Rare and endemic trees of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Rare and endemic trees of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Conserving the rare and endemic trees of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Partner: Osa Conservation
Years: 2019-2021

Critically Endangered Paramachaerium gruberii (Photo: Lucy Kleiner)

This project aims at funding the creation of the largest tropical arboretum in Central America. The arboretum will be located at the Osa Verde Conservation Campus on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, endemic-rich and harbouring the tallest rainforest in Central America.

The goals of the project are:

1. Serve as the epicenter of conservation for threatened trees of the Osa Peninsula, including Magnolia wetteri, Paramachaerium gruberi and Inga golfodulcensis. Conservation measures include in-situ protection of Caryocar costaricense, Pleodendron costaricense and Pouteria triplarifolia, and the collection and propagation of rarities such as Anthodiscus chocoensis, Aiouea obscura and Vachellia allenii.
2. Host a robust research and monitoring program to survey existing tree populations. Carry out botanical surveys into poorly-known areas and lay the groundwork for the first native and threatened tree species propagation program in the region.
3. Build community buy-in for tree conservation by providing high-quality education opportunities for local communities, land managers and eco-tourists. The arboretum will serve as the center of outreach for restoration.