Structure of Anogeissus leiocarpa Guill., Perr. natural stands in relation to anthropogenic pressure within Wari-Maro Forest Reserve in Benin

• Published in: African journal of ecology Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 644 - 653
• Main Authors: Assogbadjo, Achille Ephrem, Kakaï, Romain Lucas Glele, Sinsin, Brice, Pelz, Dieter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2010; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Anogeissus leiocarpa; Conservation; Conservation biology; Data analysis; deforestation; Forests; Human influences; structure; Trees; vegetation communities; Wari-Maro; Benin; Africa
• ISSN: 0141-6707; 1365-2028
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2009.01160.x

The present study focused on the analysis of the structure of the Anogeissus leiocarpa dominated natural stands in the Wari-Maro forest reserve which are under high and minimal anthropogenic pressures. These stands were considered for forest inventories after carrying out a random sampling scheme of 40 sample units of 30 m x 50 m. In each level pressure stand, the dbh and tree-height of identified tree-species were measured in each plot. Data analyses were based on the computation of structural parameters, establishment of diameter and height distributions and the floristic composition of the two types of stands. Results obtained showed higher values for the overall basal area (9.78 m² ha⁻¹), mean height (22.37 m) and mean diameter (36.92 cm) for A. leiocarpa in low-pressure stands. In high-pressure stands, some species like Afzelia africana had lower Importance Value Index and the frequency of A. leiocarpa trees in the successive diameter classes dropped rapidly and the value of the logarithmic slope of the height-diameter relationship was lower (9.77) indicating a lanky shape. Results obtained suggest that effective conservation is needed for A. leiocarpa stands under high pressure by limiting human interference and developing appropriate strategy for restoration purposes.