Local wisdom in conserving Magnolia sulawesiana the endemic and endangered tree species in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

One endemic tree species threatened with extinction in Sulawesi is Magnolia sulawesiana (Magnoliaceae). M. sulawesiana is distributed in the central and northern of Sulawesi island, Indonesia. This species is one of the most exploited tree species for various purposes such as; home construction materials, furniture, musical instruments, and sports equipment. The high demand for this type of wood has led to over-exploitation. The natural population of M. sulawesiana in Sulawesi’s forest was rare. According to the IUCN Red List Category and Criteria, this species is categorized as an Endangered (EN) species, which means that this species is at risk of extinction in the wild. In northern Sulawesi, this species is known by the local name cempaka wasian or wasian. One of the conservation strategies to preserve this endemic species is to support the local wisdom of the community in the agroforestry of cempaka wasian (M. sulawesiana) for conservation and sustainable use purposes.