For over a century, Australian sandalwood has been under considerable pressure, primarily due to its coveted woody essence in the perfume industry. The researchers found a drastic reduction in its population, estimated at around 90%. This critical situation is exacerbated by various factors:
- Intensive deforestation
- Forest fires
- Grazing by invasive species
Professor Kingsley Dixon, a botany specialist at Curtin University, highlights the scale of the problem: “We have less sandalwood in the wild than probably ever before in its evolutionary history”. This alarming statement highlights the urgency of the situation.
Root causes of decline and ecological impacts
The natural regeneration of Australian sandalwood is hampered by two main factors:
- The extinction of small marsupials, traditional seed dispersers
- Climate changes affecting germination conditions
These obstacles have led to a virtual absence of new trees for 60 to 100 years. The impact of this gradual disappearance goes well beyond the simple loss of a species. Sandalwood plays a vital role in the ecosystemnotably :
- Food source for various animal species
- Preserving soil health
- Transfer of water and nutrients to other plants
This symbiotic relationship supports the growth of other trees, creating a domino effect: the degradation of sandalwood leads to the degradation of other plant species. This phenomenon is part of a broader context of climate change requiring urgent action to preserve biodiversity.
Cultural and medicinal implications of sandalwood
The disappearance of Australian sandalwood has repercussions far beyond ecology. This tree has a significant cultural and spiritual importance for many communities:
| Aspect | Importance |
|---|---|
| Cultural | Ancient food and medicinal source |
| Spiritual | Sacred tree in several religions |
| Identity | Element of cultural heritage threatened by climate change |
On a medical level, sandalwood has valuable anti-inflammatory propertiesused in the treatment of acne and skin irritations. Recent research has even revealed its anti-cancer potential, capable of inhibiting the regeneration of cancer cells. The loss of this natural resource could therefore have significant consequences on medical research and the development of new treatments.
Preservation Strategies and Call to Action
Faced with this critical situation, conservation measures are urgently necessary. Environmental defenders advocate an exclusive harvest of sandalwood from plantationsan approach which has already made it possible to preserve thousands of hectares. On the other hand, the priority remains the protection and regeneration of wild populations.
Scientists recently petitioned the Federal Science Committee on Endangered Species to consider protecting wild sandalwood under state environmental laws. In October, the committee recommended this protection to Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. The government is currently assessing the situation until 2026.
Consumers also have a role to play. It is crucial to favor products from sustainable plantations. This responsible approach contributes to the industry's transition towards more environmentally friendly practices, while preserving wild sandalwood populations.
The preservation of Australian sandalwood is part of a broader context of the fight against global warming and its impacts on ecosystems. Every action, no matter how small, counts in this collective effort to safeguard our natural and cultural heritage.
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