Conservation of Trigonobalanus excelsa (Black oak)

This project aims to improve in situ conservation of Trigonobalanus excelsa, known also as the Colombian Black Oak, an Endangered endemic and relict tree species of Colombia, by aligning local management plans in private reserves with regional conservation plans. In addition, propagation protocols will be established, including applied research on the role of symbiotic mycorrhiza to increase survival rates. Permanent conservation plots will also be established to strengthen species monitoring efforts and in situ conservation on the long term.

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The Colombian Black Oak (Trigonobalanus excelsa EN) is considered as a relict species since the genus Trigonobalanus, has a disjunct distribution in the tropics with only one species in Colombia and two species is Southeast Asia, which makes Trigonobalanus excelsa forests a unique ecosystem in this region and a conservation priority. In close collaboration with the regional environmental authorities, national specialists and the local communities, in situ conservation of this species will be improved through the alignment of local management plans in private reserves with conservation actions plans at the regional level.

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In addition, propagation protocols will be developed, as well as seedlings propagated and planted in situ to reinforce the existing populations of Trigonobalanus excelsa. A network of permanent conservation plots will also be established to monitor its population dynamics and research on the role of symbiotic mycorrhiza to increase the survival rates of reintroduced individuals will be undertaken.