Invisible extinction in a sacred refuge: a dying micro-population of <i>Glyptostrobus pensilis</i> at Nanhua Temple, China

Abstract. Extremely small and isolated remnant populations represent an overlooked but critical conservation challenge for many threatened plant species. Although such populations may still be recorded as extant, demographic collapse and regeneration failure often place them at high risk of local extinction. Here we report the rapid decline of a micro-population of Glyptostrobus pensilis, a globally threatened relict conifer, discovered in a sacred forest associated with the millennium-old Nanhua Temple in southern China. Field observations identified only nine mature individuals, all of which were centuries old and showed signs of physiological deterioration. At least two trees had already died, and no seedlings or saplings were observed, indicating long-term recruitment failure and demographic non-viability. Despite its location within a culturally protected landscape, the population lacks ecological management and habitat restoration. This case highlights the limitations of passive protection and illustrates the risk of “invisible extinction” in sacred or cultural refugia. We argue that micro-populations should be recognized as high-priority conservation units and recommend the establishment of monitoring thresholds, emergency demographic interventions, habitat restoration, and integration of cultural landscapes into science-based conservation strategies.