- Five species on Socotra Island (Yemen) have moved from Vulnerable to Endangered, one species is now Critically Endangered and three others have been assessed as Critically Endangered for the first time.
What is Frankincense?
- Frankincense is an aromatic resin derived from trees of the Boswellia genus.
- It has been historically valued for use in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine.
- Cultural significance: It was one of the three gifts (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh) presented to Jesus by the Magi, as mentioned in the Bible.
Major Species of Boswellia
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Scientific Name
|
Common Name
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Region Found
|
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Boswellia serrata
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Indian Frankincense
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India
|
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Boswellia carterii
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Somali Frankincense
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Somalia, Ethiopia
|
|
Boswellia sacra
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Arabian Frankincense
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Oman, Yemen
|
|
Boswellia papyrifera
|
Sudanese Frankincense
|
Sudan, Eritrea
|
|
Boswellia frereana
|
Maydi Frankincense
|
Somalia
|
Why is Frankincense at Risk?
- Habitat destruction & overgrazing: Goats graze on young saplings, preventing tree regeneration.
- Traditional rotational grazing practices have declined, leading to
- Climate change & extreme weather: Frequent cyclones, flash floods, and landslides (2015, 2018) have damaged and uprooted trees.
- Prolonged droughts hinder sapling growth.
- Unsustainable Harvesting: Excessive tapping for resin extraction weakens trees and reduces seed production.
- Limited conservation measures: Lack of effective protective measures like fencing and regulated harvesting has worsened the crisis.
