Nigerian kola, Sigerekun (Yoruba) (Cola nigerica)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 152511065

Prioritising and protecting Nigeria’s most threatened trees

By selecting a small target group of threatened Nigerian trees, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and IITA Forest Unit are developing a pilot project, based on the four approaches of the Global Trees Campaign. This pilot project can be scaled up in future to prevent further decline and extinction of Nigeria's trees.

The project is prioritising Nigerian tree species that are most at risk of extinction, by producing a list of priority Nigerian trees, based on current conservation assessment, over-exploitation, livelihood opportunities, and value for forest restoration. We will update Red List assessments for 15 priority Nigerian tree species, including for our target species; Cola nigerica, Tieghemella heckelii, Pericopsis elata and Entandrophragma cylindricum.

A training course run in June 2016 helped to build capacity for tree conservation in Nigeria. Training on seed collection, propagation and management of tree collections was provided by BGCI and experts from the BGCI network. 

Immediate conservation measures are being implemented, including establishment of ex situ conservation collections of trees at IITA Forest Unit Tree Heritage Park. Collections are in the form of seed and living plants, contain multiple individuals, are as genetically representative as possible. Trials are being carried out in the nursery to generate information on propagation techniques for at least 8 species, preparing for future reintroduction and restoration programmes. 

This project also aims to raise awareness of the scale of threat facing Nigeria's trees and the conservation action needed to protect Nigeria's trees from extinction.

Find out more about this project on the Global Trees Campaign website.