Quercus gemelliflora

The tropical forests of Borneo are highly subject to loss and land conversions for industrial Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis), Acacia, and Rubber Tree (Hevea 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 1973). As Quercus gemelliflora occurs in this region, it is estimated that the species is threatened by habitat loss and land conversion. 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. However, as Borneo only covers a portion of the species range, it is not expected to be severely threatened by habitat loss across its entire range. Additionally, the deforestation currently occurs in primarily in the lowlands and this species occurs at higher elevations. A study from Sarkar and Devi (2014) that looked at regeneration and population structure of trees in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, found that Quercus gemelliflora showed no regeneration in the study period which could be a concern in the future.

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 gemelliflora populations and to determine the presence and severity of additional threats. Quercus gemelliflora is reported to occur in four ex situ collections globally according to BGCI's PlantSearch (BGCI 2019).