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Urban and peri-urban forests greatly contribute to the well-being of urban dwellers in West Africa. However, increasing urban densification and spatial expansion negatively affect the functioning of urban ecosystems. Therefore, highlighting the negative impacts of land use change on the ecological attributes of urban landscapes is fundamental for sustainable urban planning. This study aimed to assess the impacts of land use on woody species diversity, structure and carbon storage in peri-urban areas in Burkina Faso. Forest inventories were conducted in 167 plots across two peri-urban forests and their adjacent agroforestry systems. We found a total diversity of 91 woody species representing 69 genera and 26 families. Diversity indices were significantly higher (p-value < 0.0001) in the peri-urban forests than in the agroforestry systems, highlighting a negative impacts of land use on tree diversity. Besides, peri-urban forests had significantly lower tree diameter (15.749 ± 9.194 cm), but higher basal area (5.030 ± 4.407 m2. ha−1) and denser stands (317.308 ± 307.845 ind. ha−1) compared to the agroforestry systems. Tree aboveground biomass was significantly higher (p-value < 0.0001) in the peri-urban forests (18.198 ± 23.870 Mg. ha−1) than in the agroforestry systems (7.821 ± 6.544 Mg. ha−1). Multivariate analyses revealed that denser stands hold higher diversity in peri-urban areas, and that stand basal area mostly drives carbon storage than tree density and diversity. These findings highlight the potential of peri-urban forests to conserve plant biodiversity and mitigate climate change. The study advocates for a sustainable urban land use and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local forests and fruit trees in sub-Saharan Africa play an important role to improve food and nutrition security, health and incomes generation. The support and the economic value of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from tropical forests in people life has been widely investigated but several tree species' uses and contribution to households' well-being are yet to deepen. Balanites aegyptiaca is a native multipurpose tree whose several parts/organs are widely used in diversified domains. To date, the permanent gap related to B. aegyptiaca is to link the species use diversity and its economical contribution with local climate conditions, and the assessment of endogenous strategies to promote its resource conservation. This study aimed to highlight the contribution of B. aegyptiaca NTFPs in the local economy and local strategies to promote its products for endogenous conservation practices. Hence, socio-economic surveys were conducted in 120 households, five markets and nine associations across two climatic zones. Use values, use domains, economic value and local strategies for the species conservation were assessed. Results showed the used organs, and the used intensity varies significantly across climatic zones (p = 0.03). Local manufactured products are mostly from leaves and fruit. Informants reported widely almonds processing (78%). The species NTFPs are more commercialized in the Sudano-Sahelian zone (85%) compared to the Sahelian zone (15%). Average value per tree was estimated at 154 ± 28 FCFA (0.27 USD) per season in the Sahelian zone and 426 ± 19 FCFA or (0.74 USD) in the Sudano-Sahelian zone based only on fruit collection. Given its importance in local people life, endogenous strategies are adopted to safeguard the resource and for sustainably the species products. The multipurpose uses of B. aegyptiaca reported, the NTFPs financial benefits and the high resilience of the species show a great necessity to promote its domestication and in-situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Plants, People, Planet is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soil seed bank (SSB) characteristics may vary with habitat heterogeneity. We investigated the SSB density in three microhabitats (under canopy, eroded soil and bare soil) in five vegetation types (abandoned farm, dense woodland, gallery forest, grassland and open woodland) at varying soil depths (0–5, 5–10 and 10–15 cm) in a savanna‐woodland in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Total germinable SSB densities varied between 4 and 308 seeds per dm3 of soil. Herbaceous taxa were the major constituent of the germinable SSB across the microhabitats, regardless of vegetation type. Seedlings of 30 species emerged from the SSB, of which 24 were annual species and only 4 woody species, indicating that natural regeneration of woody species via seed dispersal is limited. Both microhabitat and vegetation type contributed to the variation in taxa richness, and germinable seed density and diversity. There was a significant difference in SSB density and richness between microhabitats in the different vegetation types (p < 0.05). The SSB densities were higher under tree canopies than outside tree canopies (eroded soil and bare soil) and highest in the upper soil layers in all vegetation types. The aboveground vegetation (AGV) and flora within the SSB shared many herbaceous species but many woody species present in the AGV were absent in the SSB. Under tree canopies are the ecological niches that favor accumulation of a diversity of seeds, suggesting the preservation and conservation of adult trees in savanna‐woodland ecosystems is critical to facilitating the restoration of these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for conservation of plant diversity. Due to desertification and insecurity, population migration from the North has increased human density and anthropogenic pressure on southern savannas. This study aims to investigate knowledge of local populations on ecosystem services (ES) and perception of their conservation. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews about knowledge on ES and ecosystem conservation issues were conducted. Informants were selected according to sociocultural groups and sex in three areas of different land use intensity: the communal area of Dano (CAD), the Total Wildlife Reserve of Bontioli (TWRB) and the Game Ranch of Nazinga (GRN). The use value and vulnerability index of each plant species were determined. A cluster analysis and a principal component analysis were carried out to identify the particular knowledge of different ethnic groups. Results: Overall, 163 plant species were cited for fifteen ES. Provisioning services were most frequently cited (100%), regulating services second most frequently (92.47%). Entire plants were exclusively used for ES with non-material benefits (protection against wind, for shading, soil fertility, erosion prevention, tourism and religion). The ten species contributing most to ES provision were Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Diospyros mespiliformis, Adansonia digitata, Lannea microcarpa, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Ficus sycomorus, Pterocarpus erinaceus. Seven of them were identified as highly vulnerable. Around GRN, migrants and natives shared the same knowledge, while migrants