Saving Kenya’s trees: A race against extinction
In Kenya there are 1,100 native tree species, of which 10% are threatened with extinction. So we’re working with local communities to ensure that none of these precious trees go extinct.
We’ve just kicked off some threatened tree species training in the Mount Kenya region, equipping our partners, Women In Water & Natural Resources Conservation (WWANC) to identify and protect Kenya’s vital native species.
The project started with an insightful training session from specialists from BGCI (Botanical Gardens Conservation International) and National Museums of Kenya.
The goal is to equip people to identify mother trees – the biggest and often oldest trees in the forest which are highly connected to the trees around them through the mycorrhizal network – in the wild.
Euphorbia friesiorum - grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome
Then study their flowering patterns to determine the right and best time for viable seed collection. It’s vital to ensure seeds are harvested at peak maturity for optimal propagation.
To guide this process, we are also working on filling a phenology calendar, which will help track flowering and fruiting cycles.
The next crucial stage involves proper seed handling and nursery management, where careful techniques are applied to maximize germination rates and support successful seedling development.
And when they are ready, these seedlings will be planted back in the to the forest where they will be monitored and nurtured
Your donations are helping local communities secure the future of Kenya’s native trees and ensure none of these precious species go extinct. Thank you!
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