Mesanthemum auratum

There are a number of threats observed and inferred on the continuing decline on the extent and quality of habitat of Mesanthemum auratum. Half of the herbarium specimens were collected near Mt. Gangan in the Kindia region. It is observed that the habitat of Mesanthemum auratum in Kindia region was burned, encroached by housing development and affected by grazing cattle (Cheek 18307 & 18231, K). Due to Kindia being one of the largest and growing cities in Guinea near the habitat of Mesanthemum auratum, human activities are inferred as big threat to the species. Habitat loss is happening in the Mt. Gangan area due to settlement expansion, market gardening, charcoal production, cattle grazing, and unnatural fire for grazing, hunting and agriculture (Couch et al. 2018). The species was collected from the Benna Plateau in 1937 and no occurrence has been recorded during the recent survey (Cheek et al. 2018), but this may be on the account of the small size of the species (plant height less than 20 cm) and it only being present during the wet season. Benna Plateau also faces the threats of unnatural fire and cattle grazing. An analysis from Global Forest Watch shows 20% of tree cover loss from 2001 to 2017 in the extent of occurrence of Mesanthemum auratum (Global Forest Watch 2018) which might have affected the habitat of Mesanthemum auratum. Guinea has the world's largest reserve of Bauxite and is highly underexplored compared to its neighbouring countries (Investing News Network 2018). The potential growth of mining industry and infrastructure might lead to habitat loss of Mesanthemum auratum.

Currently, there is no ex situ and in situ conservation in place for this species. Ex situ conservation such as storing seeds in a seed bank is recommended (Millennium Seed Bank, National Seed Bank of Guinea). Research on its population size, life-history and ecology is recommended in order to obtain a better understanding of its current and future status and generate a better conservation plan to prevent the species from becoming threatened.