in TWRB used the ES only to a small extent due to restricted contact with the native population. Migrants and natives of GRN had more knowledge on tourism and crafts services while the natives of CAD and TWRB made use of the services that sustain the quality of the agricultural land and meet their primary needs. To reduce further degradation, different communities suggested unanimously raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. The most quoted motivations to preserve ecosystems were vegetation sustainability and village development. Conclusion: This study documented important local knowledge-based information to guide cultivation of local multipurpose species and initiation of communities to practice best management strategies for sustainable conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of modern drugs to manage hypertension and diabetes is enough expensive and requires constant monitoring of the patient due to the chronicity and complications of these diseases. Thus, the populations of southern Burkina Faso have opted for the use of plants, including Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G. Don, Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst, Lannea acida A. Rich, Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile. To better contribute to preserving these five target species, the present study analyses the floristic diversity of the different vegetation types in which they occur, assesses their availability and determines the health status of their stands. To achieve this, a floristic inventory was conducted in 109 plots, including 26 plots of 500 m2 in riparian forests, 22 of 2500 m2 in fallows 31, 18 and 12 of 1000 m2 in tree savannahs, shrub savannahs and fenced areas, respectively. The diameter at breast height (dbh) of each individual of the target species was measured in each plot and its health status assessed. Results showed that species diversity varied significantly among vegetation types. According to the Shannon index, riparian forests were the most diversified (H = 2.62 ± 0.02 bits). Lannea microcarpa, Lannea acida, Sclerocarya birrea, and Balanites aegyptiaca were very frequent (Ri ≤ 60) to moderately frequent (60 < Ri < 80) within vegetation types. The vitality of their stands was independent of vegetation types. However, their individuals were weakly attacked in the fenced areas indicating that local people control these ecosystems. Fenced areas strategies appear to be alternative solutions to preserve stands of species that are an mostly high priority for populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic aridity and human pressure are factors responsible for the dynamics of species populations in West Africa savannas ecosystems, causing significant effects on their productivity. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect Balanites aegyptiaca fruit production in order to contribute to the control of the species management. Data were collected across two climatic zones and two contrasting land-use systems on trees with different stem diameter classes. A non-destructive method was applied to assess fruit biomass per tree. The results showed that climatic conditions had a significant effect on fruit production of Balanites aegyptiaca (p <.001). In contrast, land use did not affect the production of the species (p >.05). The average fruit biomass was estimated at 2.99 ± 2.03 kg and 6.32 ± 5.0 kg.tree−1, respectively, in the Sahelian and the Sudano-Sahelian zones. Fruit production was correlated to tree stem diameter, crown cover and tree height. B. aegyptica trees start fruiting in both climatic zones, when stem diameter is around 10 cm. This study contributes to highlight the important factors that drive B. aegyptiaca fruit production under different environmental conditions. The results of this study can guide for other similar studies on fruit bearing trees in tropical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate variability added to anthropogenic pressures leads to habitat fragmentation, degradation and loss of forest ecosystem resources in Burkina Faso. Studying vegetation structure and woody species composition is important in monitoring vegetation dynamics for efficient forest management. This study was carried out to characterize woody vegetation along a climatic gradient. Stratified sampling according to four vegetation types was conducted in 120 plots in two protected areas. The plot size was 30 m × 30 m in savannas and 50 m × 10 m in gallery forests. In each plot, all woody species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were systematically identified and measured. Diversity indices, structural parameters and species importance values were calculated and compared among the sites and vegetation types. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to characterize each vegetation type in each climatic zone. The species diversity, tree density and basal area of woody species increased significantly along the climatic gradient from north to south. Discriminant analysis identified two vegetation types: open vegetation (shrub savannas and tree savannas) with moderate species richness and structural characteristics and closed vegetation (woodland savannas and gallery forests) with higher species richness and structural characteristics. The size class distribution showed that irrespective of the climatic zone, each vegetation type has a stable structure. Compensation among species in different diameter classes does not allow the effect of the climatic gradient between the two sites on the diameter class size distribution to be observed. This study revealed that climate is the main driver influencing the diversity of woody species rather than the site-specific conditions at the two sites. In addition to climate, site ecological conditions affect the structural parameters. The results provide a rational basis for planning and management decisions to ensure the sustainable use of resources in the two protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anthropogenic and climatic factors are important determinants of algal distribution in aquatic systems. This study aimed to identify temporary pond‐groups of phytoplankton assemblages and to establish the interactions between environmental variables and phytoplankton structure. Phytoplankton samples were collected and preserved with 5% formalin; water samples for chemical analysis were taken in August and September 2007, 2008, and 2009 in 86 ponds randomly selected in the Sahelian sector and the Sudanian sector (protected and unprotected areas) of Burkina Faso. Plankton species were examined using light microscopy and identified using standard methods. A Fuchs‐Rosenthal chamber was used for algal cell counting. NMDS ordination, indicator species analysis and canonical analysis were performed using Pc‐Ord and CANOCO. