Red apple red alert
Niedzwetzky’s apple is native to Central Asia but is extremely rare throughout its range, with populations that are widely scattered, severely fragmented and sometimes confined to isolated individuals. It is a wild ancestor of many domesticated apple varieties found on our supermarket shelves today and is a globally important genetic resource.
The tree is hardy and drought-resistant, reaching a height of up to 25 feet in the wild, and produces large, magenta-coloured flowers. The fruit itself is characterised by a deep-red skin and bright-red flesh.
Niedzwetzky's apple. © Chris Loades / Fauna & Flora
Niedzwetzky’s apple.
Niedzwetzky's apple © Jason Smith / Fauna & Flora
The apple’s red pigment is thought to have medicinal properties.
Niedzwetzky’s apple. © Fauna & Flora
Commercial varieties of apple including ‘Surprise’ and ‘Pink Pearl’ are descended from Niedzwetzky’s apple
Why is Niedzwetzky’s apple endangered?
Agricultural expansion and other forms of development throughout its range have resulted in the loss of 90% of this tree’s fruit-and-nut forest habitat.
Even within its last remaining forest havens, Niedzwetzky’s apple is threatened by intensive livestock grazing, which destroys young shoots before they have developed a protective woody stem, meaning that the trees cannot regenerate naturally.
Livestock in Kyrgyzstan. © Chris Loades / Fauna & Flora
Intensive livestock grazing prevents forests from regenerating.
How can we help save Niedzwetzky’s apple?
Fauna & Flora is working closely with government staff and local people to help protect Niedzwetzky’s apple and the other globally important fruit and nut species in Kyrgyzstan’s forests. Supported by others we are strengthening forest management capacity and helping to develop livelihood options that are compatible with forest conservation.
We are taking direct conservation measures on behalf of Niedzwetzky’s apple by working with the forestry department and local groups to monitor the surviving wild trees, propagate the species from seed in nurseries and plant out young saplings behind protective fencing in order to reinforce the wild population.
Fencing plot in Kyzyl-Unkur © Akylai Kabaeva / Fauna & Flora
Fencing plot in Kyzyl-Unkur.
Monitoring plot. © Akylai Kabaeva / Fauna & Flora
Young saplings are planted behind protective fencing in Aserek gorge.
Trees in peril
Niedzwetzky’s apple is one of over 10,000 tree species that are threatened with extinction. Please help us to protect endangered tree species today.
DonateWalnut harvest in Kyrgyzstan. © Chris Loades / Fauna & Flora