Areca parens

Areca parens, as a narrow endemic species, is highly affected by the continuous loss of natural forests in the province of Camarines Norte. Due to expansion of commercial agriculture and urbanization, the province experienced a reduction in natural forest cover of 46% of its total land area. The majority of the forests have been converted into plantations (GFW 2019).

The species was assessed as Critically Endangered in the DAO 2017–11 or the Updated National List of Threatened Species in the Philippines and Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List  (Madulid 1998, DENR-BMB 2017). Through this administrative order pursuant to Republic Act no. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, illegal and excessive tampering of the species from its natural habitats, together with other species specified therein, are inhibited. Its unauthorized utilization, trade, and disturbances made in its natural habitats are punishable by the law. In addition, the species is under ex situ conservation in four botanic gardens (BGCI 2019). It is cultivated particularly in Makiling Botanic Gardens in the Philippines (Fernando 2009). Lastly, the species is under in situ conservation since it is occurring in a Protected Area.