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Woody species composition, diversity and vegetation structure of two rangelands areas along a climatic gradient in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Author
Sawadogo I
Worou N
Bayen P
Kouassi F
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

Climate variability added to anthropogenic pressures leads to habitat fragmentation, degradation and loss of rangelands resources in Burkina Faso. Studying vegetation structure and woody species composition is important in monitoring vegetation dynamics fo r efficient rangeland management. This study was carried out to characterize woody vegetation along a climatic gradient. Sixty-four quadrats of varying size were laid in each of the rangeland (Sidéradougou and Mankarga). Thus, the inventory unit was 1000 m ² (50 m x 20 m) in savannas and 500 m² (50 m x 10 m) in gallery forests. In each plot, all woody species with a diameter at breast height (D BH) ‰¥ 5 cm were systematically identified and measured. The data were analyzed by using Shannon-Wiener diversity and equitability indices, and the structural analysis was carried out based on frequency, density, DBH, height and basal area/ha-1. A total of 89 forage plant species belonging to 64 genera and 25 families from Sidéradougou and 80 plant species belonging to 5 7 genera and 23 families from Mankarga was identified. Fabaceae and Combretacea was the dominant family in the two rangelands with diverse population structures. The small trees and shrubs dominated the rangeland suggesting its status under a secondary stage of development. Some woody species require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, local and regional stakeholders should integrate and work together to develop and implement sound conservation and management strategies that encourage the sustainable utilization of rangeland resources.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 984-989. Theme: Theme 4 / Impacts of fire on rangeland vegetation and diversity
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
Burkina Faso
Sidéradougou rangeland
Mankarga rangeland
woody species
conservation