Integrated Conservation Approaches for Rescuing, Regeneration and Adaptive Management of Critically Endangered Asteraceae Florae in Africa: A Case of Bothriocline auriculata Species in Uganda

Abstract

Among the 62 Bothriocline plant species, Bothriocline auriculata is the only endemic species in Uganda. Although this species is capable of thriving in diverse agroecosystems including mountainous areas, bamboo thickets, montane and tropical rainforests, it is only sited along Mt. Elgon slopes, the species’ native ecosystem. Unfortunately, for the last two decades, the species’ native ecosystem is undergoing very rapid deterioration as the increasing human populations have no option for survival but to clear protective forests and vegetation for arable farming, grazing and settlement. Despite the proven ecological importance of Bothriocline auriculata as a fodder plant, nutrient recycling and biodiversity in contributing to ecosystem balance, the species is declining at unprecedented rates. Consequently, the Bothriocline auriculata is now on the blink of extinction and is classified as critically endangered. This project aimed to rescue and conserve this species to ensure its full recovery, restoration and conservation under protected ecosystems. The specimens were rescued from the native ecosystem and multiplied into 150 juvenile seedlings. The seedlings exhibited a faster growth rate under well-nourished and moist soil conditions and vice versa. The data confirm the species’ ability to thrive in protected ecosystems with favorable weather and soil conditions for ex-situ conservation.