Conserving Magnolia virolinensis, a critically endangered tree from Santander Province,
Colombia
Colombia is the country with most Magnolia species in South America (40). Many of these species have very small populations with restricted distribution located mainly in the Andean forests, a Critically Endangered ecosystem due to the high pressure for land use change and urban growth. The focus of this project is to provide updated information about the conservation status of Magnolia virolinensis, a Critically Endangered species from Santander province, and to establish the first steps for its conservation. That means, 1) to increase public
awareness in local communities, 2) to explore forests to find new trees and populations, and 3) to get fruits and seeds for propagation in nurseries near the natural populations. Seedlings will be reintroduced and established in at least one Colombian ex situ collection. This project will be carried out by GCCM Steering Committee member Marcela Serna and Fundación Guanacas.
This project has been funded by the BGCI’s Global Botanic Garden Fund GCC Grant.
