Rapid conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra in Oman reveals complex threat and population patterns

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F62156489%3A43410%2F25%3A43926776" target="_blank" >RIV/62156489:43410/25:43926776 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105368" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105368</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105368" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105368</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Rapid conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra in Oman reveals complex threat and population patterns

Original language description

Boswellia sacra is an iconic dryland tree in southern Arabia and Somalia. A cultural keystone species, it produces frankincense resin long used for its medicinal and aromatic qualities. Recent research has indicated population declines and unsustainable exploitation of multiple species of Boswellia, including the Somalian B. sacra populations. However, information on the Arabian populations is minimal and contradictory. Therefore, we conducted a broad-scale rapid assessment of the B. sacra populations in the Dhofar mountains of Oman to map the species&apos; range, identify major threats, and predict if the same pattern of population collapse seen in other species is occurring in Oman. Based on field surveys and distribution mapping, B. sacra likely occupies a range of at least 3465 km2 in Oman. We observed regeneration across almost all populations, with 97 % of transects including at least 10 % small trees or saplings. However, population patterns were variable; both reverse-J shaped and bell-shaped population structures were observed in different locations. Threats identified varied geographically, and included overgrazing, resin overharvesting, mining, insect/pest attacks, and wind/flooding. Grazing pressure was prevalent across many populations, while harvesting pressure was concentrated in specific areas. We conclude that the data do not currently indicate significant or widespread declines in B. sacra in Oman, as seen in other species. Still, given the burgeoning threats, improved socio-ecological management systems are needed to maintain this status. Key priorities include research to elucidate drivers of population patterns, improved rangeland management, enhanced monitoring and management of resin tapping, and identification of potential additional reserves.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

10611 - Plant sciences, botany

Project

—

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Journal of Arid Environments

ISSN

0140-1963

e-ISSN

1095-922X

Volume of the periodical

229

Issue of the periodical within the volume

August

Country of publishing house

GB - UNITED KINGDOM

Number of pages

11

Pages from-to

105368

UT code for WoS article

001446898700001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-86000487534