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests using the software Statistica were performed to compare parameters between pond‐groups. Three pond‐groups were identified: the Sahelian pond‐group, dominated by Lyngbya martensiana and Pseudanabaena constricta; the protected area pond‐group, dominated by Euglena caudata and Trachelomonas raciborskii; and the unprotected area pond‐group, dominated by Closterium venus and Euglena proxima. At P < 0.05, species composition and abundance in algal groups were mostly associated with nitrate, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. The Sahelian and the Sudanian sectors were different in pH, water transparency, and species richness. Univariate and multivariate analyses illustrate that variations in the physicochemical properties of water and algal structure followed climatic and anthropogenic gradients. The classification of ponds into algal associations demonstrated that algal assemblages may be used as reliable indicators of habitat conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional knowledge (TK) on the different uses of under-valued fruit tree species including Gardenia erubescens Stapf & Hutch.—a plant species of least concern (LC) based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification yet considered threatened due to overharvesting by a National Assessment in addition to 59 other species in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to collect and synthesize information on traditional knowledge and cultural importance of G. erubescens. This information will contribute to document traditional knowledge systems that are fast eroding due to the lack of transmission of the knowledge and will also highlight G. erubescens as a priority species for conservation given that this species is widely used among householders in rural areas in Burkina Faso. Methods: This study assesses TK on the uses and cultural importance (CI) of G. erubescens, among 514 randomly selected respondents across 15 villages bordering three community forest areas located in Eastern and Centre-Western Regions of Burkina Faso through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Additionally, the uses and CI of G. erubescens were evaluated in relation to informant's gender, ethnicity, generation, and location. Ethnobotanical indices (relative frequency of citation, relative use value, and CI) were computed using generalized linear models, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Results indicated 30 specific uses of G. erubescens of which food values recorded the highest uses as reported by 58.97% respondents followed by medicine (17.22%) with a very low 0.23% for magical uses. Food and medicinal uses were the most important for women while men valued more the species for constructions, cultural, and magical uses. The fruit is the most preferred and marketable part of the plant while the leaves, fruits, roots, leafy twigs, and bark are mainly harvested for pharmacopeia and psycho-magical problems. Conclusions: Traditional knowledge on the uses of G. erubescens varied significantly in relation to gender, ethnicity, generations, and case study locations. Despite the importance of G. erubescens for food and other livelihood values, this specie is of LC to the IUCN; yet, a National Assessment considers it as threatened. The multiple uses of this specie based on TK systems for uses such as food, income, medicine, etc. is an indication that G. erubescens if sustainable managed could form an important safety net especially for rural households in Burkina Faso that are highly dependent on trees and forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • W National park is a high carbon density area. • Trees and shrubs in W National park stock an average of 12.34 ± 1.77 Mg/ha of carbon. • Much of the carbon (69%) is held in few (8%) large trees. • Species richness drive carbon density in W National park. • Functional dominance explained more variance in biomass than functional diversity. Abstract National parks and similarly managed reserves play an important role in climate change and development. However, changes in the structure and composition of vegetation due to disturbance can modify their capacity to regulate climate through carbon sequestration. We estimated aboveground carbon stocks in W National Park, and related carbon density to structure, species diversity and specific functional traits. We measured 3193 stems belonging to 89 woody species that included 63 genera and 32 families. Aboveground biomass was estimated from diameter at breast height in combination with total height and wood density, and converted to carbon. We detected structural differences among four vegetation types (gallery forest, savanna woodland, shrub savanna and tree savanna) in W National park. Carbon density varied between the different vegetation types, ranging from an average of 2.9 ± 0.4 Mg ha−1 in shrub savanna to 57.7 ± 3.9 Mg ha−1 in gallery forest. Much of the carbon (∼70%) is held in few large-diameter trees that make up 8% of the population. Species richness (β = 1.28; p < 0.001) and average tree size (β = 1.139; p = 0.012) were the main factors influencing plot level carbon density. The relative contribution of woody species to carbon storage in tree savanna and woodland was not proportional to their relative abundance. Shannon diversity index ranged from H' = 1.31 in gallery forest to H' = 1.76 in tree savanna. Functional richness explained 31% of the variance in carbon density. Community weighted mean of maximum plant height and wood density had a significant effect on carbon density, explaining 27% of the variation in functional dominance. Biomass estimates obtained in this study can be used to evaluate the contribution of protected areas to meeting targets set by Burkina Faso in her intended nationally determined contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamarindus indica L. is a multi-purpose tropical species. In West Africa the local people use its leaves daily as a source of food, medicine and income. To prevent the over-exploitation of this species for its use for non-timber forest products, the estimation of foliage production needs to be adressed. This study aimed to (1) assess the effects of distribution zone and tree size on foliage production of T. indica in Burkina Faso, and (2) develop allometric equations to estimate foliage biomass of this species. A semi-destructive method was used to assess foliage biomass of 120 trees over six stem-diameter size classes within two distribution zones (Sub-Sahelian and North-Sudanian). A two-way ANOVA was perfomed to test the effect of distribution zone and tree size class on foliage production. Allometric equations were fitted with 80% of the sample trees randomly selected and 20% were used for model validation. The results showed that between the two factors, tree size class exhibited a significant effect on foliage production of T. indica both in the Sub-Sahelian and North-Sudanian zones. Allometric equations to predict the foliage biomass of T. indica were similar for its distribution zones in Burkina Faso. Therefore, a general model is adequate for the prediction of foliage biomass of T. indica at a larger scale including a variety of ecological conditions. Stem diameter at 1.3 m aboveground was the most accurate predictor variable (adjusted R2 = 0.81) with a prediction error of −2.76%. This study opens up new potentials to develop and use allometric equations for West African trees of high socio-economic value in their effective and sustainable use for non-timber forest products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-timber forest product (NTFP) providing species constitute substantial components of West African agroforestry systems and contribute considerably to local livelihoods. The aim of our study was to measure the annual economic contribution of NTFPs to local livelihoods in two villages of south-eastern Burkina Faso, focusing on the following specific questions: What is the average share of NTFPs in local household income? Which socio-economic variables affect total household income and NTFP dependency? How does NTFP income vary between (i) villages, (ii) ethnic groups and (iii) different income groups? Does NTFP income have an equalising effect on income inequality? Applying structured household surveys, we investigated the economic contribution of NTFPs household revenues among 155 households. NTFPs accounted for the second largest income share (45 %) of total household income compared to other income sources, i.e. crop production, livestock breeding and off-farm activities. We found that poorer households depend more on income from NTFPs than wealthier households, even though the latter earned more from NTFPs in absolute terms. In general, income from NTFPs had an equalising effect on income inequality. Furthermore, we discovered significant differences in NTFP dependency between the two investigated villages and across the three main ethnic groups (Gourmantché, Mossi, Fulani) reflecting different species compositions in their surroundings as well as different traditional uses and harvesting practices. Thus, we argue that management recommendations for agroforestry systems and poverty alleviation need to consider local differences with regard to site-specific species composition as well as ethnic-specific NTFP use patterns and habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We modelled the potential current and future distribution of Pterocarpus ernaceus in Burkina Faso. • Two scenarios (RCP 4.5 & RCP8.5) and two models (CNRM-CM5 and HadGEM2-CC) were selected. • Suitable habitats under protected areas will decline up to 61% (RCP 8.5) by 2070. • Implementation of a conservation program is required to save the species in its native range. Species distribution modelling is gaining popularity due to significant habitat shifts in many plant and animal species caused by climate change. This issue is particularly pressing for species that provide significant ecosystem goods and services. A prominent case is the valuable African rosewood tree (Pterocarpus erinaceus) that is threatened in sub-Saharan Africa, while its present distribution, habitat requirements and the impact of climate change are not fully understood. This native species naturally occurs in various savanna types, but anthropogenic interventions have considerably reduced its natural populations in the past decades. In this study, ensemble modelling was used to predict the current and future distribution potential of the species in Burkina Faso. Fifty-four environmental variables were selected to describe its distribution in the years 2050 and 2070 based on the greenhouse gas concentration trajectories RCP4.5 and 8.5, and the general circulation models CNRM-CM5 and HadGEM2-CC. A network of protected areas in Burkina Faso was also included to assess how many of the suitable habitats may contribute to the conservation of the species. The factors isothermality (31%), minimum temperature of coldest month (31%), pH in H 2 O at horizon 0–5 cm (11%), silt content at horizon 60–100 cm (9.2%) and precipitation of warmest quarter (8%) were the most influential distribution drivers for the species. Under current climate conditions, potentially highly suitable habitats cover an area of 129,695 km2, i.e., 47% of Burkina Faso. The projected distribution under RCP4.5 and 8.5 showed that this area will decrease, and that the decline of the species will be pronounced. The two models used in this study, forecast a habitat loss of up to 61% for P. erinaceus. Hence, development and implementation of a conservation programme are required to save the species in its native range. This study will help land managers prioritise areas for protection of the species, and avoid introducing it to inappropriate areas unless suitable conditions are artificially created through the management options applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The West African country of Burkina Faso (BFA) is an example for the enduring importance of traditional plant use today. A large proportion of its 17 million inhabitants lives in rural communities and strongly depends on local plant products for their livelihood. However, literature on traditional plant use is still scarce and a comprehensive analysis for the country is still missing. Methods: In this study we combine the information of a recently published plant checklist with information from ethnobotanical literature for a comprehensive, national scale analysis of plant use in Burkina Faso. We quantify the application of plant species in 10 different use categories, evaluate plant use on a plant family level and use the relative importance index to rank all species in the country according to their usefulness. We focus on traditional medicine and quantify the use of plants as remedy against 22 classes of health disorders, evaluate plant use in traditional medicine on the level of plant families and rank all species used in traditional medicine according to their respective usefulness. Results: A total of 1033 species (50%) in Burkina Faso had a documented use. Traditional medicine, human nutrition and animal fodder were the most important use categories. The 12 most common plant families in BFA differed considerably in their usefulness and application. Fabaceae, Poaceae and Malvaceae were the plant families with the most used species. In this study Khaya senegalensis, Adansonia digitata and Diospyros mespiliformis were ranked the top useful plants in BFA. Infections/Infestations, digestive system disorders and genitourinary disorders are the health problems most commonly addressed with medicinal plants. Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Malvaceae and Rubiaceae were the most important plant families in traditional medicine. Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa and Adansonia digitata were ranked the most important medicinal plants. Conclusions: The national-scale analysis revealed systematic patterns of traditional plant use throughout BFA. These results are of interest for applied research, as a detailed knowledge of traditional plant use can a) help to communicate conservation needs and b) facilitate future research on drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems are sources of services such as food, water, timber, firewood, health, and spiritual benefits. The unsustainable human use of ecosystems has led to significant declines in the capability of these ecosystems to provide services. In contribution to the preservation of ecosystems, this study aims to assess the potential ecosystem services delivered by plant communities of the Pama partial fauna reserve using indigenous knowledge. Therefore, ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in the surrounding villages of the reserve. Fifty open-ended interviews were used to record the services provided by woody species. Each service quoted during the interviews was classified into one of the four categories of ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services) as the interview progressed. Formulas were developed to assess the potential services provided by the plant communities of the reserve. The results indicate that seventy-seven woody species provide twenty services, which are divided into the four categories of ecosystem services. TheTerminalia avicennioidesandSchizachyrium rupestrecommunity contributes the most to the delivery of potential ecosystem services. This importance underlines the community’s potential vulnerability due to its likely intense use by the local people. This study highlights the most important factors for successful habitat preservation in the context of the ecosystem service approach by determining the plant communities that contribute the most to social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural vegetation and native plant species contribute significantly to the daily needs of local people especially in developing countries. This exerts a high pressure on local species and jeopardizes the conservation of the most vulnerable plants. In Burkina Faso, conservation measures, such as the creation of protected forests, have been taken to safeguard the remaining indigenous vegetation. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these protected areas in conserving biodiversity. This study assessed and compared the population structures and regeneration potential of three vulnerable woody species- Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst., Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. and Sterculia setigera Del.-in protected and unprotected areas in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. The population structure and regeneration pattern of each species were compared between the North and South Sudanian sectors of Burkina Faso. The populations of all three species were unstable in both protected and unprotected areas. D. mespiliformis and P. africana displayed relatively good regeneration while P. africana lacked regeneration in unprotected areas. Regeneration was poor for S. setigera, regardless of protection status. The results suggest that the populations of the targeted species are unstable, regardless of the protection status of the area considered. This is probably due to the high anthropogenic pressure facing natural resources and raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the protected areas in conserving biodiversity. Urgent measures are needed to ensure effective and efficient management and conservation of biodiversity in the protected areas of Burkina Faso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local people's perceptions of plant species are an important source of information on species distribution and rarity, as well as long-term vegetation change. This study involves an ethnobotanical survey and the identification of potential factors that explain differences in the perceptions and valuation of woody plant species in three ethnic groups (Fulani, Mossi and Samo) of the sub-Sahel of Burkina Faso. Some 87 groups of informants from 20 villages were interviewed for this study. A species list of woody plants and their estimated abundance was categorized in terms of their uses: food, medicine, fodder, construction, energy and handicrafts. In addition, the most important species, and those considered a priority for conservation, were identified. A total of 90 woody species were mentioned in the six categories. They were from 64 genera and 32 families and sub-families, of which the Caesalpinioideae, Combretaceae, Mimosoideae and the Capparaceae dominated. In all three ethnic groups, more than 80 % of the reported species were used for energy, 60 % for medicine and 40-50 % for food. Gender was not a determinant of plant use. However, age was found to have an impact on plant knowledge in all three ethnic groups, with older people (over 50 years) reporting significantly more species than younger people (25-50 years): ( U = 425, df: 15, 14, z = −4.42, p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in plant use among the three ethnic groups (ANOSIM; R = 0.64, p < 0.001), and this could be explained by differences in culture and local environmental conditions controlling species distribution and availability. Balanites aegyptiaca was the most used species by all three ethnic groups. The most important species and identified conservation priorities, from the informants' perspective, were similar for all ethnic groups and were mainly food species with a high socioeconomic value: Vitellaria paradoxa, Adansonia digitata, Tamarindus indica, Parkia biglobosa, Lannea microcarpa and Ziziphus mauritiana. Development projects should incorporate the preferences of local people for certain species as part of the overall strategy for poverty alleviation in Burkina Faso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research was carried out on four threatened tree species across north and south Sudanian phytogeographical zones in Burkina Faso. A quantitative inventory of regeneration populations was completed and sapling dynamics were monitored through surveys of survival and growth in permanent plots. Laboratory and nursery experiments were carried out to test germination and the performance of transplanted seedlings. Results revealed difficulties that saplings faced during their development. In natural stands of Sterculia setigera and Afzelia africana, saplings were rare or irregularly distributed. A greater number of individuals of Bombax costatum were observed, which was the only species with significant density variation between phytogeographical zones ( p = 0.021). Size class showed irregular population structures. A high mortality between the first and second year, followed by a stabilization trend, was observed. The initial height of saplings was highly correlated to their survival rate. The rate of new sapling spontaneous recruitment was better in Bombax costatum and Boswellia dalzielii stands, but heir growth was unpredictable in all species. Most saplings grew from lignotubers and root suckers; however, the potential for sexual reproduction was good. Sterculia setigera and Bombax costatum seedlings showed potential for use in silviculture, as evidenced by the fact that both showed high post-transplantation rates of survival and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cash-poor households 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, require ecological studies as well as additional information about species' uses and management provided by local people. The objectives of our study were to (i) document uses and management of the baobab ( Adansonia digitata L.), (ii) investigate knowledge distribution among genders and different villages, and (iii) assess the population status of the baobab in eastern Burkina Faso. