POPULATION STATUS OF Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) HOCHST IN THE DRY WOODLANDS OF NUBA MOUNTAINS, SOUTH KORDOFAN STATE, SUDAN

Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst. is a dryland tree species with diverse ecological and economic benefits. It is a source of frankincense with wider applications in cultural uses and modern pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite the potential and actual economic and environmental conservation benefits of the tree species, the woodland harboring this species is degrading. Adequate knowledge on the resource base including the current status of its population is crucial for sustainable management of the resource. This paper presents (i) the population structure and density of Boswellia; (ii) the natural regeneration status of Boswellia; and (iii) assess the frankincense harvesting intensity and visible damages on Boswellia tree in the study area. The study was carried out in two woodlands in South Kordofan state, Sudan, namely Kajinat reserved forest and Tajmala unreserved forest. The results show that the population of the tree species is unstable characterized by lack of recruitment and threatened by interrelated factors. Low densities 81 ± 79 trees ha-1 and 52 ± 50 trees ha-1 was observed in Kajinat reserved forest and Tajmala unreserved forest, respectively. All the individuals in the two stands have diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 11cm. A complete lack of regeneration and juvenile individuals, high mortality, and damages by insect and browsing was observed. Additionally, 43 % of the trees were observed severely over tapped with more than 15 tapping spots. Due to the current threats, the resource base is under threat due to uncontrolled frankincense exploitation among others. Proper management plan and domestication of the species through artificial regeneration and area closure are urgently needed.