Ex situ Conservation of Mangifera casturi Kosterm. based on community in Indragiri Hilir Regency of Riau Province

The ex situ conservation of Mangifera casturi Kosterm. is very important because this is an extinct species in the wild. This study is conducted to conserve the diversity of M. casturi genetic resources. The collections of living organisms that are conserved ex situ can be used for many purposes, including research, education and public awareness. In addition, through an ex situ conservation it is possible to use species as a source of economic income for the community. The study of M. casturi in Indragiri Hilir Regency, was to map the distribution of this species, identify its bio-ecological factors, elucidate the population structure and identify stimulus factors in community. The data obtained will be useful to formulate the ex situ conservation strategy of M. casturi based the community participation. The spread of M. casturi in the Indragiri Hilir Regency cannot be separated from the migration of Banjar ethnic of South Kalimantan in the 1860’s. Currently, the population of M. casturi has spread to several districts in Indragiri Hilir Regency, including Tembilahan City district, Gaung district, Gaung Anak Serka district (GAS), Batang Tuaka district, and Kuindra district. The results showed that the populations of M. casturi were mostly found in Gaung and GAS districts. The inventory conducted in the two districts found a total of 1315 individuals of M. casturi. This amount represents the total of 1085 individuals in the GAS district and 230 individuals in the Gaung district. The successful ex situ conservation of this species in this area seemed to be supported by at least three stimulus: natural, benefit, and religious stimulus. However both internal and external factors belonging to the local community values also influenced significantly. In the GAS district, ex situ conservation of M. casturi was mainly supported by benefit stimulus while in the Gaung district the ex situ conservation effort was supported by mainly religious stimulus. The principle component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine possible relationships between the ex situ conservation of M. casturi and the supporting variables within the community. In the GAS district, the ex situ conservation effort of M. casturi was significantly supported by the species population size, harvest and market activites. However pre-planting activities were also important. In the Gaung district, ex situ conservation of the valuable mango was supported not only by the population size, harvest and market activites, but also by pre-planting activites as well as land status and size. Indeed M. casturi has a promising economic value and market potential to be developed as an important agro-commodity in Indragiri Hilir Regency.