Author: LEA

18Mar

Occurrence’s areas and eco-ethology of colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus and Procolobus verus) in Benin

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

Sylvie Gisèle DJOSSOU DJEGO (2013). Occurrence’s areas and eco-ethology of colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus and Procolobus verus) in Benin. Ecole Doctorale Pluridisciplinaire, BENIN, 195 pages.

Supervisors : SINSIN Augustin Brice (Bénin) et HUYNEN Marie-Claude (Belgique)

Abstract: In Benin, high anthropic pressure lead to habitats disturbances, some species of primates became vulnerable, even threatened, as this is the case of colobines. Thus, the problem of conservation of wild fauna, in particular that of the primates, became alarming. The main objective of the study is to determine the biogeographic’s characteristics and behavioural ecology of Colobus vellerosus andProcolobus verus in Benin.  We used a diachronic analysis of the extent of occurrence, the forms of threats, activity budget and the habitat use. To gather biogeographic data, we used techniques of investigator, walking survey in forests and visits of local markets where animal’s parts are sold. Moreover, transects lines methods and complete counting in natural environment associated to the results of investigations allowed to appreciate the relative abundance of colobus on various sites of occurrence. Lastly, the observations of monkey groups by methods of scan and ad libitum samplingjoined to quadrant method, allowed to determine activity budget and habitat use. Results showed that extent of occurrence of Colobus vellerosus and Procolobus verus respectively covered 20,506km² and 25,403 km² and currently, ranged in Guinean zone and Guinean-soudanese zone. Several threats are weighing on these monkeys such as the habitats disturbance, deforestation and the poaching.The mean abundances of populations of Colobus vellerosus and Procolobus verus in Benin which were estimated respectively to 543 and 574 individuals, are low and distributed on several sites of occurrence. In Lama Protected Forest, the encounter rate of Colobus vellerosus was 0.60 detection/km versus 0.11detection/km for Procolobus verus and reached 0.49 detection/km in Domè Community Forest. Resting, feeding, moving, socializing and others activity took up respectively 56.64%, 26.31%, 13.04%, 3.31% and 0.70% in activity budget of Colobus vellerosus.Concerning the species resources, colobus manifested flexibility in their diet because about thirty species were consumed. Also, sleeping sites showed characteristics of antipredation, concern and were located in proximity of food resources. Finally, it is appropriate to develop strategies and actions in order to reverse the trend of population decline in primates, especially in colobines.

Key words:  Colobus vellerosus, Procolobus verus, biogeography, abundance, threats, habitat use,activity budgets, Benin.

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)


17Feb

“Sorghum: Properties, Synthesis and Applications”, Book Edited By Prof Valentin M. Kindomihou at Nova Science Publishers, in New York, USA

LEA

Sorghum: Properties, Synthesis and Applications. 2019. By Valentin Missiako Kindomihou (editor). Publisher: Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated, New York, USA, ISBN1536144053, 9781536144055. 278 pages.
https://novapublishers.com/shop/sorghum-properties-synthesis-and-applications

Abstract

The applications of sorghum, which have significant impacts on human and animal development, have recently increased. This book includes chapters derived from original research and the synthesis of current knowledge on specific topics in the field. It is an original collection of research findings or summaries of articles from around the world that are part of discussions on the status of sorghum and its applications in various areas of development. This volume addresses physiological, ecological, functional and genetic foundations of sorghum through the examination of theories and case studies that explain various properties, synthesis and applications. The chapters address, respectively, sorghum attributes, heterosis association and molecular mapping for grains traits, ecophysiology, reproductive competence, molecular mechanism of flowering time control, sensory and nutritional properties, mechanisms involved in allelochemical biosynthesis, and applications of bioactive compounds, i.e., polyphenolic and acidic phenolics.

This book offers essential approaches including: (i) A generic and rapid way to combine the diversity of single nucleotide polymorphisms with heterosis, which facilitates the dissection of the molecular mechanisms underlying the quality and quantity of grains in an important sorghum crop; (ii) the principles and processes of extrusion in order to obtain grains of good sensory and nutritional characteristics; (iii) the indicators in assessing the role of sorghum as a source of energy in the productivity of poultry farming systems; and (iv) some characteristics of root and foliar responses to water stress of a genotype amenable to genetic modification. It also makes a sweeping analysis concerning the progress of current research in the floral transition of sorghum and the photoperiod response.

