Medicinal Plant Trade in Sierra Leone: Threats and Opportunities for Conservation

摘要: This study used a quantitative market survey to examine the ecological importance of medicinal plant trade in Sierra Leone and existing trading systems, so that it could be determined (1) if has negative impact on species traded, and/or (2) support conservation projects. We interviewed vendors three major cities two towns carried out focus–group discussions among collectors at forest edge communities. In markets, specimen samples were collected identified. several forests, observations made harvesting techniques relative abundance. More than 40 are traded urban nine which most frequently traded. Some plants transported great distances reach especially Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. Garcinia kola Heckel. Certain might not sustainably harvested depending collector practices (e.g., ring debarking, tree felling), this threaten these species, Piper guineense Schumach. & Thonn. However, results also suggest some promoted as an alternative livelihood strategy for communities reserves. latter case, special attention should paid sustainable techniques.