VU

Aquilaria cumingiana

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Aquilaria cumingiana faces severe pressure from illegal harvesting for its valuable agarwood (oud), which forms in response to fungal infection and commands extremely high prices in international markets. Overexploitation has led to dramatic population declines across its range, with mature trees being selectively targeted and removed from wild populations. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural conversion further compounds the species' vulnerability, fragmenting remaining populations and reducing recruitment opportunities.

Threat summary

Habitat

Aquilaria cumingiana inhabits tropical rainforests and secondary forests across Southeast Asia, typically growing in lowland and hill forests up to 750 meters elevation. The species prefers well-drained soils in both primary forest understory and forest edges, often occurring in mixed dipterocarp forests.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservationLegislation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Aquilaria cumingiana classified as Vulnerable?
Aquilaria cumingiana is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Aquilaria cumingiana faces severe pressure from illegal harvesting for its valuable agarwood (oud), which forms in response to fungal infection and commands extremely high prices in international markets. Overexploitation has led to dramatic population declines across its range, with mature trees being selectively targeted and removed from wild populations. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural conversion further compounds the species' vulnerability, fragmenting remaining populations and reducing recruitment opportunities.
Where does Aquilaria cumingiana live?
Aquilaria cumingiana occurs in Indonesia, and Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aquilaria cumingiana?
The main threats to Aquilaria cumingiana are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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