Conservation of three threatened Magnolia species in Northern Vietnam

Conservation of three threatened Magnolia species in the Hoang Lien National Park, Northern Vietnam

Partner: Vietnam National University of Forestry
Years: 2024-2027

This project is a new initiative in Hoang Lien National Park and includes three main conservation actions for three globally threatened Magnolia species: M. fasipanensis, M. lucida, and M. sapaensis. It includes the following activities: (i) re-survey of distribution with ecological and phenological data, (ii) propagation and (iii) reinforcement planting in the National Park.

Magnolia Sapaensis seeds

The project leader Vu Quang Nam has studied magnolias extensively and is the author of a PhD titled “Taxonomic Revision of the Family Magnoliaceae from Vietnam”, in which a number of new species were discovered, including the three target species. However, this work also highlighted small populations and narrow distribution for these species, as well as a number of threats affecting their survival.
The project aims at helping population recovery through three main conservation actions: (1) re-survey of distribution with ecological and phenological data, (2) propagation and (3) reinforcement of three globally threatened Magnolia species in strictly protected areas.
The project will also help raise conservation awareness among forest rangers, local people and staff at the university through investigation, survey, propagation and reforestation activities. The above activities will also help strengthen relationships and scientific transfer between university and national park as well as connections with local people.
The target species will have updated Red List assessments at global and national levels and the project will be complemented by the publication of a national action plan and strategy for Magnolia conservation.