The final chapter highlights the importance of bioactive compounds of sorghum species, mainly in fighting diseases related to human nutrition. Case studies from around the world were reported, giving readers a real view of the extent of sorghum properties along with real-world applications. This book can be used as a reference for students, scholars, professionals and political decision-makers involved in the study and management of sorghum.

This book gives to readers a real view of the extent of sorghum properties along with real-world applications strategies. It provides references to students, scholars, professionals and political decision- makers involved in the study and management of properties, synthesis and applications of sorghum.

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1. Properties, Synthesis and Applications of Sorghum: The Manna behind the Rustic?
(Valentin Missiakô Kindomihou, Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin)

Chapter 2. Heterosis Association Mapping for Grain Quality and Yield Related Traits Quantity in Sorghum Bicolor Diallel Implicates the Prevalence of Dominance Complementation
(Imri Ben-Israel, Dhruv Aditya Srivastava, Chengsong Zhu, Habte Nida, Jianming Yu, Eyal Fridman, Plant Sciences Institute, Volcani Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Bet Dagan, Israel, and others)

Chapter 3. Characterization of the Root, Biomass, Leaf, and Protein Content of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and Corn (Zea mays L.) Grown under Two Different Water Conditions
(Roland A. Yaovi Holou and Valentin M. Kindomihou, Biochemistry Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, US, and others)

Chapter 4. Photoperiodism and Control of Flowering Time in Sorghum
(Tezera W. Wolabu and Million Tadege, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Institute for Agricultural Biosciences, Oklahoma State University, OK, US)

Chapter 5. Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Whole White Grain Sorghum Extruded under Different Extrusion Conditions
(Emilce E. Llopart and Silvina R. Drago, Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos, CONICET, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina)

Chapter 6. The Use of Sorghum as an Energy Source in Poultry Diets
(Monnye Mabelebele, Rob Mervyn Gous, Helen Victoria Massey O’Neil and Paul Ade Iji, University of South Africa, College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Florida Campus, Rooderport, Johannesburg, South Africa, and others)

Chapter 7. Applications of Bioactive Compounds from Sorghum Species
(Monica Butnariu and Alina Butu, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Timis, Romania, and others)

 

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Sorghum: Properties, Synthesis and Applications

About the Author

Valentin M. Kindomihou, Ph.D. (ULB-Belgium, 2005) is applied ecologist and Associate Professor of Animal Production and Agrostology at The UAC (Benin), holding an Agricultural Engineer degree (Benin, 1995), MBA in Environmental Management (Niger, 1999), MS in Plant Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics (Belgium, 2001) and Matsumae International Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow’ Medal (Japan, 2006). His main field research is Grass and Forage Science while teaching courses including Forage Management and Ecophysiology, Agroforestry for Animal Production, Ecological Foundations and Environmental Issues for sustainable development, and Methods for studying Animal Breeding Systems. His research had resulted in over 75 publications. To learn more, visit:  https://www.leabenin-fsauac.net/en/profiles/valentin-kindomihou

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6Feb

SCHOLARSHIP FOR MPHIL IN HYDROLOGY/HYDROGEOLOGY UNDER AUC/EU FUNDED PROJECT

LEA

A SCHOLARSHIP FOR MPHIL IN HYDROLOGY/HYDROGEOLOGY UNDER AUC/EU FUNDED PROJECT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a scholarship to pursue a 2 year Master of Philosophy Degree with specialization in Hydrogeology. The project is funded by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the European Union. Selected candidates will be working on the Multi-scale Flood Monitoring and Assessment Services for West Africa (MiFMASS) Project. Candidates should meet the requirements for admission to a graduate program in the University of Ghana and should have a good BSc or equivalent in Earth Science, Geology, Hydrology or related field with at least a Second Class Lower Division or better qualification.

The MiFMASS project has a consortium of 7 institutions from 5 West African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Benin). The project is led by the Center for Space Science Technology Education (CSSTE) at the Owolowo Abafemi University in Nigeria. In Ghana, University of Ghana (Department of Earth Science) and the Water Research Institute (WRI) of CSIR are partners. The successful candidate will work with the project partners and pursue his/her thesis within the project’s study area (Black Volta Basin) in Ghana. The successful candidate will be required to enroll in August 2019.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP

In addition to the online University of Ghana application for admission, candidates interested in being considered for the scholarship should submit

  • a letter of intent;
  •  brief proposal (5 pages);
  • certified transcripts and certificates;
  • Three (3) confidential letters of recommendation

These documents should be submitted to:

The Secretary

Department of Earth Science

University of Ghana

Legon

(Email: [email protected])

 

Additional information may be obtained from the Coordinator of the project in University of Ghana, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana at [email protected]; [email protected].

