The extremely restricted distribution and small population size P. peruviana combined with the presence of ongoing and potential future threats indicates that it is a species at high risk of extinction in the near future.

Criterion A: The lack of knowledge on generation length precludes the application of criterion A.

Criterion B: The geographic extent of this species is very restricted and would qualify for Endangered (EN). The distribution is severely fragmented and there is a continuing decline in habitat quality and number of individuals due to ongoing cutting for firewood.

Criterion C: Recent surveys have estimated a total population size of no more than 200 mature individuals split between the two known sites of occurrence at Balsas and Chagual. There is a continuing decline in quality and number of individuals due to ongoing cutting for firewood and the majority of individuals are found in the Balsas locality (only five individuals were reported in Chagual). Therefore the species qualifies for Critically Endangered (CR) under criterion C2a(ii).

Criterion D: As total population size is less than 250 mature individuals this species qualifies for Endangered (EN). It would also qualify for Vulnerable (VU) D2 due to the potential threat of large scale dam construction.

Criterion E: There was insufficient information to apply this criterion.

It is clear that urgent action is needed to protect this species from becoming extinct in the wild.

Parkinsonia peruviana is endemic to the upper Marañón Valley in northern Peru. The species was described by Hughes et al. (2003) based on collections from 2001 and 2002 (Hughes #2022 and Hughes #2213) and a previous collection by Smith & Cabanillas (#7039) in 1984. The species is only known from three collection sites, two in close proximity near Balsas and the other approximately 110 km south down the valley towards Chagual. Based on a minimum convex polygon (MCP) of these three sites the minimum extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 325 km² and a maximum value of 376 km² is estimated based on the area of suitable elevation within the valley between the two sites . A lower estimate for area of occupancy (AOO) is 12 km² based on a 2x2 km² grid and the area of suitable elevation within the valley between the two sites was also used to estimate an upper value for AOO of 376 km².

The known collections represent a disjunct distribution, but it is uncertain whether other subpopulations occur between Balsas and Chagual. The plant is relatively distinct and conspicuous and despite some exploration up to 25 km south along the valley towards Chagual no further individuals were found (C. Hughes pers. comm. 2012).

From recent surveys no seedlings or saplings were found, only mature individuals, indicating that regeneration is poor (C. Hughes pers. comm. 2012). An estimated 150 individuals were recorded at the Balsas site in 2001 and only five individuals were recorded at the Chagual site, although the latter was not an extensive survey.

A small tree up to 5.5 m high, 15 cm diameter. Occurs in dry thorn scrub forest on loose scree or steep, rocky/gravel slopes above the Rio Marañón with Capparis L., Parkinsonia praecox (Ruiz & Pavon) Hawkins, Acacia macracantha Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., Mimosa ctenodes Barneby, Chamaecrista Moench, Eriotheca Schott & Endl., and numerous Cactaceae species (Hughes et al. 2011). 

This is one of the very few species of Parkinsonia that lack armature (like P. xcarterae). It is morphologically very distinctive, with large leaves quite unlike any other species of Parkinsonia and long pods, morphologically reminiscent of P. aculeata, but much longer and with more seeds per pod. Like other Parkinsonia's it grows in harsh drought-prone sites with low and highly seasonal rainfall (Hughes et al. 2011).

Generation length could not be estimated, but related species of Parkinsonia e.g. P. aculeata grow quickly into small trees in several years (C. Hughes pers. comm. 2012).

Seeds are orthodox and dispersal of seed may be by water as the fruits are indehiscent and, based on evidence from the related P. aculeata, could float for up to two weeks, therefore suggesting that spread may occur into seasonally flooded sites (C. Hughes pers. comm. 2012).

Between visits to the Balsas site in 2001/2002 and more recently 2011 it was noted that many trees had been cut or pollarded or were looking stressed (C. Hughes pers. comm. 2012). It is likely the trees were cut for firewood. Grazing is also likely to be a threat as there are numerous goats in the area and this could be a factor limiting the regeneration of this species. In the higher mid slopes of the Marañón valley man-made fires associated with subsistence agriculture are common, but in the lower thorn scrub forest it is relatively free of fires because the lack of a grass layer for fuel (C. Hughes pers. comm. 2012).

An additional threat comes from the proposal for the construction of hydroelectric dams along the Marañón basin. A recent review indicates that several megawatt schemes are in planning and advanced planning stages along the stretch of the Marañón where this species is distributed (Finer and Jenkins 2012). These megawatt dam schemes are likely to have a negative impact on the habitats and ecosystems in this region.

This species is also threatened by its apparent rarity and local scarcity such that it may be subject to extinction with the onset of stochastic events or a series of localized threat events.
Evidence from herbarium specimen labels suggest the seeds may be attacked by bruchid beetles (Bruchinae). 

P. peruviana has previously been cut and pollarded and is likely used by local people for firewood.

There does not appear to be any conservation action in place for this species. It does not occur in any protected area, there is no species level management e.g. ex situ seed collections.

As this species is in a precarious situation with a very small population size and with present and potential future threats, both in situ and ex situ conservation measures are urgently needed. Suggested measures include collection of seed for seed bank storage and cultivation ex situ e.g. in a botanic garden. Education, awareness and economic incentive schemes may be appropriate in the region to stem the loss of mature individuals through the cutting of trees for firewood.

A population monitoring scheme may also be necessary as well as further exploration of the Marañón valley to better understand the extent and occupancy of this species.