Abstract
Gymnocladus assamicus is a critically endangered tree species endemic to northeastern
India. Local inhabitants traditionally used this species for a variety of purposes. However, rapid population
declines led to the species being considered extinct, until fieldwork in 2004 to 2007 identified
14 discrete populations of 1 to 7 trees each. To overcome constraints on field surveys imposed by the
region’s remoteness and rugged terrain, we targeted areas of further field inventories by estimating
the potential distribution of the species. Ecological niche modeling enabled us to identify 26 sites
which the model predicted to be highly suitable for the species’ occurrence. We conducted rapid field
surveys at 14 of the most accessible of these predicted sites. New populations were discovered at 5 of
the 14 surveyed sites. In the remaining 12 less accessible sites, we interviewed residents from nearby
villages and obtained indirect evidence of populations at 5 additional sites, which remain to be confirmed
by direct field observations. This study demonstrates the utility of niche modeling as a tool for
locating new populations of rare and endangered species. Our results will enhance ongoing efforts
towards in situ conservation of this endangered species.