Omani Frankincense trees defy extinction fears
Salalah – A pioneering scientific study has confirmed that Oman's iconic frankincense trees (Boswellia sacra) are not facing widespread decline in the Dhofar Governorate, despite ongoing environmental and human-induced threats.
The comprehensive conservation assessment — the first of its kind conducted in the Sultanate — was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals, and Mendel University in Brno. The project was initially supported by the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman.
Initiated in 2022, the study examined population dynamics, ecological pressures, and natural regeneration trends of Boswellia sacra across its known range in Dhofar. Published findings reveal that while the trees exhibit variable population structures and regeneration rates, there is no indication of a broad-scale population collapse.
These findings represent a significant step forward in efforts to conserve the frankincense tree, a species integral to Oman's cultural heritage and a key pillar of its traditional industries centred on incense and resin-based products.
Native to southern Arabia and parts of East Africa, Boswellia sacra Flück. grows across diverse elevations in Dhofar, from sea level to 1,774 metres in the mountain ranges. Of the approximately 24 known species in the Boswellia genus, this particular species is most closely associated with Oman's ancient incense trade.
Despite the overall positive outlook, the study acknowledges several ongoing threats to the species. Overgrazing, especially by camels, poses a significant risk to young saplings. Other pressures include pest infestations, unsustainable resin extraction, nearby mining activity, and the increasing unpredictability of climate patterns.
While the absence of large-scale decline is encouraging, the researchers stress the importance of continued vigilance. The threats faced by Boswellia sacra are complex, site-specific, and shaped by a range of ecological, social, and political factors. Effective conservation strategies must therefore adopt a holistic, context-sensitive approach.
Dr Amor al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, described the study's completion as a milestone for conservation in Oman. 'ESO's leadership in this research underscores our ongoing commitment to protecting the frankincense tree, which holds profound cultural and ecological value for the Sultanate,' she stated, while extending thanks to the Environment Authority and international partners.
Ali Bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment at the Environment Authority in Dhofar, added: 'This collaboration marks an important advance in our understanding of Boswellia sacra. The study demonstrates that generalisations about frankincense tree decline must be approached with caution, as threats and conservation contexts differ significantly by region and species.'
The study, titled Rapid conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra in Oman reveals complex threat and population patterns, is available on ScienceDirect. Further research is ongoing, with ESO and its partners committed to supporting informed and sustainable conservation of this culturally significant species.
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