The following shall be considered in the selection of a suitably qualified candidate for this scholarship:

  1. Candidate must meet the University of Ghana requirements for admission to the program;
  2. In addition, candidate must have had at least Second Class (Upper Division) or equivalent from a recognized, regionally accredited institution;
  3. Candidate must have submitted a proposal and personal essay which will be adequately assessed and vetted by a competent panel established by the department;
  4. The candidate must have passed an interview session to be conducted by a panel of experts in the area;
  5. A strong background in remote sensing and hydrological modeling will be an advantage.

Deadline for applications is Friday, March 8, 2019.

Cascade de Tanongou (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA), Octobre 2018)

27Sep

Spatio-temporal use of habitat by civet (Civettictis civetta) and genets (Genetta spp.) in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve: Implications for conservation.

LEA

Master Thesis:

Janvier AGLISSI (2017). Spatio-temporal use of habitat by civet (Civettictis civetta) and genets (Genetta spp.) in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve: Implications for conservation. Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin).

Supervisor : Dr Etotépé A. SOGBOHOSSOU.

Abstract: Small carnivores represent a major component of protected areas’biodiversity in West Africa. Despite their importance, their knowledge remains limited in Benin and West Africa. The African civet (Civettictis civetta) and genets (Genetta spp.), sympatric species of the Viverridae family are part of these neglected species that coexist in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, Benin. The main purpose of the current study is to improve the knowledge of these species’ ecology in West Africa. Specific objectives are to: 1) assess habitats used by civet and genets, 2) identify anthropogenic and environmental factors which influence the habitat use, and 3) evaluate the spatio-temporal niche overlap in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. To achieve these goals, we surveyed 103 sites from November 2014 to April 2015. In each site, we set a camera trap composed of one infrared camera. Traps were installed on trees at diverse distance from roads, with 2 to 5 km between two consecutive traps. Cameras (Bushnell Trophy Cam HD, Moultrie M-990i infrared cameras and Scoutguard SG565 Flash Camera) were active 24 hours a day and stayed at each station 30 to 40 days. Pictures showed the date and time of caption. Pictures have been compiled with Camera Bases and data analyzed with Excel, PRESENCE and software R. For 3607 trapping days, we got 543 independent captures for at least 10 small carnivores. Trap success of small carnivores was globally 15 pictures by 100 trapping days with occupancy of 68%. Trap success of genets was 4.13 pictures by 100 trapping days against 2.52 for civet. Genets were best distributed in the reserve with a presence of 46%, and prefer the hunting zone of Pendjari. The civet was present in 30% of sampled sites and prefers the park. The distribution of civet is significantly influenced by the use type of zones while the proportion of the arboreal stratum and the distance to the village were the main factors influencing the distribution of genets in this area. We noticed a high temporal competition but low spatial competition between civet and genets because of the nearly complete overlap of their activity patterns showed by the Pianka overlap index (Ojk: 0.95). Our results suggest that traditional uses and anthropic activities are main threats to civet and genets conservation. It is therefore necessary to initiate measures to control and limit these pressures in order to guarantee their sustainable management in this protected area.

Keywords: Small carnivores, habitat use, cameras traps, niche overlap

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)


27Sep

Estimation and monitoring of carbon fluxes in tropical forest ecosystems in Benin, West Africa

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

Cedric GOUSSANOU 2018. Estimation and monitoring of carbon fluxes in tropical forest ecosystems in Benin, West Africa. Ecole Doctorale Pluridisciplinaire, « Espaces, Cultures Et Developpement », Université d’Abomey-Calavi, BENIN, 129p. 

Promotor: Prof. Dr Ir. Brice SINSIN.

