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Collecting and Conserving Wild Species from Madagascar and Building Seed Conservation Capacity

Crossing the Tsiribihina River by raft; the water is red from soil erosion upstream. Photo: S.Cable.

Madagascar has been identified by various conservation organisations as a globally important plant diversity hotspot. The total flora is estimated to be 10-12,000 species, and approximately 5000 of these are from dryland areas and are the focus of this project. The MSBP contributes to high quality seed collections of wild species that are ecologically vulnerable. All data and seed collections are securely conserved for the longer term both in Madagascar and at the MSB in the UK. The project is also enabling the Silo National de Graines Forestières (SNGF) to improve their seed banking facilities, testing protocols, and train their staff (2 MSc, 1 PhD completed, and 1 PhD ongoing). SNGF is the key partner in Madagascar. The project is contributing to meet objectives of the Global Plant Conservation Strategy (Targets 8, 15) in Madagascar, in particular, in making about 60% of threatened plant species accessible from SNGF collections. In addition, the number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation will increase, according to national needs. By 2010, the project will achieve:

·        the collection and conservation of about 1000 important wild species in Madagascar, with emphasis on economic, endemic and endangered species;

·        the development of ex situ conservation capacity in Madagascar through provision of essential equipment; technical support in the form of advice and vocational training of project staff; and development of applied research through higher degrees;

·       training of Malagasy scientists in best practices, regarding seed banking, laboratory research handling and data management for a better conservation and germination of wild seeds.

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