Quercus kotschyana

Quercus kotschyana grows in the northern Lebanon Mountains, on west-facing slopes between 1,650 and 1,950 metres elevation. There are eight subpopulations in the mountains, at Danniyeh, Ehden, Bsharri, Tannourine, Jaj, Jord Akoura, Jord Keserwan, and Zaarour. The species' range is small, with an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of 440 km², and an estimated area of occupancy (AOO) of 32 km².[1]

Quercus kotschyana is found in montane forests dominated by Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani), where it grows either as an understory tree among cedars, or co-dominant in stands with other broadleaved trees. Other associated trees include Juniperus excelsa, Torminalis glaberrima, Sorbus graeca, Crateagus spp., Acer hyrcanum subsp. tauricolum, and Acer monspessulanum subsp. microphyllum. It is not associated with any other species of oak.[1]

The species' range is very restricted, and there are estimated to be 5,000 mature trees, with fewer than 1,000 in the largest population. The species' population is currently stable, and is threatened with further habitat loss from climate change, logging and development, and pests and disease. Several populations, including those at Horsh Ehden, Tannourine, Bsharri, Jaj, and Danniyeh, are in protected areas which prohibit forest cutting. Most of the protected areas permit livestock grazing which can limit the trees' regeneration. Its conservation status is assessed as Endangered.[1]