Threatened Species: The Case of the Magnolias

Abstract

This article presents the results of an innovative socio-environmental intervention in La Cuchilla Jardín - Támesis, Antioquia, Colombia, a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). The project sought to mitigate the anthropic impact threatening two environmentally important magnolia species, Magnolia hernandezii (molinillo) and Magnolia jardinensis (purple vulture or centello), both on the red list of threatened plants at high risk of extinction.

The study highlights the expansion of the agricultural frontier and the growth of human settlements as the main causes of biodiversity loss in the region. The project's central goal was to strengthen recognition of these species and promote local public awareness for their conservation.

A training program was implemented with 15 local bio-entrepreneurs, covering knowledge of and the importance of magnolias, their phenology, and conservation actions. An initial diagnosis revealed widespread lack of awareness of native Magnolia species, with only 8 of 24 participants able to identify a magnolia tree and only 3 mentioning native species. By contrast, the non-native species Magnolia grandiflora is better known.

The article underscores the need to educate people about the concept of threatened species, especially in the context of Colombian magnolias, despite Colombia having the greatest diversity of Magnolia species in Latin America (40 species). It emphasizes the importance of in situ conservation and provides details on magnolia morphology, their pollination mechanisms (protogyny and beetles) and seed dispersal (birds), as well as seed collection and processing protocols. The training program is expected to contribute to improving the conditions of these threatened species and to foster a positive cultural impact on communities for their conservation.