Impact of habitat type on the conservation status of tamarind (Tamarindus indicaL.) populations in the W National Park of Benin

Abstract

Impact of habitat type on the conservation status of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) populations in the W National Park of Benin. Abstract-Introduction. The conservation status of many wild fruit tree species that support rural people in Africa remains poorly documented despite its importance for their management. We compared the viability of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) populations, a dry land species that has nutritional, medicinal and cultural importance for rural communities, under different human-pressure levels. Materials and methods. The data relative to the tree diameter and height as well as the number of adults and stems were collected in plots of inventory and made it possible to calculate the dendrometric parameters for each targeted population, and to establish their diameter distribution. The dendrometric characteristics were analyzed by using nonparametric tests and the diameter distribution was adjusted to a truncated normal distribution. Results and discussion. Numbers of mature tamarind trees per hectare and regeneration (expressed as stem•ha-1) were relatively low, suggesting tamarind populations may not be selfrejuvenating. Nonetheless, significant variation occurred between habitat types (P < 0.001). Mature tree density in gallery forests [(18.2 ± 10.1) trees•ha-1 ] was three to eight times higher than that of savannah woodlands [(5 ± 4.5) trees•ha-1 ] and farmlands [(2.5 ± 0.4) trees•ha-1 ]. Young plants followed the same trend, with (11.2 ± 9.3) plants•ha-1 , (1.1 ± 0.6) plants•ha-1 , and 0.00 plants•ha-1 , respectively. Diameter size class distributions departed from normality (P < 0.0001) and coefficient of skewness was positive irrespective of habitat type, indicating declining populations. However, median diameter values would suggest the species' populations in farmlands and savannah woodlands to be more vulnerable than those occurring in gallery forests. These findings would suggest that gallery forests best suit tamarind in situ conservation. The observed severe reduction of trees and juveniles in farmlands and woodlands may negatively impact the long-term viability of tamarind populations. Juveniles' introduction into farmlands may be needed to ensure conservation in agroforestry systems. Benin / Tamarindus indica / resource conservation / habitats / stand characteristics / forest inventories / anthropic influence Impact du type d'habitat sur la conservation des populations du tamarinier (Tamarindus indica L.) dans le parc national du W au Bénin. Résumé-Introduction. Le statut de conservation de nombreuses espèces fruitières sauvages dont dépendent les populations rurales en Afrique demeure mal documenté en dépit de son importance pour la gestion de leurs populations. Nous avons comparé la viabilité des populations de tamariniers (Tamarindus indica), espèce ayant une importance alimentaire, médicinale et culturelle pour les communautés rurales, sous différents degré de pression humaine. Matériel et méthodes. Les données relatives au diamètre et hauteur des arbres ainsi que le nombre...

Structural Characterization ofProsopis africanaPopulations (Guill., Perrott., and Rich.) Taub in Benin

“…These results are similar to those of Assogbadjo et al [41] in the forest reserve WariMaro which showed that dendrometric features have more values for Anogeissus leiocarpa in stands under low pressure. Such results were also obtained by Kiki [42] on Vitex doniana and Fandohan et al [43] on the Tamarindus indica and have shown that human pressures have a negative effect on dendrometric parameters such as density and regeneration adult density but a positive effect on the mean diameter. The heights are higher in the wettest area (Guinea) than other areas.…”

Impact of land-use type and bark- and leaf-harvesting on population structure and fruit production of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) in a semi-arid savanna, West Africa

“…Ticktin, 2007, 2009;Djossa et al, 2008;Gouwakinnou et al, 2009;Fandohan et al, 2010). This emphasizes the importance of region-and species-specific population studies.…”

Quantitative morphological descriptors confirm traditionally classified morphotypes of Tamarindus indica L. fruits

“…Its pulp is much appreciated in condiments, used to make juice and is a good source of proteins, fats and carbohydrates that could be used to alleviate malnutrition in children (El-Siddig et al 2006). In efforts to enhance the species' genetic conservation and utilization it has been recently identified as one of the top ten agroforestry tree species to be prioritized for future crop diversification programs and development in sub-Saharan Africa (Eyog Matig et al 2002). Although of high local economic importance, our knowledge of the morphometric and ecological diversity of tamarind is still limited outside of Asia.…”