SURVEYING LIBERIA'S FLAGSHIP TREE SPECIES

The Liberian coastal rainforest has a unique botanical composition and there are thought to be high numbers of endemic and threatened tree species, as well as tree species new to science. This project will conduct tree surveys in these forests, involving young staff and students from Liberia’s government Forest Department and the University of Liberia.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The project aims to increase knowledge of the tree flora of south-east Liberia’s coastal rainforest, particularly around Cestos-Sehnkwehn proposed protected area and Sapo National Park. These forests are botanically unique and host a great variety of tree species, many of which are endemic.

Large scale commercial logging and deforestation for rubber plantations have had a severe impact on Liberian forests. Many of the endemic species are now endangered and many commercially viable species face increasing threats to their survival. With the recent signature of logging concessions in the Southeast of Liberia, there is an urgent need for further surveys to increase knowledge on the tree composition of the forest, in particular species endemic to Liberia.

By involving young staff and students from the government Forest Department and the University of Liberia, the project will also increase the capacity of the Forest Department and University students in tree survey and identification.

As well as providing important information to the government forest department for the management of forest and endemic tree species in the area, the data will contribute to a Tree Atlas of Liberia.

The field surveys were completed in December 2010. Notable results of the surveys include the discovery of a new species of tree in Sapo National Park- see our news story for more details.

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