The Decline of Dobera Glabra Dryland Forests in West Asia is Associated with the Native Termite Microtermes Najdensis

Forest decline threatens biodiversity and carbon storage, with pest attacks being a major driver. Dobera glabra, an important food-security tree used during droughts in Ethiopia and other African countries, is now rare and threatened, and recent pest attacks have been reported in Saudi Arabia. In Jazan, three populations were assessed, revealing a density of 40.4 trees per hectare, composed only of adult and old trees, with no regeneration. When combined with unexpected tree deaths, a severe population decline was observed. Dead trees showed heavy infestation by the native termite Microtermes najdensis, with 69.2% infestation and 18% mortality, clarifying pest impacts.