CONSERVATION OF ENDEMIC TREE OF OMETEPE ISLAND, NICARAGUA

Not much is known about Ardisia ometepensis other than it is endemic to the cloud forest on Ometepe island, Nicaragua, where it is believed to be uncommon. Though our local NGO partner on Ometepe, we aim to carry out the first ever survey of the species, raise awareness of the uniqueness of the tree amongst local communities and develop a locally-run tree nursery to provide seedlings for planting.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The island of Ometepe is located in the centre of Lake Nicaragua and, with an area of 276 km2, is one of the world’s largest freshwater islands. It supports a range of forest types but, despite being recognized as a national biodiversity priority in Nicaragua, very little is known about its flora and fauna.

Ardisia ometepensis is a tree found only in cloud forest on the slopes of a single volcano on Ometepe island. It is an attractive tree that produces a small fruit – the common name in Spanish is “uvilla”, meaning small grape. There is almost no information about the species, although it is believed to be uncommon within the forest and to occur at 500-1300 m altitude. Given its very limited distribution, should agriculture on the island increase the species would certainly be under serious threat. As well as being important in its own right, its distinctive appearance and uniqueness to the island makes it an ideal flagship for the conservation of this highly biodiverse area.

Beginning in 2008, the Global Trees Campaign has been working through FFI’s partner on Ometepe, Fundacion Entre Volcanes (FEV), to gather information on the status and ecology of A. ometepensis. Research plots are being established to monitor the dynamics of this almost unknown species in the forest. A tree nursery is being set up to produce seedlings of the tree, which will be given to schools and villages on the island to grow. Awareness and educational activities in schools are aiming to encourage communities to protect and value this species, and to improve their stewardship of the land.

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