This project attempted the ex situ conservation of African endemic trees that are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They are important for their wood and so, are affected by over exploitation. Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos collected and propagated these species in the botanical garden and distributed seedlings to communities.

• To raise at least 3000 seedlings each of Pterocarpus erinaceus, Khaya senegalensis and Albizia ferruginea in the nursery of the botanical garden.
• To work with the local community on tree planting. The raised tree seedlings will be shared to local communities to be planted in degraded areas.

Key achievements

At least 3000 seeds of Khaya senegalensis were planted and 5000 seeds of Pterocarpus erinaceus. From these, University of Jos successfully raised at least 2000 seedlings of Khaya senegalensis and 300 seedlings of Pterocarpus erinaceus. With the poor survival of Pterocarpus seedlings, more seeds were collected and planted.

The project involved working with local communities where seeds from to plant tree seedlings were collected on degraded areas in their communities. Also distributed seedlings to members of these communities and encouraged them to plant them near their homes and take care of them.

This project increased our knowledge on the distribution and reproductive status of the species we worked with. For instance, no seeds of Albizia ferruginea were collected in the sites/communities when visited (even those outside our study location) as none of the trees sampled had any fruits on them.

Local community sensitisation on the importance of preserving these species: the project staff with the conservation institute under the University of Jos to enlighten community members of the threats to these species and biodiversity in general and importance of preserving these native species and biodiversity.