Talk:Metasequoia
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It is odd that the conservation status of the Dawn Redwood is listed as Critically Endangered, but as the article correctly states it is now a commonly grown tree throughout temperate regions worldwide. To label a common, thriving tree as critically endangered simply because its last known wild habitat is under pressure calls into question the objectivity of those who make such a designation. The preservation and range expansion of the Dawn Redwood has been one of the most successful ever undertaken for a species once considered extinct.
- While I somewhat agree that the plant itself may not be "critically endangered", it is a combination of factors that justify it being in this category. As you mentioned, it's native habitat is dwindling. That's a primary reason why many species are placed on endangered lists. For example, many animal species may be kept in captivity and may thrive (through captive breeding programs), but wild populations continue to decline and population bottlenecks and the founder effect may occur. Because a species is cultivated and rather "common" as a landscape plant does not make it less threatened. Another factor is dispersal. If human influence was removed, would this common species be able to create a stand of Metasequoia? I'm not certain it would. In the possible outcome of complete destruction of its native habitat, it may cease to have natural resevoir. Do not confuse ornamental plantings with an expansion of range. Just my thoughts on this Rkitko 09:07, 12 February 2006 (UTC)
Some parts of natural history regarding this tree above may be not right - please www.metasequoia.org for detail. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.180.130.214 (talk • contribs) 15:24, 19 August 2006 (UTC).
- Everything now checked against Farjon's monograph - MPF 21:50, 19 August 2006 (UTC)
