An endemic species on the brink
The Tampiciran in Costalegre, Jalisco
The Tampiciran (Dalbergia granadillo), also commonly known as Campiciran, Granadillo, or Zangalicua, is a tree species endemic to Mexico. It can be found in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Oaxaca and is highly esteemed for the quality of the wood for furniture, in high demand especially in China, following the traditions of the Ming and Quing dynasties. The wood is also used for musical instruments, (mainly studio and concert guitars), and for knife handles, castanets, marimba keys, and other decorations. Due to its precious wood, this tree species is under constant pressure from illegal logging and trafficking. Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and its naturally slow growth and low repopulation have drastically declined Tampiciran trees. The species has been listed as endangered nationally by SEMARNAT in 2010, and internationally by the Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES, 2013). In addition, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed it as Critically Endangered on its red list of threatened species. Adult trees are now extremely hard to find. Therefore it is most urgent to search for and collect Tampiciran seeds and raise them in preparation for a replanting campaign.
As a nitrogen-fixing tree, it will be a critical component in soil restoration in areas that have been degraded through slash-and-burn farming.
Reforestation with Tampiciran
Earlier this year we collected about 2500 seeds from adult trees in northern Jalisco and Nayarit. They were given to four different nurseries to be germinated and cared for until they were big enough to be planted. This collaborative project brings together many partners within the Costalegre region, such as the Municipality of La Huerta, Benito Juarez Welfare University in Tomatlan, Ejidatarios, and developers in Costalegre.
Once the trees are ready for planting, the locations will be carefully selected where the trees are protected and where the progress can be monitored. The goal is to plant them in many different soils, altitudes, and climate conditions, and to get widespread coverage across the state. This represents a perfect educational opportunity
This project incorporates people ready and willing to raise trees and it creates opportunities for hands-on involvement for students, and volunteers.
A journey of a thousand steps
April 16, 2024, we handed over our first 500 seeds to the La Huerta Municipal Nursery to be planted in the following days, with 1500 more delivered two weeks later. We are continuously searching for mature trees to collect many more seeds.
By August 2024 the trees had already grown to a size that is ready for planting. As the wet season begins, it is the optimal time for planting young trees. They have several months of regular rains to help get established and grow new roots.
The planting begins
August 9th was a momentous day for Armando Calderon, our team member who has been in charge of the Tampiciran project. It has been his dream for many years to help bring back these trees from extinction and now he finally got to plant his first young Tampiciran tree. We planted a total of 60 trees in a remote farm that day with an additional 20 going to a friend who will be planting those in the Careyes area. Two trees were also planted in Zapata during a Careyes Foundation event.
We have a total of 2500 trees to plant in the coming weeks in protected locations from Campo Acosta to Tamarindo.
2024 Goal - 2500 trees
From germination to young trees, we now have a stock of 2500 young trees that are waiting to be planted.