Abstract: The quantification of the contribution of tropical forests to global carbon stocks and climate change effects mitigation requires availability of data and tools in aboveground biomass and soil. This study intend (i) to make available volume and biomass models for species-specific and site-specific in a semi-deciduous tropical forest in West Africa, (ii) to estimate forest carbon stock, (iii) to monitor carbon flux, and (iv) to generate soil organic carbon (SOC) reference data for the benefit of REDD+ initiatives. Fieldworks were conducted in Lama forest reserve across three land-use types namely undisturbed forest, degraded forest and fallow. Non-destructive sampling approach was carried out on 501 sample trees to analyse stem volume and biomass. SOC was derived from direct measurements of organic matter (OM) content in soil. Six hundred and seventy-five soil samples were collected along 30 cm black cotton soil depth. The samples were analysed for bulk densities and for soil OM using loss-on-ignition method. Litterfall production and carbon fluxes were studied over two monitoring years at monthly intervals based on collect in 225 squares litter traps spread out in the whole forest and by land-use types.

From the modelling of volume and biomass as functions of diameter at breast height (Dbh) and stem height, species-specific models have better predictive capabilities than generic models. These allometric equations were applied to estimate carbon stocks of three land-use types. Carbon stock of the undisturbed forest was higher than disturbed forest. Carbon stock was positively correlated to basal area and negatively related to tree density. The study shown that large trees constitute an important component to include in the sampling approach to achieve accurate carbon quantification in forestry. OM and C contents and SOC were higher in the upper soil layer and decreased with depth. The low variation of these soil factors within each land-use type and their fairly homogeneous spatial distribution across land-use types confirmed that soils in degraded forest and fallow reached equilibrium, considering undisturbed forest as reference. Total litterfall production over the studied period (2 years) was estimated at 1.06 tdm ha-1. Seasonality and land-use types have significant effects on litter years fall variation. The litterfall trends were not uniform on the whole forest and presented similarities across land-use types. Leaf litter was the major contributor to total litterfall than wood litter and reflected the semi-deciduous trait of the forest. Therefore, littefall was more related to plants phenology rather than environmental variables. The fire disturbance that occurred during the study period suggested a longer monitoring period to establish the temporal pattern of litterfall.

The present study demonstrated the hypothesis that species-specific models are preferred to generic models, and concluded that further research should be oriented towards development of specific models to cover the full range of dominant tree species of African forests. The study explained the application of biomass models and ground truth data to estimate reference carbon stock of forests. Returns of nutrients to soil through litterfall affected soil organic carbon dynamics and required a specific attention to understand carbon balance of forest ecosystems.

Keywords: allometrics models, biomass, soil organic carbon, litterfall, tropical forest ecosystems

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)


21Sep

Methods and tools for estimating carbon dynamics in tropical forest ecosystems in Benin (West Africa).

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

Sabin Guendehou (2013). Methods and tools for estimating carbon dynamics in tropical forest ecosystems in Benin (West Africa).

Supervisors: Professors Mansourou Moudachirou, Brice Sinsin, Raisa Makipää and Pasi Puttonen.

 

Abstract: The growing interest in tropical Africa to estimate carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems motivates the development of methods and tools and the generation of data required to estimate carbon stocks and its changes in different pools: above and below ground biomass, dead wood, litter and soils. Volume and biomass models were developed for five dominant tree species, including Afzelia africana Sm. (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae), Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae), Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Bombacaceae), Dialium guineense Willd. (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae) and Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. (Ebenaceae), in the natural forest “Lama” and for Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae) in plantations. The modelling used ground-truth observations collected on diameters, heights, and basic wood densities of trees. The best predictive model was logarithmic form using diameter at breast height (Dbh) and stem height as independent predictors; the model using only Dbh as predictor also performed well. The carbon, nitrogen, organic matter and ash contents were also determined for these tree species. With regard to soils, a litterbag experiment was conducted in the Lama forest to study the microbial decomposition of leaf litter from A. africana, A. leiocarpa, C. pentandra, D. guineense, and D. mespiliformis. The litter mass loss and the chemical composition of the decomposed litter were determined every four weeks, over a six-month period. The differences in initial litter quality across species explained the variation in decay rate and the key chemical controls of leaf decomposition were the initial concentrations of acid-hydrolysable compounds, lignin and nitrogen. Initial chemical composition was the factor controlling litter decomposition process at a local scale. These observations together with climatic data (temperature, precipitation) were used to test the validity of the dynamic soil carbon model Yasso07. As the predictive ability of Yasso07 was not good, the model was recalibrated and the resulting version was found suitable to estimate the soil carbon stocks, its changes and the CO2 emissions from heterotrophic respiration.

