Conservation of Two Ficus Species with Local Community Participation in Pindaya Region, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

14 Feb 2008 Pindaya, Shan, Myanmar, Asia

Ye Tun Min

The project aims to develop database on the tree population of two Ficus species, to conserve them in their natural environment, to increase plant population by growing seedlings or young plants with local community participation, and to share nature conservation knowledge to local people and community in Pindaya region including nearby villages.

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Most of Ficus species are widely distributed all over Myanmar. However, the two species can be found only on the mountain regions (approximately above 2000ft from sea level) but their population is quite low. Pindaya region (3880ft from sea level) is the only one place where most of these two species thrive well. The big trees are valuable, and represent to this region. To date, the species are facing regeneration problems and are threatened as rare species because the young plants grow rarely and are destroyed by animals and also human being. One species (local people call Nyaung Painn Nell or Nyaung Gyi) has been conserved only in small quantity near the Pagoda areas.

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The existing trees are too old, and so without active conservation and protection of the region now, the survival of these species is questionable. Hence, active conservation activity and careful transplanting of young plants and or seedlings with local community are needed for the next generations. This project will be tremendous importance for the local community and biodiversity of the world. These trees are highly useful for the local ecology since they are the nesting sites for many birds, bats and squirrels. Moreover, effect of tree planting has considerably improved the soil conditions. According to religious belief, the trees are revered as holy trees (like banyan tree) by Buddhist. Since the project intends to spread awareness and education among the local community of the great importance of the trees and mobilize them into protecting the trees in their region and nearby areas, they can gain much knowledge on nature conservation. The other species (local people call Nyaung Chyin) is very rare to conserve by local people in this region. Edible young shoots of this kind of tree are picked and then used as foods. Systematic conservation and planting of the trees are required in this region for long lasting.

This project seeks to collect tree population data and to collect young plants and or seedlings for future planting. Fences will be made for young plants to protect them. Natural fences especially such as cactus will be used and planted around the target young ficus plant. Hanging roots of the old trees are also needed to protect in the region. Conservation knowledge of the local people is the great important for future conservation task. To spread awareness and extension education among the local community will also be carried out in this region, nearby villages including basic education schools. To date, planting and careful protection management of these trees with local community participation are absolutely important in Pindaya region.

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