Conservation of Livistona carinensis in Somaliland
Livistona carinensis is a palm species occurring in Somaliland, Puntland state of Somalia, Djibouti, and Yemen. The species is noted in the IUCN Red List as endangered and possibly extinct from Somalia.
Livistona stands in Somaliland are concentrated in Gudmo-biyo-cas seasonal watercourse in Sanaag Region.
Major threats include unsustainable harvesting of trunks for construction, petioles, and leaves for thatching, basketry, and mat-making. The expanding farming activities along the watercourse will not allow Livistona to thrive, as farmers clear it to make way for farming. Moreover, it is apparent that replacement of old trees is not possible due to a lack of immediate successors.
Candlelight for Environment, Education, and Health (CEEH) has started a conservation work aimed at saving the species from extinction. Candlelight is building a fence around the Livistona trees stand in Gudmo-biyo-cas village as a protective measure from goats browsing young saplings and human trampling. By limiting access, it is hoped that successor trees will start to thrive on the site. The activities will also include propagation of Livistona seeds and community awareness on the importance of the species.
Candlelight would like to thank the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund for their support, which made this project possible.