On remote sensing, Landsat images corresponding to path 192, row 55 were acquired for the period 1986–2011. The images were processed using available algorithms and analysed for reflectance changes. This unsupervised classification method detected changes in biomass stock associated with the reflectance changes. The method has the ability for detecting deforestation, afforestation and natural regeneration when complemented with ground-truth observations. The combination of biomass models, soil carbon model and remote sensing-based analysis would be the most feasible approach for estimating forest carbon dynamics on large scale. This is particularly relevant for the global carbon cycle analysis and the reporting under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries of the Climate Change Convention or under other voluntary carbon sequestration initiatives.

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)


20Sep

Anthropization of landscapes in Benin: dynamics, fragmentation and agricultural development

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

Adi Mama (2013). Anthropization of landscapes in Benin: dynamics, fragmentation and agricultural development. Interfaculty School of Bioengineers, Department of Landscape Ecology and Plant Production Systems, Faculty of Science, Free University of Brussels, Belgium, 198 pages.

Promotors: Prof. DE CANNIERE Charles (Bruxelles), Prof. BOGAERT Jan (Belgique), et Prof. SINSIN Brice (Bénin).

 

Abstract: To understand better the anthropization of the landscape in Benin, the dynamics of the land use was estimated in soudanian zone (North-Benin), soudano-Guinean (Centre-Benin) and guinean (south-Benin) from three Landscape satellite images (MSS 1972, TM 1986, and ETM+ 2006), supported by field visits. These three zones reflect well enough the environmental and human context of the intertropical zone. The main objective of the present dissertation was to quantify the landscape dynamics due to the anthropization of the landscapes of forests-savannahs from the remote sensing, geographical information system and from landscape ecology.

Our results showed that the ecological balance of the forests-savannahs underwent important disturbances. Slash-and-burn agriculture, logging for timber, the carbonization, urbanization, vegetation fire and three plantations have been identified as the main driving strengths of these dynamics.

The landscape metric’s, whish were historically constituted by forests-savannas was substituted by a mosaic of savannah, fields-fallows, grounds nudes-urban area and plantations. The use of remote sensing data was able to distinguish four big spatial transformation processes of the land cover classes. So, between 1972 and 2006, the dominant processes in the landscape were the deforestation, the savanization, the agricultural development marked by the creation followed by the enlargement of the spots of field-fallows. The quantification of the anthropogical disturbances of the indications of the spatial structure calculated for every land cover classes on the basis of the density, of the average area, of the dominance, of the shape index and the fractal dimension index of the spots of the classes allowed detecting a global fragmentation process and the anthropization of the landscapes.

The temporal dynamics of the structure and composition of the forests-savannahs landscape in the three climatic zones area of Benin showed an anthropization illustrated especially by the forest-savannahs fragmentation, the data simulation by means of Markov chains of the first degree tendency showed that while fields-fallows, three plantations and nudes-urban area will extend, forests-savannahs shall know a strong decrease. After all, our study highlighted that every three zones were highly dynamics. These anthropogenic transformations are dangerously going to compromise the future of these landscapes on which depends the survival of the local populations.

Our approach allows putting the natural bases of a rational preservation policy and management of landscapes by the establishment of thresholds of fragments necessary for the conservation of the biodiversity.

Keywords: Anthropization, landscape ecology, remote sensing, geographical information system, the process spatial transformation, landscapes metrics, dynamics, fragmentation, Benin.

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)


20Sep

Dongas assessment: Processes, Management and valorized Opportunities in Karimama District (Northern Benin)

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

AVAKOUDJO Julien (2016). Dongas assessment: Processes, Management and valorized Opportunities in Karimama District (Northern Benin). Faculty of Agronomic Sciences. Department of Natural Resources Management, UAC, Benin.

Promotor : Professeur Brice Augustin SINSIN.

 

ABSTRACT: The northern Benin is marked by serious economic and environmental problems due to the « Dongas » and soil erosion, especially in the basins of Alibori and Mekrou in the W National Park and its periphery. The aim of the thesis was to gain a better understanding on the processes and mechanisms of erosion and dongas phenomenon on the one hand, and to identify high value local species in another hand, taking into account their socio-economic and cultural importance in Karimama district in order to develop better rehabilitation strategies of degraded ecosystems.

This work assesses, first of all, the land use dynamics in the W National Park and its periphery throughout diachronic analyses of Landsat images from 1972, 1990 and 2008. Results indicated regressive forest and savanna formations in favor to agricultural lands mainly driven by demography, agriculture and overgrazing. Soil erosion is one of the most recurrent physical degradation of these ecosystems.

