Uses and Conservation Status of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. (Hegleig Tree) in Sudan: Local People Perspective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current and potential values and identify main threatening factors of Balanites aegyptiaca in Sudan. Three areas were selected for data collection (Umm Abdalla, Boat and Id Elfrissan). Group discussion was carried out to tap local community knowledge about the species uses, potentials and threatening factors. Then structured interview was used to verify and check the information generated in group discussion. A total of 120 respondents from the three areas were interviewed. Results showed that Hegleig tree is very important multi-purpose tree for livelihood of local communities in many areas of the Sudan. 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.