Conservation of six Critically Endangered endemic tree species in Seychelles

Developing ecological restoration efforts and capacities on Mahé, in Seychelles, based on two sites dedicated to in situ conservation of six Critically Endangered endemic tree species

Partner: Plant Conservation Action group (PCA)
Years: 2021-2024

This project aims to develop ecological restoration efforts and capacities on Mahé to conduct concrete conservation actions such as the long-term control of invasive plant species, the propagation of threatened native tree species and the re-introduction of six endemic tree species that are on the brink of extinction.

This project aims to improve the conservation of six threatened tree species that have reduced numbers of mature individuals and/or have become extinct on some islands already. To achieve this, propagation methods for these species at the brink of extinction will be established, with wildlings collected in situ or propagated from seeds when it is possible. These plants will then be transplanted to two sites where monitoring and care can be done on a weekly basis. Weekly monitoring of the reintroduced seedlings will be combined with activities to control invasive vegetation in the understory that prevent the natural regeneration of the forest.

The project also aims at increasing the restoration capacity of local conservation actors by multiplying the number of small temporary in situ nurseries located near restoration sites and by generating income from the compost produced from removed exotic vegetation.