Structure, diversity, and regeneration status of fodder tree stands in Sahelian rangelands of Ferlo in Senegal and Mankarga in Burkina Faso, West Africa

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Résumé

This study was conducted at Ferlo (Sénégal) and Mankarga (Burkina Faso) natural rangelands, to investigate the woody plant diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the rangelands. A systematic sampling design was employed to collect vegetation data. 64 quadrats of varying size were laid in each of the rangeland. The inventory unit was
1000 m² (50 m x 20 m) in savannas and 500 m² (50 m x 10 m) in gallery forests. Data collected from each quadrat included the Diameter at breast height (DBH), the height, the regeneration, and woody species density. The DBH was estimated for woody plant with a DBH greater than 5 centimetre. Shannon-Wiener diversity, equitability indices, and the
structural analysis was carried out based on frequency, density, DBH, height and basal area. The Importance Value Index (IVI) was also computed. The regeneration status of the studied rangelands was evaluated based on the number of seedlings. A total of 89 fodder tree species belonging to 64 genera and 25 families from Ferlo and 80 species belonging to 57 genera and 23 families from Mankarga was identified. Fabaceae and Combretacea was the dominant family in the two rangelands. Analysis of selected woody species showed diverse population structures. The findings of this study revealed that small trees dominated the rangeland suggesting its status under a secondary stage of development. Some woody species urgently need conservation. Therefore, local and regional stakeholders must collaborate to develop and implement sustainable rangeland management and conservation strategies

Mots-clés

Woody species, Conservation, Ferlo rangeland, Mankarga rangeland, Senegal, Burkina Faso