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey among Gulimanceba people and performed a quantitative analysis using different measures of knowledge. Interviews reveal that the baobab is harvested by local people for 25 use-types. The fruits are the most important plant part and baobab products are of special importance for nutritional uses. Local management of baobab seems to be so far sufficient to maintain baobab populations. The fact that we found some differences in uses and management of baobab between genders and villages emphasizes the importance of gender- and region-related management recommendation. People are able to use and manage the baobab in a relative sustainable way as human population density is relatively low and as they have relatively good access to the forest compared to other regions of Burkina Faso. However, in the light of land-use and climate changes, adapted management strategies are required. We conclude that ethnobotanical studies on a small-scale level are of high importance in order to develop management strategies that are reliable in a specific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity matters in many aspects for human well-being by providing timber and non-timber products. The most important ecosystems providing these products in West Africa are savannas. In the context of land-use changes, there is an urgent need to understand the impact of land-use on savanna vegetation and biodiversity. This study assesses the impact of land-use on savannas by comparing protected and communal areas. Vegetation relevés were performed in the W National Park and its surrounding communal area in Burkina Faso. Vegetation types were established using ordination and clustering methods. We analyzed to find which environmental factors determine the occurrence of the vegetation types and whether land-use has a specific effect on diversity of vegetation types occurring in both areas. Furthermore, we tested the effect of land-use on vegetation structure and the occurrence of life forms and highly valued tree species. Our results reveal five vegetation types occurring in both areas. Elevation and soil characteristics played the most important role for the occurrence of the vegetation types. Land-use had an effect on vegetation structure, diversity, and the occurrence of life form and highly valued species. Our findings suggest that traditional human land-use does not automatically lead to loss of species and degradation of savanna habitats and that combination of communal and protected areas may be of great importance for the conservation of broad spectrum of biodiversity. Our study demonstrates the complexity of land-use impact on biodiversity patterns and provides insights on what kind of management activities may be most appropriate in both areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasses (Poaceae) are the largest family of vascular plants in Burkina Faso with 254 species. In the savannahs they are the most important family in terms of abundance and species richness, in other habitats, such as gallery forests, there are only few species. On the country scale there is a change in growth form: while in the Sahelian north most grasses are small therophytes, the Sudanian south is characterized by tall, often perennial grasses. To analyse these patterns in detail, we compiled a database on grass occurrences and used it in an ecological niche modelling approach with the programme Maxent to obtain country-wide distribution models. Secondly we used data on photosynthetic type, height, leaf width and growth form to aggregate the species distributions and quantified the relative importance of functional groups per grid cell. Pronounced latitudinal differences could be shown for life forms, photosynthesis and size: the drier north is characterized by smaller, mainly therophytic grasses with a high share of C4 NAD-ME photosynthesis, while the more humid south is characterized by tall, often hemicryptophytic grasses with C4 NADP-ME photosynthesis. For leaf width, no clear country-wide patterns could be observed, but local differences with more broad-leaved grasses in humid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A map of plant species diversity in Burkina Faso is presented based on field observations and specimen data from the Ouagadougou University Herbarium (OUA) and the Herbarium Senckenbergianum (FR). A map of collecting intensity and field observations illustrates centres of botanical research activities in Burkina Faso. To overcome problems associated with biased sampling intensity, distributions of species have been modelled and extrapolated to maps of vascular plant diversity, life forms and diversity of four selected families (Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Dioscoreaceae and Rubiaceae). The area of most intensive collection and observation is around Gorom-Gorom and Fada N’Gourma. Modelled diversity generally increases towards the south, as does the proportion of phanerophytes, lianas and hemicryptophytes, while the opposite trend is observed for therophytes. Poaceae diversity is highly correlated with total vascular plant diversity, making the family especially suitable as an indicator for overall plant diversity. Cyperaceae are rather evenly distributed throughout the country, Dioscoreaceae are restricted to the Sudanian Zone. Rubiaceae have their highest diversities in the very south. Our approach can be transferred to areas with a similar database, certainly to other areas within West Africa. Future research should focus on distribution data for rare species, enabling our approach to evaluate the West African system of protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of literature on the interactions between indigenous people and the valuable agroforestry trees hinder the promotion of sustainable management of plant resources in West African Sahel. This study aimed at assessing local uses and management of Afzelia africana Sm. in Burkina Faso, as a prerequisite to address issues of domestication and sustainable conservation. Methods: One thousand forty-four peoples of seven dominant ethnic groups were questioned in 11 villages through 221 semi-structured focus group interviews. The surveys encompassed several rural communities living around six protected areas along the species distribution range. Questions refer mainly to vernacular names of A. africana, locals’ motivations to conserve the species, the uses, management practices and local ecological knowledge on the species. Citation frequency was calculated for each response item of each questionnaire section to obtain quantitative data. The quantitative data were then submitted to comparison tests and multivariate statistics in R program. Results: A. africana is a locally well-known tree described as a refuge of invisible spirits. Due to this mystery and its multipurpose uses, A. africana is conserved within the agroforestry