Image:Image by Jean and Fred on Flickr

Australian sandalwood is under threat of extinction in the wild if current over-harvesting practices continue, according to new research published today.

Sandalwood is a hugely popular scent used in incense sticks, candles and perfumes, but this may be its downfall. Over-harvesting in Western Australia has driven the species down by 90% in the past 175 years and no new trees are regenerating because of harsh conditions caused by climate change.

The species needs to be listed as a threatened species and more sustainable harvesting practices need to be established in order to save what is left of Australia’s wild sandalwood population.

Produced By: Michelle Stephenson

Featured In Story: Richard McLellan – Research Ecologist at Charles Sturt University

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 7 October 2021