Overgrazing strongly impedes the natural regeneration of the endemic Boswellia species on Socotra Island

Overgrazing significantly hinders the natural regeneration of endemic frankincense trees (Boswellia spp.) on Socotra Island, threatening their survival. A two-to-three-year experiment across four Boswellia taxa compared seedling mortality and growth in fenced (grazing-excluded) and unfenced control plots. Results showed higher mortality and slower height increment in open areas, with up to 772 seedlings emerging in fenced plots—560 surviving—versus only 176 survivors in unfenced controls. While grazing is a primary threat, high seedling mortality even within exclosures suggests additional challenges for conservation. This study underscores the critical need to address overgrazing and other stressors to protect Socotra's unique frankincense ecosystems.

Hamdiah, S., Eler, K., Van Damme, K., Attorre, F., La Montagna, D., De Sanctis, M., Shaneyehen, M., Amar, M., Danso Marfo, T., & Maděra, P. (2024). Overgrazing strongly impedes the natural regeneration of the endemic Boswellia species on Socotra Island. Journal of Forest Science, 70(5), 249–263. https://doi.org/10.17221/3/2024-jfs