Preliminary Study on the Population Distributive Pattern and Endangered Mechanism of Zhengyia shennongensis

Zhengyia shennongensis, the genus name of which was given to express the famous phytotaxonom- ist—Prof. Wu Zhengyia's contribution to the Chinese plant taxonomy, flora and systematics, is a rela- tively towering perennial herbaceous plant of Urticaceae. As a new-discovered endemic species & genus of the family in the Shennong Forest, Hubei Province, China, it is of very significance in the bo- tanic research and regional species conservation practices. Since the September of 2013, we have focused the investigation into its population module characters, distributive pattern, ecological fac- tors and endangered status, and the results showed as follows: 1) There were six new-discovered small populations with only over 50 individuals; 2) The species only occasionally occurred in some gullies and concave grooves of midslope along the riverbank of Wushanhu with a serious unstable habitat frequently destroyed by irregular rainwater and mud-rock flow; 3) The small population in the type specimen collecting site had 67.7% annual mortality, 13.8% refresh rate and 46.1% pre- serving rate from the September, 2013 to September, 2014; 4) There were over 500 individuals only recorded in the distributive area, which indicated that the species was in extremely endangered, and its critically endangered situation resulted from a combination of habitat distinctiveness, peculiar eco-biological characteristics and human firewood-cutting, herb-gathering or other interferences. The top priority should make an extensive propaganda and education for local masses to inform them the special nature and conservation significance of this rare species, so as to they could actively do some practical things to conserve these remaining populations. Meanwhile, we made a suggestion that the relevant departments should consider a project funding plan to focus its population viability analysis and off-site conservation practices.