Distribution, ecology, and threats assessment of 11 endemic frankincense tree taxa (Boswellia) in the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

Plants People Planet, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 6(6), P. 1552 - 1571

Published: Aug. 15, 2024

Societal Impact Statement Conserving frankincense trees ( Boswellia ) is crucial for both ecological and socio‐economic reasons. Surveying these in the field using remote sensing unmanned aerial vehicles Socotra Archipelago, we found that Socotran are threatened by forest fragmentation, overgrazing, increasingly frequent extreme climate events. A better understanding of distribution threats important insular species will improve conservation policy local authorities benefit communities Archipelago. At same time, this work serves as a good practice example to guide efforts other culturally tree around world, therefore helping sustain livelihoods, fostering resilience, supporting stability. Summary Globally, (Burseraceae: under threat because habitat deterioration, impacts, olibanum trade. Despite harboring nearly half genus, up‐to‐date insights lacking endemic Archipelago UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site (Yemen). We combined georeferencing individual with applying (UAVs) evaluate (sub)population sizes entire counted 17,253 across all 11 taxa surveyed almost 55% directly field, collecting information on health indicators. estimate current total population relatively common elongata , popoviana ameero consist few thousand mature individuals fragmented which large proportion occurs highly disjunct relictual stands, while more range‐restricted survive only through hundred nana samhaensis fewer than scopulorum ). Our data show fragmentation overgrazing resulting lack natural regeneration, combination effects events (e.g., higher frequency intensity cyclones prolonged drought) potential future infrastructure developments; less impacted resin collection. provide recommendations strategize urgent protection declining trees, update their status, an endangered status seven critically four taxa.

Language: Английский

Shrubs as Nurse Species for Plant Communities in Arid Environments: A Case Study From Socotra Island (Yemen)

Journal of Vegetation Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 36(2)

Published: March 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Question Plant–plant facilitation is a critical ecological mechanism in arid environments, influencing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience globally. Shrubs often serve as nurse species, enhancing tree regeneration sheltering plant communities, particularly overgrazed or degraded habitats. In this study, we examine the role of shrubs species Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), hotspot which several endemic including iconic frankincense ( Boswellia spp.), myrrh Commiphora Socotran dragon's blood Dracaena cinnabari ) trees, are threatened. This largely due to lack natural caused by combined effects overgrazing goats, sheep, climatic events such extreme droughts cyclones. To aid conservation threatened trees regions, nature‐based solutions urgently needed help regeneration. Effective plants have potential, environments. We therefore examined thorny, poisonous, and/or unpalatable with focus on woody an insular context. Study Area The (Yemen) situated western Indian Ocean, east Horn Africa. It sanctuary UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Methods Vegetation surveys were conducted 144 paired plots under six common shrub adjacent open areas. Community data, environmental variables, functional traits analysed using RLQ fourth‐corner analyses, while Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) evaluated variables key based Weighted Means (CWMs). Facilitation quantified Relative Interaction Index (RII). Results Our analysis revealed significant variations composition between under‐canopy open‐area plots. Certain shrubs, Cebatha balfourii , facilitated significantly higher richness its canopy compared Elevation grazing pressure influenced these interactions, notable like occurrence legumes growth forms. Buxus hildebrandtii was less effective supporting richness, C. balfourii, Lycium sokotranum two Cissus exhibited positive facilitation. LMMs confirmed importance characteristics shaping community dynamics. Conclusions results highlight differences facilitative potential studied some showing stronger ability act shelters through microhabitat amelioration protection from herbivory. presence confirmed, diverse communities provides insights for strategies, sustainable management landscapes Island other Future efforts should leveraging mitigate pressures enhance restoration, particular conserve range‐restricted species.

Language: Английский

Effects of Seed Colour and Regulated Temperature on the Germination of Boswellia pirottae Chiov.: An Endemic Gum- and Resin-Bearing Species

Plants, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(24), P. 3581 - 3581

Published: Dec. 22, 2024

(1) Background: According to the IUCN, Boswellia pirottae is classified as a vulnerable species. However, knowledge of its seed characteristics and germination behaviour lacking. (2) Methods: The aim this research was characterise seeds evaluate effects colour controlled temperatures on germination. were segregated into following categories: light brown (LB), (B), dark (DB). evaluated under constant (23 °C) at room (fluctuating) temperature independently. One-way ANOVA, t-test, indexes used for analyses. (3) Results: results showed significant differences in mean masses LB, B, DB seeds. Similarly, differently coloured varied their water imbibition rates. result both room-temperature chambers among t-test revealed no similar colours between conditions. (4) Conclusions: seed’s significantly influenced mass, capacity, rate relative treatment. Dark are recommended collection aimed seedling propagation.

Language: Английский