The stocking density and regeneration status of Balanites aegyptiaca in Dinder Biosphere Reserve, Sudan

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca as food, feed, and medicinal tree species, contributes significantly to the livelihoods and food security of forest-based communities, particularly in the Sahel. However, up-to-date information on the stocking density and regeneration status of the species is lacking. The current study bridged this gap and explored the species status in Dinder Biosphere Reserve, Sudan, across 150 sample plots of 40×25 m2 randomly distributed in the stratified sites of the reserve. After checking for normality using Shapiro Wilk test, a two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05) in JAMOVI (Version 1.1.7) has been used to compare the tree density, basal area, and volume between the assessed sites and within the sites. The study found that the stocking density of B. aegyptiaca seedlings, saplings, and adult trees in the non-disturbed sites were double and three times equal to that of the highly disturbed sites and significantly differed between sites (F2,147 = 122.4 and P < 0.001; F2,147 = 148.3 and P = 0.001; F2,147 = 131.2 and P = 0.021, respectively). Moreover, the smallest tree crown diameter, basal area, and volume were observed in the highly disturbed sites. The study concluded that unbalanced utilization of B. aegyptiaca in the biosphere severely reduced the species population and disturbed their dynamics, which might also affect the food security in the area. Therefore, an introduction of monitoring and awareness-raising programs is urgently needed to maintain this valuable tree species and manage it sustainably.