- Species on the brink
- Karomia gigas
Karomia gigas
Where is this tree found?
This species was previously reported to have a patchy distribution in the coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania.
It was flagged as possibly extinct globally, but a BGCI project identified two remaining populations of Karomia gigas in Tanzania.
Why save this tree?
It is tall and straight, making it a perfect target for timber. The coastal forests have also been heavily degraded and many areas cleared completely, for agriculture and coastal development for tourism.
There are fewer than 30 individuals known, seed production is low, and the trees are attacked by fungus.
There is no formal protection in place, and the remaining trees rely solely on the efforts of local community members and forest guards.
How to save this species
Funding will help protect these remaining trees in their natural habitat, through formal forest patrols and awareness raising.
The cause of the fungus attacking the tree will be investigated.
The propagation programme for this species will be scaled up and community nurseries will be supported to produce seedlings of Karomia gigas and other native tree species.
This will enable the dry forests where this species occurs to be restored, trees of this species to be planted in secure collections in botanic gardens within Tanzania, and finally for the species to be repatriated to Kenya.
$
0
cost to save the species
0
years
duration of the project
A systematic, cost-effective, and rational approach
- Protection of wild populations
- Research on fungal disease
- Propagation of saplings
- Restoration of habitat
- Establishment of conservation collections within Tanzania
- Repatriation to Kenya
Partners for Karomia gigas
Sponsors for Karomia gigas
