Low topographic positions enhance woody vegetation stability in the Ferlo (Senegalese Sahel)

A review of public versus private reforestation programs in the Senegalese Sahel: taking stock of realities and challenges

“…Natural recovery might be expected from any ecosystem type; the topography in this ecosystem may explain the discrepancy (e.g. lower than expected) of the wood density in Widou Thiengoly, Tessekere, and Fété‐Olé (Dendoncker & Vincke 2020) (Table S1; Fig. 1).…”

“…Substantial changes in the vegetation cover in the last five decades in the silvopastoral zone in Senegal were evident. We identified generally allogenic forest succession by means of both natural and anthropogenic events (Dendoncker & Vincke 2020; Vincke et al 2010; Gonzales 1997; Poupon 1980). Drought and human pressure were the primary causes leading to decrease of vegetation cover over nearly 15% of the forested area over a period of 30 years (Sylla et al 2019).…”

Grazing with trees

“…Galasso and Banfi, Boscia senegalensis Lam., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile). As a result, the shrub-to-tree ratio increased (Dendoncker et al, 2020). A recent study on the carbon balance in silvopastoral ecosystems in the Ferlo showed that these systems are neutral, compensating emissions with storage, mainly due to positive interactions between ligneous plant species, soils and livestock (Assouma et al, 2019).…”

“…In a normal year, cattle are often limited to the boreholes of the northern Ferlo, while small ruminants move increasingly south. Various studies conducted in the area have shown a significant increase in the domestic ruminant population over the past few decades (Touré et al, 2012) and a decrease in the population of some woody species (Dendoncker and Vincke, 2020). Transhumant herders show a preference for routes that allow them to reach the host area as quickly as possible, under good feeding conditions for their livestock (presence and quality of pasture, availability of water, crop residues in agricultural areas) and considering the terms of trade practised in livestock markets (Garba et al 2012).…”

“…Among the 27 woody species mentioned by herders as used for food, fodder, firewood, construction, medicine and veterinary support, ten were cited as a source of fodder (Dendoncker, Ngom and Vincke, 2015). As another example, results from a field inventory carried at varying distances from boreholes do not show a significant influence of livestock on woody vegetation density, cover and species composition (Dendoncker and Vincke, 2020). Many attempts to improve and restore the woody population have been conducted in the area for decades with some positive results.…”