Propagation of locally rare and threatened tree species for conservation

Propagation of locally rare and threatened tree species for conservation

Conservation projects often prioritise selected top predators and megafauna for conservation actions. Emerging evidence robustly shows that several species of plants are threatened with extinction. Jalthal forest, a 6,100-hectare biodiversity rich remnant forest, is home to 155 native tree species. Among them, several species are locally rare and threatened whose population in the wild is dwindling due to poor regeneration, small population size, and uninformed management. In addition, conventional extension nurseries have overlooked such species in propagation. Rare and threatened trees need immediate action for conservation.

In the Jalthal biodiversity project, a UKBCFs project, we are working to bridge science to management. In this initiative, we first identified rare and threatened tree species, conducted their population survey and assessed their status in the forest. We prioritised species for conservation action and supported communities to undertake needful actions. In the row of activities towards conservation of rare and threatened species of Jalthal forest, we have experimented with germination of rare trees of the forest. We, for the first time in Nepal, piloted germination of seven rare and threatened species growing in the eastern Nepal. The species subjected to experiment are Baccaurea ramiflora, Camphora tenuipilis, Cycas pectinata, Dillenia indica, Garcinia cowa, Garcinia xanthochymus and Horsfieldia kingii. We have varied level of success in the trail. The growing seedlings have now been transferred to appropriate habitats in the forest. This report summarizes the results of our experiment.

Suggested citation: Pun Magar R., Poudel Y.B., Bhattarai M. and Sharma L.N. 2025. Propagation of locally rare and threatened tree species for conservation. ForestAction Nepal, Lalitpur, Nepal.