Conservation of Microberlinia bisulcata in Cameroon

Conservation of Microberlinia bisulcata in Cameroon

Conservation of Microberlinia bisulcata, a Critically Endangered (CR) species endemic to Cameroon.

Partner: IRAD – National Herbarium of Cameroon
Years: 2020-2023

This project aims at studying the distribution of Microberlinia bisulcata in Cameroon, evaluating the degree of the threats it faces, mitigating these threats as well as raising awareness of local population to less destructive agricultural practices.

This project aims at conserving Microberlinia bisulcata, an endemic species listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The main pressures affecting Microberlinia bisulcata and prompting the rapid decline of its population are habitat loss through forest clearing for agriculture and illegal logging for the production of veneers and decorative interior furniture. The density of Microberlinia bisulcata is still unknown however, Cameroon is a large exporter of Microberlinia bisulcata with over 1500m3 of sawing sold annually.

To tackle this rapid population decline, and to conserve this Critically Endangered (CR) species in situ, this project aims at: :

1. Establishing population numbers and density through on-the-ground surveys,

2. Assessing the degree of the threats,

3. Raising awareness and building capacity of local populations to more environmentally friendly agricultural techniques and lastly,

4. Building capacity of the local population on propagation techniques.

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