systems. The species is widely and mostly used as fodder (87.55%), drugs (75.93%), fetish or sanctuary (70.95%), food (41.49%), and raw material for carpentry (36.19%) and construction (7.05%). While the uses as fodder, food and construction involved one organ, the leaves and wood respectively, the medicinal use was the most diversified. All tree organs were traditionally used in 10 medical prescriptions to cure about 20 diseases. The species use values differed between ethnic groups with lower values within the Dagara and Fulani. The findings reveal a total absence of specific management practices such as assisted natural regeneration, seeding, or transplantation of A. africana sapling. However, trees were permanently pruned and debarked by local people. Harvesting of barks mostly contributed to the decline of the species populations. Local people acknowledged declining populations of A. africana with lower densities within the agroecosystems. They also perceived between individuals, variations in the traits of barks, leaves, fruits and seeds. Significant differences were found between ethnic groups and gender regarding the species uses. Local knowledge on the species distribution differed between ethnic groups. Conclusion: This study showed the multipurpose uses of A. africana throughout Burkina Faso. The results provide relevant social and ecological indicators to all stakeholders and constitute a springboard towards the species domestication and the elaboration of efficient sustainable conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic and climatic factors are important determinants of algal distribution in aquatic systems. This study aimed to identify temporary pond‐groups of phytoplankton assemblages and to establish the interactions between environmental variables and phytoplankton structure. Phytoplankton samples were collected and preserved with 5% formalin; water samples for chemical analysis were taken in August and September 2007, 2008, and 2009 in 86 ponds randomly selected in the Sahelian sector and the Sudanian sector (protected and unprotected areas) of Burkina Faso. Plankton species were examined using light microscopy and identified using standard methods. A Fuchs‐Rosenthal chamber was used for algal cell counting. NMDS ordination, indicator species analysis and canonical analysis were performed using Pc‐Ord and CANOCO. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests using the software Statistica were performed to compare parameters between pond‐groups. Three pond‐groups were identified: the Sahelian pond‐group, dominated by Lyngbya martensiana and Pseudanabaena constricta; the protected area pond‐group, dominated by Euglena caudata and Trachelomonas raciborskii; and the unprotected area pond‐group, dominated by Closterium venus and Euglena proxima. At P < 0.05, species composition and abundance in algal groups were mostly associated with nitrate, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. The Sahelian and the Sudanian sectors were different in pH, water transparency, and species richness. Univariate and multivariate analyses illustrate that variations in the physicochemical properties of water and algal structure followed climatic and anthropogenic gradients. The classification of ponds into algal associations demonstrated that algal assemblages may be used as reliable indicators of habitat conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) strongly contribute to livelihood security in the semi-arid tropics. Main factors determining the populations of NTFP-providing species are human activities. This study examined the impact of land-use, combined with rates and patterns of debarking and chopping on a NTFP-providing tree (Anogeissus leiocarpa) in Burkina Faso. We compared stands in a protected area (W National Park) with those of its surrounding communal area (fallows, croplands) in order to (i) obtain an indication on the status of the population, (ii) assess its harvesting tolerance, (iii) estimate the sustainability of present management, and (iv) derive which additional management strategies may foster its conservation. Our results reveal that the stands of A. leiocarpa are in healthy states in fallows and in the park. In croplands, the absence of saplings gives evidence of a declining population. Nearly all individuals of A. leiocarpa were harvested in croplands and fallows, while the number of harvested individuals in the park was negligible. Intensity of debarking and chopping was tree size-specific. The sprouting ability significantly increased with higher chopping intensity. We conclude that despite the land-use impact and the intense harvesting, stands of A. leiocarpa are still well preserved due to the species life history (fast growing and high sprouting) and due to indirect positive influences of human activities by providing better environmental conditions for its recruitment. Thus, the population of A. leiocarpa is not at risk to over-harvesting and land-use even though it is not protected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Arly National Park of southeastern Burkina Faso is in the center of the WAP complex, the largest continuous system of protected areas in West Africa. Although well known for its large mammal populations, its flora has largely been unexplored until recently. The plant species composition is typical for sudanian savanna areas with a high share of grasses and legumes and similar to other protected areas of the complex, the neighbouring Pama reserve and W National Park. It has more species in common with the classified forest of Kou in SW Burkina Faso than with the geographically closer Sahel reserve. The 490 species belong to 280 genera and 83 families. The most important life forms are phanerophytes and therophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Useful woody species contribute enormously to maintain livelihoods in rural areas of West Africa and are strongly influenced by environmental conditions and human activities. To assess species-specific responses to these factors, we studied potential distributions and richness patterns of useful woody species in relation to several environmental factors in a communal and protected area in eastern Burkina Faso. We applied species distribution models, separately for adults and juveniles. While potential distributions of adults can be interpreted as the current state of the species, modeled distributions of juveniles give hints about the species' future development. Our results reveal that elevation and precipitation were the most influencing environmental factors on potential distributions of both juvenile and adult richness. Furthermore, we demonstrated that overall modeled adult richness (the same in communal and protected area) and juvenile richness (more successful in protected area) of woody species reacted differently to human disturbances. However, the fact that the responses to human activities differed widely between species and often even between adults and juveniles of the same species emphasizes the difficulty of giving simplified statements about the human impact on useful woody