Borinda ferax

Forests habitats within its range are reported to be disturbed and degraded by human activities, such as: cultivation, firewood cutting and conversion to shrubland and meadows, sometimes even within protected areas (Wei et al. 2000). Between 500 to 1,000 km² of forest are estimated to remain within the range of this species (Bystriakova et al. 2003). The vulnerability of some species is increased by the simultaneous flowering and subsequent death of entire populations in cycles of 20-120 years (Stapleton 1998, Bystriakova et al. 2003). This species is noted to have a life span of forty years (Carter et al. 1999). Many Asian bamboo species have very restricted potential ranges possibly due to poor dispersal mechanisms and isolation of populations in dissected, mountainous areas and may be particularly susceptible to erosion of their habitat and their genetic diversity. Problems of ownership and forest management procedures may mean that the habitat is more vulnerable (Bystriakova et al. 2003). However, this species is suspected to have some ability to regenerate and persist in disturbed and secondary habitats as it has been recorded from roadsides, grazed shrubland and village areas. The culms are used for weaving and making furniture and farm tools. The impact of this harvest, and whether this species is grown and managed locally for its economic use, is unknown. Additionally, Fargesia species are attractive ornamentals sought after by bamboo growing enthusiasts and some individuals may be extracted from the wild for the horticultural trade. This species has been investigated for its potential to be affected by climate change and was thought to lose climate space when future climate change estimates were made (McClean and Lovett 2008).

This species occurs within the Yele and Gonggashan Nature Reserves. The Yele reserve is approximately 300 km² and the Gonggashan 4,000 km² (BirdLife International 2014). It is cultivated ex situ in botanical institutions, for example, l'arboretum de la Bambouseraie (Générargues, Gard, France). Research on biodiversity, taxonomy and conservation of the remaining forest bamboos has so far been limited and very few studies of the conservation status of individual species have been undertaken (Bystriakova et al. 2003). Bamboo biodiversity conservation is now seen as a priority in China and taxonomic studies are progressing. Conservation of forest bamboo species is necessary not only for their own intrinsic value, but also as a gene pool in support of related cultivated bamboos (Bystriakova et al. 2003). Stapleton and Rao (1995) note that the protection of natural populations in situ is the only feasible conservation technique at present, for threatened bamboos, as ex situ conservation techniques are difficult because seed is infrequently produced and has poor viability, and plantations are difficult to raise and protect on a large enough scale. Field surveys are needed to confirm the current range and population size of this species and to inform conservation actions. Level of culms harvested, sustainability and impact on the population should be investigated. The biology and ecology of his bamboo should also be studied, especially in relation to flowering frequency, seed production and recruitment. Seeds (if possible) should be collected for germplasm conservation.