Madagascar
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS (2001-2005)
- 2 publications covering major plant groups: The Leguminosae of Madagascar (D.J. Du Puy et al., 2002) and Generic Tree Flora of Madagascar (G.E. Schatz, 2001).
- The preparation of an accurate and up-to-date vegetation map based on satellite image data and extensive ground surveys, Vegetation Atlas of Madagascar (Moat, J. & Andriambolantsoa, H. et al., due summer 2007), supplemented by an interactive website at www.vegmad.org for downloading maps or uploading new information.
- The Madagascan Threatened Plants Project (a three year project, funded by an appeal through Friends of Kew) has established an infrastructure for ex situ conservation and the re-introduction of Madagascar’s rarest plant species. The project focused on 20 critically endangered succulent, palm and orchid species.
- The Millennium Seed Bank Project, in collaboration with Silo National des Graines Forestières, made over 900 seed collections, representing 600 species (about 15% of the dryland flora of Madagascar). The seed collections are duplicated in Madagascar and the MSB.
- Systematic studies in selected groups of Dioscoreaceae, Euphorbiaceae sensu lato, Orchidaceae, Palmae, Poaceae and Rubiaceae, including the training of eight DEA (Masters) and four PhD students.
- The further development of our office and team in Madagascar, including six staff, a Landrover, computer network and accommodation for visiting botanists.
KEY ELEMENTS OF FUTURE PLANS (2006 onwards)
- Promote and facilitate conservation in Madagascar and make a significant contribution to the Durban Vision Process. Continue to develop our in-country expertise, and build on the Vegetation Mapping Project to provide a comprehensive suite of GIS tools for identifying key areas and priority species for conservation.
- Expand our team in Madagascar with a GIS specialist and an additional botanist specialising in the humid forest flora, and ensure continuity for our current project staff specialising in conservation management, the dryland flora and plant systematics. Employ a botanist at Kew to facilitate rapid identification for conservation assessments and support project work in country.
- Develop a strategy, protocols and data standards for collecting. Compile a database from existing sources and add supplementary taxon data, including habit, habitat, distribution, phenology and conservation ratings. Collaborate with Missouri Botanical Garden, Paris and Le Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza (PBZT) on a comprehensive catalogue of the flora.
- Systematic studies and regional revisions of selected genera of Dioscoreaceae, Euphorbiaceae sensu lato, Orchidaceae, Palmae, Poaceae and Rubiaceae. Publish checklists to the Rubiaceae and the dryland flora of SW Madagascar. Continue training and supporting new taxonomists in Madagascar.
- Publish field guides to orchids, Aloes and littoral forest trees of southern Madagscar, develop this into a series of identification guides covering selected groups and geographical areas.
- Build on the Threatened Plants Project, the MSBP and expertise in HPE and the Jodrell to provide technical capacity in ex situ conservation, horticulture and conservation genetics as an integral part of our programme