Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 232531800

Conservation and management of Colombobalanus excelsa forests in the Colombian Massif.

Trigonobalanus excelsa is an endemic species currently listed as an endangered species due its restricted distribution and vulnerability to anthropogenic activities. The species is reported in only four regions of Colombia, covering an area of less than 500 km2, and populations have experienced a recent decline. Selective logging for timber, deforestation for crop cultivation, and other human activities have directly impacted this species. Furthermore, the forests inhabited by T. excelsa support a high level of associated biological richness, including species found in other conservation categories. For instance, black oak forests are home to populations of Quercus humboldtii, another oak species vulnerable to extinction. These forests also provide habitat for mammals such as the Andean bear and the Andean tapir, as well as approximately 115 bird species. The potential extinction of black oak poses a threat to the other biological groups that depend on it, as it plays a crucial role in the functioning of the ecosystem due to its high dominance within the forests it forms.  In this context, it is imperative to develop conservation strategies to safeguard the region's species. However, A significant challenge in addressing the species' problems is the lack of data on population dynamics in the Colombian Massif, which is crucial for establishing effective management and conservation plans. Therefore, our project aims to address the needs of black oak conservation, including characterizing the dynamics of its growth, establishing optimal propagation methods, and strengthening community involvement in the management of remnant black oak forests in the municipality of Palestina, Huila, Colombia.