Gabriel Atsen Dabo
The World Conservation and Monitoring Centre (WCMC) in 2010 reported about 8,000 tree species as endangered worldwide (Choudhury & Khan, 2010), and many of these trees have little or no empirical data about their ecology and distribution. These trees play vital ecological roles in the ecosystem; therefore, their population status needs to be assessed both within local and regional scales (Shaw & Burns, 1997). In Ngel Nyaki forest reserve, we identified two species with limited scientific research. So far, the IUCN is the sole source of published information on these species.
Eugenia gilgii is a critically endangered plant species endemic to Nigeria and Cameroon (IUCN, 2024). Despite being critically endangered, there is a dearth of information to provide insights on the distribution, conservation status, and current threats to the species. Evidence exists that habitat loss and human utilization may significantly impact Eugenia (Cheek & Pollard, 2000). However, the influence of the above-mentioned as potential threats to Eugenia conservation has not yet been evaluated in depth.
Aubregrinia taiensis is a large tree species found distributed in moist semi-deciduous and evergreen forests within south-eastern Ghana to western Côte d'Ivoire, and potentially extending into Liberia, with a total global population (i.e. all known Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire subpopulations) of 18 mature individuals (IUCN, 2024). Threats to this species include the likelihood of being targeted for its timber value as it grows tall with the trunk often straight (IUCN, 2024). Therefore, investigating the ecology, distribution, and current population threats to both Eugenia gilgii and Aubregrinia taiensis will help to develop effective conservation strategies and ensure their long-term survival.
This project will provide empirical data on the ecology, distribution, and threats that face the two critically endangered tree species in an Afromontane forest. Using both field and semi-structured questionnaire surveys, our project seeks to:
1. Assess the current population size and distribution of Eugenia gilgii and Aubregrinia taiensis populations in Ngel Nyaki forest reserve.
2. Investigate the ecological criteria needed for the seedling recruitment and survival of Eugenia gilgii and Aubregrinia taiensis.
3. Investigate local knowledge and utilization of Eugenia gilgii and Aubregrinia taiensis in communities around Ngel Nyaki forest reserve.
4. Attempt the ex-situ regeneration of Eugenia gilgii and Aubregrinia taiensis populations in communities surrounding Ngel Nyaki forest reserve.
Lastly, we will raise awareness through conservation education about the population state of the two tree species in all neighbouring communities.