Endemic plants of Java Island, Indonesia: a dataset

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Biodiversity research
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Java Island faces significant pressure on its plant diversity due to high population and economic activities.
• Endemic plants with narrow geographic ranges are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic threats and environmental changes.
• Species lists are crucial for understanding biodiversity in areas with high human impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create the first comprehensive online dataset of endemic plant species of Java Island.
• To provide accepted scientific names, synonyms, local names, growth forms, and conservation status for Javan endemic plants.
• To establish a baseline for future biodiversity assessments and conservation strategies in Java.

Main Methods:

• Manually extracted initial species list from Plant of the World Online (POWO).
• Confirmed endemism and current distribution using peer-reviewed publications, online databases, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) data.
• Compiled data on local names, growth forms, IUCN Red List status, ex situ collection status, CITES appendices, and national protection laws.

Main Results:

• The dataset includes 652 endemic species across 279 genera and 85 families, with Orchidaceae being the most diverse family.
• The majority of species are trees (22.6%), herbs (19.2%), or epiphytes (16%).
• A significant majority (89.7%) of species lack assessed conservation status, and most are not protected by CITES or national law.

Conclusions:

• This dataset provides a vital resource for understanding and conserving Java's unique endemic flora.
• The high number of unassessed species underscores the urgent need for conservation status evaluations and protective measures.
• The findings emphasize the critical threat to Java's endemic plant diversity and the necessity for targeted conservation actions.