Thaumatococcus flavus

Thaumatococcus flavus is mostly threatened by hydroelectric projects and logging. Indeed, three occurrences are expected to disappear in the near future because they are located within the construction site and the projected inundated area of a planned hydro-electric project. Moreover, deforestation for the construction of infrastructures is already ongoing where the species is known. The species is also threatened by mining activities in the area of Mabounié and by logging in the region of Mikongo.

Thaumatococcus flavus is known from one protected area: the Monts de Cristal National Park in Gabon. The species is subject to ex situ conservation as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan of the hydroelectric dam project in Kinguélé. Indeed, 85 individuals have been cultivated within the Kinguélé nursery with a current survival rate of 86%.

Since the species is threatened by hydroelectric dam projects, mining activities, and logging, various conservation measures should be considered. First, it should be sought in other places, to increase knowledge of its full distribution. Second, it should be regarded as an HCV1 species (High Conservation Value), and as a consequence should be included in the management plan of the industrial concessions within which it occurs. Finally, a public awareness campaign must be conducted targeting industrial companies and other private actors, NGOs, scientific institutions, and the government of Gabon to ensure that Thaumatococcus flavus is taken into consideration when decisions are made that could impact its conservation.