- Species on the brink
- Antrocaryon micraster
Antrocaryon micraster
Where is this tree found?
This large tropical tree has a scattered distribution throughout western Tropical Africa. It is an emergent species in semi-deciduous forests where it regenerates in canopy gaps. It is found in the western mid-altitude landscapes composed of moist semi-deciduous forests, patches of savannah and woodland covering an area sloping down to the east African Rift Valley which has four streams that drain into Lake Albert. This tree does not perform well in burnt or heavily disturbed forests.
Why save this tree?
There is currently no information available relating to the population size or trend of this species. This project will enable Tooro Botanical Garden to increase the diversity of their ex situ collections of threatened tree species, acting as an insurance policy against the future extinction of this species. The expansion of this collection would also create avenues for further research and investigation into different propagation protocols for lesser-known species such as this. These protocols will then be able to inform further conservation actions.
How to save this species
Local community members will be directly empowered as seed of Antrocaryon micraster will be collected and grown in a community-led nursery. Community members will be trained to plant and restore forests with threatened trees species such as Antrocaryon micraster. Training will also be delivered on how to establish a monitoring programme, which is essential for determining growth rates and seedling health.
These training programmes will also increase awareness of the various uses of native tree species and directly address the need to promote threatened species conservation. A more direct benefit will be that local communities will gain access to new food sources, medicines and materials to be used sustainably once trees reach maturity. Saving this species will also serve as a source of food to attract local wildlife, thus increasing the potential for eco-tourism in the region. Furthermore, by saving this species local communities will be better able to protect their cultural heritage.
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0
cost to save the species
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years
duration of the project
A systematic, cost-effective, and rational approach
- Seed collection
- Propagation
- Training
- Habitat restoration
- Monitoring
- Public engagement
Partners for Antrocaryon micraster
Sponsors for Antrocaryon micraster
