This Action Plan identifies where extraction is sustainable and where, on the contrary, over-exploitation may lead to extinction. Habitat destruction poses a more permanent and widespread threat to palms throughout the world, but particularly in tropical cloud and rainforests. Species whose habitat range is limited to a small area are most at risk. The situation is particularly alarming for those species restricted to islands. Eleven of these are representatives of distinct monotypic genera and therefore are of special concern.
Invasive species pose a distinct threat to numerous island palms as well.
Chapters one through five of this Action Plan give background information on the palm family including the taxonomy, distribution patterns, and references to the important literature on the family. The importance of taxonomic knowledge, habitat protection, and ex situ conservation is discussed in the context of the overall conservation of palms. Regional overviews with specific country accounts are presented in chapters six through eleven. These accounts highlight the most endangered species, provide specific recommendations for conservation action, and indicate where more research is urgently needed before even remedial action can be taken. Chapter twelve summarizes and prioritizes the conservation actions discussed earlier.