Exploring Novel Habitat for Critically Endangered Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. in Terai Region of Uttar Pradesh

Habitat for Critically Endangered Aquilaria malaccensis

Abstract

Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.) is a highly prized fragrant resin-producing tree within the Thymelaeaceae family, renowned for its aromatic wood known as agar or oudh. With a market value of up to $100,000 per kilogram, its natural habitat in Southeast Asia has faced significant depletion due to extensive extraction driven by demand. Although naturally occurring in South East Asian countries, its cultivation has extended to the home gardens of North Eastern states of India. Given its critical endangerment in the wild and confinement to specific regions, identifying suitable habitats for ex-situ conservation is imperative. The introduction of agarwood to the Terai region of Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India, characterized by a humid climate and high-water table, aims to address its economic importance and habitat loss concerns. This region, situated between 27.6° and 28.6° N longitude and 80.34° and 81.3° east latitude, with an elevation of 148 meters above sea level, experiences an average rainfall of 1275mm, concentrated mainly from June to September. Such efforts are crucial for the long-term survival of agarwood species under varying climate change scenarios, necessitating collaborative conservation measures by the scientific community and agroforestry managers.