Kerriodoxa elegans

Both of the known subpopulations occur within protected areas. The Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area (KPT) on Phuket, where this species is abundant, comprises the only remaining rainforest on the island and covers an area of approximately 2,230 hectares. According to the definitions by the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Non-hunting areas are usually of limited extent and protection is targeting specific species, thus collection of plants and herbs is usually permitted. The remaining natural forests on the island have been lost due to large-scale mining, rubber plantations and the rapid expansion of tourism on the island (Elixhauser et al. 2013). KPT is surrounded by villages and plantations and has been heavily encroached upon, with almost 25% of the parks total area thought to be taken up by orchards (Elixhauser et al. 2013). Heavy levels of tourism within the park may also threaten this species and its habitat (Tovaranonte et al. 2015).

Khao Sok National Park is a much larger protected area of over 74,500 hectares and is under less pressure from human activities. However, threats from logging, plantations, soil erosion and unregulated tourism have still been identified (Khao Sok National Park 2023). Given this species occurs at lower elevations, it is likely to have increased vulnerability as generally lowland areas are the first to be affected by human activities. Tree cover loss around the edges of Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area has been recorded on Global Forest Watch (2023) and also within Khao Sok National Park. This tree cover loss is assumed to largely be a consequence of the human activities noted here.

This species is only known from protected areas: Khao Sok National Park and Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2023). There are 36 ex situ collections held by botanic gardens worldwide (BGCI 2023), meaning this species is well represented in ex situ conservation.