Anogeissus Groves on Abandoned Village Sites in the Mole National Park, Ghana

We analysed thirty-five 400-m2 plots encompassing forest, savanna and intermediate vegetation types in an ecotonal area in Ghana, West Africa. Across all plots, fire frequency was over a period of 15 years relatively uniform (once in 2–4 years). Although woodlands were dominated by species typically associated with savanna-type formations, and with forest formations dominated by species usually associated with closed canopies, these associations were non-obligatory and with a discrete non-specialized species grouping also identified. Across all plots, crown area index, stem basal area and above-ground biomass were positively associated with higher soil exchangeable potassium and silt contents: this supporting recent suggestions of interplays between potassium and soil water storage potential as a significant influence on tropical vegetation structure. We also found an average NDVI cover increase of ~0.15% year−1 (1984–2011) with plots dominated by non-specialized species increasing more than those dominated by either forest- or savanna-affiliated species. Our results challenge the traditional view of a simple forest vs. savanna dichotomy controlled by fire, and with our newly identified third non-specialized species grouping also potentially important in understanding ecotonal responses to climate change.

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“…& Perr.) which typically persist for decades after village abandonment (Hopkins 1965, Sobey 1978 were not detected in the study area.…”

Section: Study Sitementioning

confidence: 78%

Fixed or mixed? Variation in tree functional types and vegetation structure in a forest-savanna ecotone in West Africa

et al. 2020

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“…In West Nigeria, Letouzey (1969) observed a high recruitment rate of A. leiocarpus in savannas adjacent to forest-island borders dominated by A. leiocarpus. Soil conditions at A. leiocarpus sites were more beneficial than in the open savanna, but this might be a result of positive effects of A. leiocarpus on soil conditions (Sobey 1978). In southern Burkina Faso, A. leiocarpus was frequent at locations with shallow, poor soils, unfavourable for agriculture (Neumann & Müller-Haude 1999).…”

Section: What Are Favourable Regeneration Sites For Anogeissus Leiocamentioning

confidence: 99%

Size-class distribution of Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) along forest–savanna ecotones in northern Ivory Coast

et al. 2005

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Along eight forest–savanna transects at seven semi-deciduous forest islands in the southern Comoé National Park data on spatial distribution of tree-size classes and environmental parameters (fuel load, shading by upper tree layers, and soil depth) were collected. For dominant tree species, a sequential series was observed from the forest border into the forest interior. At the forest border, Anogeissus leiocarpus was the most abundant tree with juveniles (<1 cm dbh) reaching highest density values (mean of 502 individuals ha−1) at the outer periphery of the forests. Regression analysis of juveniles of dominant tree species and environmental parameters resulted in a separation of forest and savanna species. Forest tree species regenerated well at forest sites, but also in the shade of A. leiocarpus stands. We conclude that (1) the studied forest islands advance against savanna by sequential succession, and (2) A. leiocarpus has a high potential to regenerate at savanna–forest boundaries under moderate fire impact and on rather shallow soils. The potential of A. leiocarpus to act as an important pioneer in the replacement of savanna by forest due to its effective regeneration at savanna sites and subsequent modification of site conditions, especially fire intensity by shading out savanna grasses, is discussed.

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“…Especially the use of A. leiocarpa as construction-and firewood were mentioned by a high proportion of respondents. The wood is well appreciated for construction due to its very hard, fast growing, and fairly insect and termite resistant properties (SoBey 1978;SacaNde & SaNoGo 2007). The density of the wood is high (720-1200 kg/m 3 ) and the moisture content is low (15%).…”

Section: Surrogate For Potashmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although local people did not spare seedlings (dbh: 0-1 cm) of A. leiocarpa on croplands, SchumaNN et al 2011found a high number of seedlings on croplands. This is explained by the fact that A. leiocarpa is a fire-sensitive and shade intolerant pioneer species (heNNeNBerG et al 2005;SoBey 1978) and thus, the survival and the growth of seedlings of A. leiocarpa is favored on open areas. The absence of saplings and individuals of small size classes gives evidence of a declining population in croplands.…”

Section: Conservation Practices For a Leiocarpamentioning

confidence: 99%

Uses and Management Strategies of the Multipurpose Tree Anogeissus leiocarpa in Eastern Burkina Faso

Schumann¹,

Wittig²,

Thiombiano³

et al. 2011

FVSS

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Many people in the semi-arid tropics strongly depend on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for livelihood. Increasing threats on NTFP-providing tree species, due to land-use intensification and over-harvesting, require ecological studies as well as additional information provided by local people. One important NTFP-providing tree in West Africa is Anogeissus leiocarpa. Even though this species is highly used, ethnobotanical studies on A. leiocarpa are scarce and address mainly qualitative aspects. Our study investigates uses, perceptions of the population development, and management strategies of A. leiocarpa among the Gulimanceba people in eastern Burkina Faso. We conducted a quantitative ethnobotanical survey and investigated distribution of traditional ecological knowledge related to the species on a local scale, i.e. difference in knowledge between villages, genders, and generations. Interviews reveal that A. leiocarpa is harvested by local people for 18 different uses and emphasize its high importance for local people. Ethnobotanical knowledge of A. leiocarpa was mostly evenly spread between genders and generations, while it slightly differed between villages. Although local people did not actively protect A. leiocarpa, current local harvesting modes and management resulted in sustainable use. However, ongoing land-use intensifications require adapted management strategies to guarantee the persistence of this important species. Our results provide, in combination with ecological results of our previous study, appropriate management recommendations. Our study emphasizes the importance of ethnobotanical studies on a local scale level in order to develop management strategies that are reliable in the specific area under the specific circumstances.

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Anogeissus Groves on Abandoned Village Sites in the Mole National Park, Ghana

Cited by 19 publications

References 6 publications

Fixed or mixed? Variation in tree functional types and vegetation structure in a forest-savanna ecotone in West Africa

Fixed or mixed? Variation in tree functional types and vegetation structure in a forest-savanna ecotone in West Africa

Size-class distribution of Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) along forest–savanna ecotones in northern Ivory Coast

Uses and Management Strategies of the Multipurpose Tree Anogeissus leiocarpa in Eastern Burkina Faso

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