species. We discuss whether woody species might persist under increasing human pressure in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In West Africa, plant diversity is threatened by future climate and land use change, however, synergistic forecasts for this area are lacking to date. We investigated the impact and the interplay of future (2050) climate and land use change on plant diversity in Burkina Faso, which covers the major bioclimatic gradient in West Africa. Thus, regions with different levels of species richness can be investigated. The LandSHIFT model was adapted for this study to derive novel future (2050) land use simulations. One-class support vector machines (SVMs) were performed with these land use simulations together with current and future (2050) climate projections at a 0.1° resolution. Our modeling results show that the flora of Burkina Faso will be primarily negatively impacted by future climate and land use changes. However, we found contrasting latitudinal patterns. The more humid regions in Southern Burkina Faso would be more affected in terms of species loss than the Sahel. Climate change is more important than land use change under the assumption of technological stagnation in the agricultural sector. Our results suggest that, in general, the plant diversity in dry and humid regions of the tropics might respond differently to climate and land use change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vitellaria paradoxa , the shea tree, an economically important fruit-tree species native to savanna regions is threatened in Burkina Faso due to overexploitation and changing land-use. Furthermore, it remains unclear how climate change will influence its frequency and distribution. We investigated the impact of climate change on the projected spatial distribution of favorable habitats for V. paradoxa. Species distribution modeling techniques implemented in MaxEnt combined with GIS were used to forecast the current and future distribution of V. paradoxa. We selected two climatic scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and two global climate models (MPI-ESM-MR and HadGEM2-ES) to encompass the full range of variation in the models. Presence records of the species were collected and linked to bioclimatic and edaphic variables. The most characteristic and least correlated variables were selected for modeling after a collinearity test. Under current climatic conditions, ~51% of the national area was found to be favorable for cultivation and conservation of the species. Under future climate projections, our models predict that favorable habitats of this species will decline by 12% (RCP4.5) and 13% (RCP8.5) by 2070. The predictive modeling approach presented here may be applied to other economically important tree species. • Vitellaria paradoxa is a multipurpose, and agroforestry tree species in West Africa. • Species occurrence records were combined with climatic and soil data in MaxEnt. • We used the IPCC's RCP4.5 & RCP8.5 emission scenario for 2050 & 2070 for our modeling. • Suitable habitats for Vitellaria paradoxa likely to decrease by up to 13.25%. • Results could be used as basis in formulating appropriate adaptation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil seed bank (SSB) is an important source of resilience for plant communities subjected to disturbances. This study aimed to identify characteristics of the SSB, its relationship with aboveground vegetation (AGV), and its significance for restoration of vegetation in West African savanna-woodlands. Data were collected from two long-term factorial experiments established in 1992 in Burkina Faso to examine the long-term ecological effects of grazing, early fire, selective tree cutting on savanna-woodland ecosystem. A total of 1920 soil samples were taken from three soil layers (i.e. 0-3 cm, 3–6 cm and 6–9 cm) and the SSB was assessed using the seedling emergence technique. The emerged seedlings were dominated by non-woody taxa. Only two woody species that were Flueggea virosa and Mitragyna inermis emerged, showing that woody species feature little in the SSB. The SSB density and richness decreased significantly with soil depth. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination indicated a lack of correspondence between the AGV and SSB. The results suggest site-specific responses to disturbance also following long-term disturbance, the SSB will be ineffective in regenerating the remnant vegetation of West African savanna-woodlands. Hence, ensuring the resilience of West African savanna woodland ecosystems will require targeted introductions (i.e. planting and seeding) of indigenous species and a reduction in on-going disturbances. • Soil seed bank (SSB) is an important source of resilience for plant communities subjected to frequent disturbances. • Resilience of savanna-woodland ecosystems will require targeted introduction of indigenous species and a reduction in on-going disturbances. • Evaluation of size and composition of SSB in savanna-woodlands that are annually disturbed could guide active restoration measures. • Long-term prescribed fire, grazing and selective tree cutting induced the relative abundance of annual herbaceous species in the SSB community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable estimates of carbon stocks for drylands are constrained by a limited number of biomass models for predicting accurately the biomass of dominant tree and shrub species. In this study, 119 trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) between 3.82 and 45.48 cm were destructively sampled to evaluate aboveground biomass (AGB) allocation and prediction for four dryland species (Senegalia dudgeonii , Senegalia gourmaensis , Vachellia nilotica and Vachellia tortilis) commonly found in the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of Burkina Faso. Biomass allocation to leaf, branch and stem was examined using a classmometric analysis. Allometric equations relating biomass to dbh alone, and to dbh in combination with height and/or crown area were developed with and without consideration of the additivity property. Branches stored the largest (up to 90%) proportion of AGB. For three of the species, the branch mass fraction increased with increasing tree size at the expense of stem and leaf mass fractions. The statistical evaluations of the selected additive and non-additive models were satisfactory with no severe deficiencies. Diagnostics of model performance revealed that non-additive models performed better than additive models. The biomass models developed can be used for improved quantification of carbon stock and dynamics in dry savanna ecosystems. • Additive and non-additive biomass models were developed for four dryland woody species • Biomass allocation influenced the predictive ability of allometric equations • Branches were the tree component with the largest share (up to 90%) of aboveground biomass • Consideration of tree architectural variables improved models' predictions • Mixed-species equations provided reliable species-specific biomass estimations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]