Great news from Oman! Despite facing several environmental and human-related challenges, a recent scientific study brings encouraging news about the resilience of Oman’s iconic frankincense trees. The study indicates that these trees are not experiencing a widespread decline.

Study Gave Hope For Iconic Trees

The reassuring conclusion comes from the first comprehensive conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra, the scientific name for these significant trees. The study took place in their native mountainous areas of the Dhofar Governorate. The Environment Society of Oman (ESO), along with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals, and Mendel University in Brno, spearheaded this research, which the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman initially funded.

The study, initiated in 2022, delved into the population dynamics, ecological pressures, and natural regeneration patterns of Boswellia sacra across its distribution range in Dhofar. A scientific paper released earlier this year highlighted that while the trees exhibit varied population structures and regeneration rates, there’s no sign of a widespread population decrease.

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Why These Findings Mattered

These results are crucial for protecting frankincense trees, which symbolize Oman’s ancient incense trade culturally and spiritually. They also play a vital role as the foundation of a flourishing local industry centered on incense and related products. The study also shows that of the approximately 24 species in the Boswellia genus globally, Boswellia sacra Flück. which is a deciduous tree, is native to southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen) and Somalia and grows from sea level to elevations as high as 1,774 meters in the mountain ranges.

What Challenges Were Identified

The trees face several threats, including overgrazing, mainly by camels, which poses a significant risk to young trees. The additional challenges involve insect infestations, pest attacks, unsustainable resin harvesting, nearby mining activities, and more erratic weather patterns, all impacting tree health and regeneration.

Researchers Urged Against Complacency

Although the study alleviates concerns about an imminent population collapse, researchers advise against complacency. The threats to Boswellia sacra are complex, differ by location and season, and are affected by ecological, social, and political factors. The paper emphasizes that conservation strategies must address the entire socio-ecological context to be truly effective.

Dr. Amor Al Matani, President of ESO’s Board of Directors, celebrated the study’s successful completion as a crucial step forward. Mr. Ali Bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, at the Environment Authority office in Dhofar, added that the study shows that international conservation concerns should recognize differences between frankincense species and between their countries of origin, and the measures taken by each country.