CONSERVATION OF SUAREZ BAOBAB ADANSONIA SUAREZENSIS IN MADAGASCAR

Six of the eight species of baobab tree, often called the “upside down tree” due to its unique shape, are endemic to Madagascar and all are of conservation concern. The Global Trees Campaign is now working on a second species in the region, helping the Madagascan NGO Madagasikara Voakajy to research the status and threats to the Suarez baobab Adansonia suarezensis and to work with local communities and authorities to protect remaining individuals.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Following our successful work with Grandidier's baobab (2008 -2011) we are now continuing our work with Madagascan NGO Madagasikara Voakajy on a second species, the Suarez baobab Adansonia suarezensis. The Suarez baobabis one of six endemic baobabs on the island of Madagascar and three of these are considered threatened with extinction.

The main threats to A. suarezensis are from charcoal production. The species is know from three distinct areas, two near the coast (Beantely and Montagne des Française), and one inland near Mahory. Beantely is unprotected and its forest is being cleared for charcoal. Montagne des Française is being developed as a new protected area and the status of Mahory is unknown.

There is clear need to update the Red List status for A. suarezensis but additional information needs to be collected before this can take place. A key aspect of extinction risk that needs to be considered is population trends but this data on this is seldom available for tree species. The proportion of the species’ range inside new protected areas needs to be determined and managers of these sites need to be aware of the conservation requirements of the species. 

Update: December 2011

The first field surveys of Diego’s baobab have taken place, following meetings at the field sites to discuss the project and ensure support from all stakeholders. This field work is taking place in the Diana Region, to establish fixed monitoring plots in each of the three known sub-populations and conduct household interviews on peoples’ knowledge and perceptions of the tree.

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