CONSERVATION OF TWO THREATENED COLOMBIAN MAGNOLIA SPECIES

The Global Trees Campaign is working with Jardín Botánico de Medellín Joaquín Antonio Uribe in Colombia to develop techniques for the propagation of two very threatened magnolias. The aim is to produce plants that can be used to reinforce the dwindling wild population.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Colombian Department of Antioquia is one of the richest areas in the world for magnolias, hosting 16 species, two of which have only recently been described. Many of the species are under threat due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and unsustainable logging for their valued timber. Because of their diversity and rarity, magnolias were selected as one of the pilot groups for implementation of the Colombian National Strategy for Plant Conservation.

Jardín Botánico de Medellín Joaquín Antonio Uribe has been working on magnolias in Antioquia for a number of years, carrying out research into their propagation, taxonomy, uses and occurrence. Building on the knowledge and experience of the Jardín Botánico staff, BGCI is now supporting the development of reinforcement trials for two highly threatened magnolias, Magnolia silvioi and Magnolia yarumalensis, both of which are classified as endangered in the recent Red List of Magnoliaceae.

Sites within the natural distribution of each tree will be selected, representing a variety of conditions in order to determine the most successful methods for reinforcement. The involvement of the local communities and organisations is vital to the long term success of the project and workshops with local participants will be held to train and raise awareness of the species and the threats facing them. These workshops will facilitate the establishment of nurseries close to the reinforcement sites and also help tackle some of the threats facing these species.

Looking ahead, it is hoped that the skills developed and the lessons learnt during this project will enable conservation action to be taken for other highly threatened magnolias in Colombia.

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