Africa: Killer Beetles in the Baobabs - Researcher Warns of Risk to African Trees
AllAfrica
February 23, 2026
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A mysterious threat is emerging in Africa as mango stem-borer beetles (Batocera rufomaculata) are killing baobab trees in Oman, where these ancient giants were introduced over 1,500 years ago. Researchers have identified six dead baobabs and 12 infested trees in the region, marking the first recorded instance of an insect directly killing adult baobab trees. While the beetle has not yet reached mainland Africa, its potential spread poses a significant threat to the continent's iconic baobabs, which are considered keystone species for ecosystems and livelihoods.
The mango stem-borer, native to Southeast Asia, is a highly destructive pest that attacks fruit trees like mangoes, jackfruits, and figs. It has since expanded to the Middle East, where it was first recorded in 1950, causing widespread damage to fig plantations. The beetle's lifecycle involves females laying up to 200 eggs under tree bark, where larvae spend nearly a year tunnelling through vital tissues before emerging as adults. This behaviour weakens and eventually kills the host tree by disrupting its ability to transport water and nutrients.
In Oman, researchers are racing to contain the infestation. Infected trees have been treated with insecticides, larvae manually removed, and traps
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/23/2026