The W National Park and its periphery are mostly marked by the dominance of “dongas“. The spatial distribution of this phenomenon was evaluated in Chapter 2 and lead to the dongas inventory and classification. More dongas exist in the Park than in its periphery (i.e. 63.41% versus 36.59%). The dongas settled on six characteristics of ferruginous soils. The most susceptible are the washed and hydromorphic soils with respectively 52.04% and 35.71% of dongas.

The relationships between the mechanisms leading to the dongas formation and development, anthropogenic as well as natural drivers were questionable. Several methods i.e. individual and group interviews, field observations, measurements of soil water infiltration, textural discontinuity as well as the dongas morphological and physico-chemical characteristics were used. Globally, dongas formation results from the interaction of anthropogenic (leading to land cover destruction) and naturals (climat and soil) causes and factors. The dongas development was found to be linked to regressive erosion; the clay load and bulk density increasing in the underlying horizons as a result of textural discontinuity with the collapse of soil in the Park and its periphery. This textural discontinuity is observed at 83.87% of soil profiles.

The assessment of the rainfall from 1970 to 2014 and rainfall erosivity derived from Universal Soil Lost Equation (USLE) and the Modified Fournier Index (MFI) shown seasonal distribution of rainfall during 24 years (53% of individual years) and strong seasonal effect during 19 years (42% of individual years) with increasing values during 45 years period indicating monthly rainfall concentration. Rainfall aggressiveness is high during 7 years (16% of individual years) while 38 years (84% of individual years) have very high aggressiveness. Rainfall erosivity ranged in the medium-strong erosivity and was observed during 39 years (87% of individual years). Monthly rainfall amount is more significantly related to the rainfall erosivity with power regression at Kandi station.

The effect of erosion on physico-chemical soil properties in degraded areas (dongas) in W National Park and its periphery shows that water erosion began with the selective removal of fine soil particles. It significantly affects the bulk density and porosity of the soil. In addition, organic matter (OM) contents in the soil were extremely low. Although the extent of erosion did not significantly affect the OM contents, but it significantly reduces the soil cationic capacity exchange and induces a loss of soil metal cations (especially Ca 2+).

As far as the restoration actions were concerned, local species of high value taking into account their socio-economic and cultural importance were identified. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Borassus aethiopum, Sclerocarya birrea and Tamarindus indica were indicated mostly for land restoration and farmers income improvement while Piliostigma reticulatum was specifically mentioned for soil fertility restoration. Ficus sycomorus, Khaya senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Afzelia africana and Albizia chevalieri were pointed as pasture. For restoration actions implementation in the Park and its periphery, the growth abilities of five plant species among those proposed by locals (Parkia biglobosa, Moringa oleifera, Khaya senegalensis, Jatropha curcas and Balanithes aegyptiaca) have been tested under two techniques of water and soil conservation (half-moon and Zaï) in dongas. The half-moon was proved to be the best while the Zaï was easily achieved by farmers. Jatropha curcas and Balanites aegyptiaca showed better survival rates and growth in diameter and height at the juvenile stages after fourteen weeks. Their adoption in developing sustainable strategies for the restoration of degraded areas in Northern Benin requires further dry season data.

Keywords: Dongas, erosion, periphery, W National Park, soil and water conservation techniques, Benin.

 

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)

18Sep

Ethnobotany and Ecology of Mimusops andongensis Hiern and Mimusops kummel Bruce Ex A. DC: implications for the species management and conservation in Benin (West Africa)

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

SINASSON Gisèle (2017). Ethnobotany and Ecology of Mimusops andongensis Hiern and Mimusops kummel Bruce Ex A. DC: implications for the species management and conservation in Benin (West Africa). Ecole Doctorale des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi. Benin. 214 pages. 

Supervisors: Prof. Brice Sinsin and Prof. Charlie Shackleton (Rhodes University, South Africa).

