Ecological Sustainability of Detar (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Detarium senegalense&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; J. F. Gmel) in Togo (West Africa)

Fifonsi Ayélé Dangbo,Juergen Blaser,Kossi Adjonou,Kouami Kokou

doi:10.4236/ajps.2019.103030

Abstract

Detarium senegalense J. F. Gmel., of the family of Fabaceae is one of the most exploited tree species in Togo. However, there are only few scientific studies on the distribution of this specie. This study is a contribution to the promotion of multi-purpose tree species in Togo with particular emphasis on a better knowledge of Detarium senegalense. It provides data on the ecology of the specie and his state of regeneration. The data on the specie are based on sample plots in the areas identified as hosts of the specie in Togo. A total of 77 circular plots of 1000 m2 (17.8 m radius) were established in ecological zones II, IV and V of Togo. The dendrometric parameters identified are: the total height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of Detarium senegalense and of all species found in each plot. Detarium senegalense trees of DBH Detarium senegalense is more abundant in zones IV (forest area), followed by zone II. In zone V, Detarium senegalense is located only in the forest of “Have”. The structure of Detarium senegalense has a bell-shaped distribution with predominance of trees with large and intermediate diameters ranging between 30 and 70 cm. Trees of small DBH (Detarium senegalense occurs. This indicates a low regeneration rate of the specie. However, the structure of all species inventoried has a negative exponential distribution with predominance of small diameter trees. The sustainable management of Detarium senegalense in the forest can only be secured through a sustainable harvesting of seeds and actives promotion of natural regeneration.

Highlights

The harvesting of forest products, wood and non-timber forests products (NTFPs), has increased considerably [1], resulting in overexploitation of many species and the degradation of their environment
Many studies [2]-[7] have shown the ecological importance of NTFPs such as those from Adansonia digitata, Irvingia gabonensis/Irvingia wombolu, Dacryodes edulis, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Garcinia kola, Chrysophyllum albidum, Cola spp., etc. in West Africa
This study describes the main ecological characteristics of Detarium senegalense in Togo

Summary

Introduction

The harvesting of forest products, wood and non-timber forests products (NTFPs), has increased considerably [1], resulting in overexploitation of many species and the degradation of their environment. Many studies [2]-[7] have shown the ecological importance of NTFPs such as those from Adansonia digitata, Irvingia gabonensis/Irvingia wombolu, Dacryodes edulis, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Garcinia kola, Chrysophyllum albidum, Cola spp., etc. Income from NTFPs ( from species such as Dacryodes edulis, Canarium schweinfurthii, Arthocarpus spp., Ricinodendron heudelotii, Gambeya africana) may become even more important in remote rural households in West African countries, which are characterized by rapid economic growth, population expansion and constant change [9] [10]. Sustainable harvesting of NTFP is essential for conservation of the plant species, and for the livelihoods of many rural peoples [11]

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