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Andalas is mascot flora of West Sumatra Province that is a native tree to Sumatra Island that nicknamed as Andalas Island. This luxurious wood species has cultural ties to the people in the West Sumatra yet this strong wood is becoming rare to find recently. This study was aimed to enhance conservation of andalas as one of high-value indigenous wood species of Sumatra. The exploration in two regencies in west Sumatra revealed that this wood mostly found scattered within community settlements and farm fields. In the forested area, this tree was mostly found in a rare occurrence in conservation forest and protection forest (12 trees/ha). This species is dioecious (separate male and female individual) and although could be propagated by cutting stem/shoot, natural regeneration of this species is considerably difficult. The study found the un-ideal stand structure in which tree stage was more abundant than seedling, sapling and pole. In Tanah Datar Regency, 113 trees were noted, but only 22 poles, 12 saplings and no seedlings were found, indicated the un-ideal structure and vulnerable existence. Similar condition was found in Kerinci Seblat National Park in which 30 trees were recorded but no lower stages were found. Without intervention to protect this valuable wood species, andalas may face the threat of extinction. To enhance the protection on this species from extinction, the development of simple conservation plot would not be adequate. People need to be re-introduced to this tree thus recognize the importance of this andalas and hopefully be aware and participated to protect this plant. Therefore, conservation-education plot of andalas was developed in strategic location so as to enhance awareness about the importance of andalas thus may wisely protect and use this wood species.

andalas, awareness, conservation, endangered, education