoing monitoring to enable a complete assessment of this ecosystem. Data Deficient.