Homegardens of upper Assam, northeast India: a typical example of on farm conservation of Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.)

摘要

This study has investigated the potential of homegardens in conservation of Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.), a critically endangered tree species of northeast India with great economic value. Agarwood is the most dominant tree species in the studied homegardens of upper Assam as it has the highest frequency (98%) and density (1443 individuals ha-1) and it contributes 34% of the total tree density. It contributes significantly to the economy of the local people and income generation from Agarwood by individual family ranges from 3000.00 (US$ 600.00) to I 9,00,000.00 (US$ 18,000.00) with an average of1,14,393.00 (US$ 2287.86) per year. Besides its economic potential, it is also on the verge of extinction and needs proper conservation and management for further existence. Agarwood shows good regeneration and population status in studied homegardens of upper Assam. Therefore, homegardens can save the species from the risk of extinction and thus can be considered as a tool of on farm conservationof Agarwood.