Local Peoples’ Knowledge on Uses, Status, Threats and Conservation Measures of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. Heglig Tree in Sudan

The aim of this study was to evaluate the uses, current status and identify main threatening factors and conservation measures of Balanites aegyptiaca in Sudan. The study was carried out in South of Sinnar State (Abuhjar locality) and North the Blue Nile State (Aldamazin locality) where the tree was observed to be dense. Group discussion was carried out to tap local community knowledge about the potentials and threatening factors of the species. The structured interview was used to verify and check the information generated in group discussion. A total of 120 respondents from the two localities were interviewed. Results showed that Balanites aegyptiaca represents a useful tree for the whole community and almost all of the respondents were benefited from it. Results also showed that the gene pool of the species was severely affected by many deteriorating factors like lopping of branches, grazing, mechanized farming and gap in transfer of indigenous knowledge. These factors were combined with removal of associated trees and retaining Balanites which made it vulnerable. Protection, in situ conservation stands and conservation in use is the most suitable measures for this species in Sudan.