Human landscape modification and expansion of tropical woodland in southern Arabia during the mid‐Holocene from rock hyrax middens

A mid-Holocene expansion of tropical woodlands, including frankincense (Boswellia sacra) and Terminalia trees, occurred in southern Arabia, coinciding with human landscape modification. This period, from 6 to 4.7 thousand years ago, saw increased groundwater storage and potential wildfires, suggesting a semi-arid but continuous vegetation cover that contrasted with today's arid conditions. The study used fossil pollen and stable isotopes from rock hyrax middens in Wadi Sana, Yemen, to reconstruct ecosystem changes during this critical transition. Findings indicate human management likely promoted Terminalia woodlands, while frankincense may have supported ancient resin trade networks. After 1 thousand years, desert conditions emerged, marked by increased sedge abundances and the decline of grasses and trees.

Ivory, S. J., Cole, K. L., Anderson, R. S., Anderson, A., & McCorriston, J. (2021). Human landscape modification and expansion of tropical woodland in southern Arabia during the mid‐Holocene from rock hyrax middens. Journal of Biogeography, 48(10), 2588–2603. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14226