Rooted in Rarity: Agarwood Tree Rewrites Its Map from Meghalaya to Assam

In a biodiversity and conservation milestone, the Botanical Survey of India scientists have confirmed the presence of over 200 mature Aquilaria khasiana trees, the source of the highly valuable agarwood resin, in Assam's Jeypore Reserve Forest. Previously, the species was thought to be endemic to the Meghalaya state, and the discovery significantly expands the previously confirmed area of the critically endangered species.

 

Key Findings of the Discovery

- Aquilaria khasiana was thought to be found only in Meghalaya, where there are only five members.

- At least 210 mature trees of the Assam population constitute its first official sighting outside Meghalaya.

- Chloroplast genome sequencing and DNA barcoding validated the species and its genetic ties to Gyrinops walla, a close relative of Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats.

Why It Matters

- Agarwood, also known as oud or eaglewood, is a valued resin used in perfumes, incense, and medicinal herbs.

- Due to its rarity and high market demand, the tree faces illegal harvesting and habitat destruction.

- The Assam find provides the species a unique conservation opportunity but does not eradicate the species' extinction threat.

Inmediate Conservation Needs

- In Assam, despite the reassuring statistics, risks like insect infestation, fire in the forests, and felling of trees persist in Meghalaya.

- Scientists call on the Assam and Meghalaya governments to adopt a species recovery plan, legal frameworks, and the rehabilitation of habitats.

- Unless followed up on at once, the rediscovery can be an ephemeral miracle and not a turning point.

Sources: Moneycontrol, NE Now, Hub Network.