Abstract: Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are very important resources as they help local people to meet their basic needs in terms of health, food, energy, shelter and cash income through trade. However, due to multiple pressures faced by forest species, their conservation remains a substantial challenge worldwide and understanding NTFP species uses and general autecology of remaining populations is highly relevant. The present study aimed to: (i) assess distribution and morphological differentiation of Mimusops andongensis and Mimusops kummel in Benin; (ii) assess ecological factors underlying their distribution and potential impact of climate change on suitable habitats; (iii) identify exploited parts and uses, and local knowledge on occurrence habitats and threats faced; (iv) analyze the synergistic impact of multiple pressures on population of M. andongensis; (v) characterize population structure and morphology of both species, in the context of ecological stresses and anthropogenic pressures; and (vi) characterize their phenology in relation to abiotic and biotic drivers. Length of flower pedicel served to separate the two species. Although mean values of leaf characteristics seemed higher for M. kummel, the measures overlapped. Contrary to literature, M. andongensis is present in the Guineo-Congolian zone while M. kummel occurs in the Guineo-Sudanian and Sudanian zones, with no overlap in their distribution. Both species preferred soil conditions which allow prolonged high water holding capacity, though with differences in soil composition. Suitable areas are mainly limited to humid zone for M. andongensis, and mostly located in sub-humid zone for M. kummel. Protected suitable areas forM. andongensis will decrease in the future, while for M. kummel they will be stable. The most used parts are wood, young stems, bark and leaves. Both species were mainly exploited for medicinal purposes but also in construction and as firewood. We found similarities in some uses of the species, although exploited by different ethnic groups in different ecological zones. Population of M. andongensis was decreasing, whereas for less than one-third M. kummelwas decreasing. Factors responsible for this decrease are changing land use, exploitation, limited regeneration and bushfires. Densities of adult trees and regeneration of M. andongensis decreased with increasing degradation. There were fewer M. andongensis recruits with increasing C. odorata cover. Smaller dbh trees predominated in non-degraded and moderately degraded sites while in degraded sites, their density was less than 2 trees/ha. Larger trees were also rare in degraded sites. The low density of both mature trees and seedlings in degraded sites may undermine the long-term viability of M. andongensis, despite the existing protection against NTFP harvesting and other anthropogenic pressures. Density of trees ≥ 5 cm and regeneration were higher in the more protected forest than in forests still accessed. There are significant relationships between regeneration density and soil properties for M.andongensis but not for M. kummel. Correlations between tree morphology and soil characteristics were weak, for both species. The population was stable in the more protected forest relative to other forests.  Flowering started from the dry season through to the beginning of the rainy season, while fruiting occurred in the rainy season for both species. Flowering was positively correlated with temperature. Conversely, fruiting was negatively correlated with temperature and positively with rainfall. For M. andongensis, both flowering and fruiting was positively linked to tree dbh, while only flowering was significantly related to canopy position. The relationship with tree dbh was significant for flowering prevalence only and in the Guineo-Sudanian zone, for M. kummel. Results suggested phylogenetic membership as important factor restricting Mimusops species phenology. The phenology of both species is influenced by climate, and climate change might shift its pattern and affect the species population, and other organisms and services related to them. M. andongensis and M. kummel are two interesting endogenous plant species that have potential for commercial uses (preparation of tea, juice or local beverage, jams and jellies) to contribute to improvement of local peoples livelihoods. We suggested the valorisation of the species could incite, under the right circumstances, effective actions for their sustainable use, thus their preservation.

Keywords: Benin, ecological niche modelling, ethnobotany, gap analysis, multiple pressures, NTFP species, population structure, taxonomic differentiation.

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)


18Sep

Conservation biology of Tamarindus indica (Fabaceae) in Benin

LEA

PhD Dissertation:

FANDOHAN Adandé Belarmain (2011). Conservation biology of Tamarindus indica (Fabaceae) in Benin, West Africa. University of Abomey-Calavi. Benin. ? pages.

Promotor: Prof. Brice SINSIN.

 

Abstract: My thesis in a contribution to domestication of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) using an interdisciplinary approach. My results has highlighted that tamarin dis an agroforestry fruit tree with a high socioeconomic value. In Benin its wild populations are confined to semi-arid zones whilst some planted individuals are observed in the subhumid area of the country. This species is better preserved in protected areas than in agroforestry parcs where its sustainable use requires assisted regeration. Ten traditional morphotypes have been described by locals and confirmed using quantitatif descriptors of fruits. Abiotic factors have a relative influence on its productivity, fruits traits and phenology. The analysis of the spatial patterns of tamarind tree in situ have suggested to consider 40 m radius patches using a 10 m x 10 m planting grid for establishing tamarind stands. Despite common association of termite mounds with tamarind trees in the wild, these insect structures are not necessary for them to grow.

  • Vue globale des 5 bâtiments du Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée (LEA). (Photo credit: Dr Akomian Fortuné Azihou / LEA, Octobre 2018)