Conservation of threatened palm species of Sainte Luce in southeast Madagascar

Conservation of threatened palm species of Sainte Luce in southeast Madagascar

Improving the long-term survival of six threatened palm species within three protected areas in Sainte Luce, Madagascar

Partner: SEED Madagascar
Years: 2021-2024

This project aims to improve the conservation status of six threatened palm species in Sainte Luce, southeast Madagascar through reinforcement planting utilizing locally propagated saplings and in situ protection of up to 50% of existing palm populations to improve their long-term viability within three protected areas.

Palm species are regarded as Madagascar’s most endangered plant group, with a comprehensive assessment concluding that 83% are threatened with extinction. An array of threats including deforestation, unsustainable harvesting practices, and fire are considered the leading causes for concern. This project aims to improve the conservation status of six threatened palm species in Sainte Luce in southeast Madagascar: Dypsis brevicaulis, CR; Dypsis psammophila EN; Dypsis saintelucei EN; Dypsis scottiana VU; Dypsis prestontiana, VU; Beccariophoenix madagascariensis VU. At present, over half of the remaining forest fragments in Sainte Luce, containing important populations of these six target palm species, are designated for clearance as part of a mining initiative.

To stabilize and restore threatened palm populations, this project will implement: (1) research and monitoring activities on each of the targeted palm species to determine their distribution, population size and dynamic, (2) reinforce palm populations in situ with locally propagated saplings, and (3) strengthen in situ protection of up to 50% of existing palm populations to ensure the long-term survival within three protected areas.

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