Quercus elmeri

Tropical forests of Borneo are highly subject to loss and land conversions for industrial oil palm (Elaeis guineenis), Acacia, and rubber tree (Hersea brasiliensis) plantations. A study by Gaveau et al. (2014) evaluated forest area loss and land area changes to estimate that Borneo's forested area declined by 30% between 1973 and 2010. As of 2010, 389,566 km² of Borneo is still forested (including forests that have been logged) and only 209,649 km² as intact forest (a 60% decline from the forest area in 19730). As Quercus elmeri occurs in this region, it is estimated that the species is threatened by habitat loss and land conversion in this part of its range. Additionally, the forested region is subject to fragmentation which threatens the species habitat quality. Finally, the forest change has also left remaining forests more vulnerable to forest fires.

Recommended conservation actions include protecting logged forests from fire and conversion to plantations. Surveying is recommended to confirm the status and population dynamics of Quercus elmeri populations and to determine the presence and severity of additional threats. Quercus elmeri is reported to occur in 1 ex situ collection globally according to BGCI's PlantSearch (BGCI 2020).