At a Glance
The Marañón Valley in Peru is a dry forest valley cut by the Marañón River, but surrounded by the damp and humid cloud forests of the Andes Mountains. This unique ecosystem is home to more than 150 endemic plants, including the Goma de Canaquil Tree.
Botanists are still learning about the tree, which is found in the northern part of the valley and grows to about 5.5 meters (18 feet) high and 15 centimeters (6 inches) in diameter. Unlike other tree species in its genus, Goma de Cannaquil Tree does not have thorns or prickles that protect it from grazing animals. Scientists think that it reproduces by dropping seed pods that float in the Marañón River or in seasonal flood waters, which help them decay and eventually open.
The major threats to Goma de Canaquil Tree are cutting them for firewood and stress caused by grazing livestock. Several large scale dam projects are also major threats to the species survival and its habitat.
At a glance
Taxa
Plants
Geography
Peru
Status
Critically Endangered
Habitat
Tropical dry forest, shrublands
Estimated Population
Fewer than 200 mature individuals
Threats
Habitat degradation and fragmentation; livestock trampling and browsing; fires
Potential Recovery Actions
Habitat recovery; seed collection, propagation, reforestation and population reinforcement
