Aloestrela suzannae

Based on our observations in the field and recent reports (Castillon and Castillon 2010, Spath 2013) the clearance of habitat for the expansion of crop land is the most significant threat to A. suzannae. It should also be noted that several specimens of A. suzannae have been found burnt or cut down for unknown reasons (Spath 2013). Further threats include domestic goats eating or trampling the seedlings and the collection of young plants in the wild by local villagers, although this is likely to be a minor threat.

The species exists within three protected areas at Andohahela, Tsimanampetsotsa and Ankodida (WWF 2011). Seeds have been banked for ex situ conservation with seeds duplicated at the Silo National des Graines Forestières (SNGF), Madagascar and the Millennium Seed Bank, UK. Living collections grown from seeds collected for the Millennium Seed  Bank Programme have been planted at the Tsimbazaza Botanic Garden, Madagascar. To protect the species in their natural habitat and to ensure the survival of existing population in the wild, mainly those outside of the protected areas, we recommend the development and implementation of a local conservation action plan which involves the local communities. Public awareness through various methods of communication including posters and leaflets should be developed at the remaining sites of occurrence about the importance and rarity of the species. Further research and investigation is needed to determine the exact population size and trends. The species is listed on CITES Appendix I.