Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Threats
The beautiful hardwood obtained from mahogany trees has been in high demand for centuries. Big-leaf mahogany has now replaced Caribbean (S. mahagoni) and Honduras mahogany (S. humilis) as the most commercially important member of the genus, following the commercial extinction of the latter two species as a result of over-exploitation (5). Big-leaf mahogany is the leading commercial timber of Latin America (6), but many people in the industry are concerned that without enforced protection measures this species may also become commercially extinct within five years (7).
Conservation
In a vital move for the future protection of this majestic tree, big-leaf mahogany was included on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2002 (6). Previously, the species was included on Appendix III in many countries but illegal trade continued due to the huge demand and high prices fetched by the wood of this species. It is hoped that this new legislation will enable the sustainable management of this important tree (7).
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