Species targeting

 

Rather than taking a 'random' approach, the MSBP concentrates its seed collecting on those species known or suspected to be endangered, endemic or potentially useful (economic). In some Partner countries the botanical infrastructure and knowledge is well developed enough for these prioritisation decisions to be taken in-country, for others it is less so. Fortunately, we can now use the wealth of information, including collection time and place, on species held on the millions of pressed specimens at Kew and other herbaria, e.g. Paris. Specimen information is compiled using BRAHMS software and once data-based, it can be analysed in several ways, including using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). As well as more or less precise mapping of specimen locations, potential distributions and likely flowering and fruiting periods, these analyses can estimate just how threatened or endemic particular species are, especially where there is little or no existing knowledge. See also Kew's contribution to IUCN's threat rating and conservation assessment process. All the resulting information is compiled into guides for particular MSBP partner countries or regions, which allow our partners to both prioritise their collecting, and to plan their expedition itineraries for maximum efficiency.

Vernonia subscandens, endemic to Kenya