Zones Of Benin Research Articles

Traditional medicinal knowledge of woody species across climatic zones in Benin (West Africa)

Ethnopharmacological relevancePlant parts are often used by local people to treat their affections. This study addressed the Traditional Medicinal Knowledge of woody species in Benin and the dependence of medicinal use of woody species on climatic zones. Aim of the studyIt reports (i) the main diseases categories treated with medicinal use of woody species in Benin and changes across climatic zones by inferring their epidemiological status, and (ii) the woody species involved and their distribution according to climate conditions. Materials and methodsEthnobotanical interviews were undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire. Five hundred and ninety medicinal plant professionals (healers, traders …) were interviewed in the whole country. Frequency of citation and informant consensus factor were calculated to highlight the main human diseases categories and woody species used for their treatment. A principal component analysis was performed to determine the occurrence of diseases categories in different climatic zones. ResultsAbout 94% of international diseases categories were treated using medicinal woody species in Benin. Nighty-seven ailments in 16 diseases categories were identified. Among them, 5 diseases categories (General and unspecified, Digestive, Skin, Neurological, and Musculoskeletal) were highlighted as important. The Sudano-Guinean zone showed the highest diseases frequencies, whereas the Sudanian zone showed the lowest. The epidemiological status of some phytodistricts was worrisome. In our study, 123 woody species belonging to 93 genera and 35 families were reported, and among them, 16 were the most used as treatments. ConclusionsThere is a lack of consensus among traditional healers about which woody species to use. Many different species were used to treat a given diseases category. Also, information concerning their organ composition was not available in the literature, for the majority of species. Biological and chemical investigations are thus needed for a better valorization of the most frequently used plants in the future.

Socioeconomic factors determining ecosystem services local perceptions in two ecological zones in Benin (West Africa)

Forests have been undergoing diverse threats due to human activities and these may affect their role as Ecosystem Services (ES) providers. Therefore, it becomes crucial to undertake some analysis of the current socio-economic context of ES offerings to provide valuable information for the decision-making process and policy regarding sustainable forest management. This study aimed at highlighting the local perception of ES in two contrasting ecological regions. 689 respondents distributed in six districts were interviewed through a semi-structured survey on the various ES and their assessment. The analysis in principal components is used to understand socio-cultural group perception. Then, we used Beta regression to know how socio-economic factors influence the rate of people knowledge of ES. Our results show that provisioning services were more overall perceived, followed by cultural services and regulating services. Youth perceived less regulating and supporting services. Furthermore, cultural services were the most perceived by the seniors. The perception of provisioning and regulating services is influenced respectively by education level and the poverty index. Taking into account the local perception of the different actors and the factors in the decision-making, local development can be improved in compliance with the objectives of biodiversity conservation.Keywords: Local perceptions, Ecosystem Services, environmental education, forest management, Benin Republic.

Local Knowledge, Uses, and Factors Determining the Use of Strychnos spinosa Organs in Benin (West Africa)

Green monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa) is an important multipurpose tree in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine the various indigenous uses of Strychnos spinosa, (ii) assess local perception of the major threats to Strychnos spinosa, and (iii) identify the conservation strategies adopted by local communities to ensure its sustainable use in Benin. A participatory rural appraisal study was undertaken across three climatic zones in Benin. Data were collected through structured questionnaires involving 733 informants from 22 ethnic and 7 sociolinguistic groups. Correspondence analysis (CA) showed that S. spinosa is most widely used in the Sudanian zone (20 uses). About 73% of the informants used Strychnos spinosa as food, and 68% used it for medicine. The most valued organs were fruits, leaves, bark, and seeds. The major threats to Strychnos spinosa were human activities rather than climatic factors. Religion and cultural values were the main strategies adopted by local communities to conserve the species. The value of Strychnos spinosa is well appreciated in Benin, and local knowledge depends on the particular climatic zone, ethnic group, study level, and gender.

Correlations, path coefficient analysis and phenotypic diversity of a West African germplasm of Kersting’s groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet

Providing the growing population with quality diet under the changing climate requires renewed efforts on the breeding of orphan grain legumes that need to be adequately characterized for accelerated cultivar development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where food and nutritional insecurity remains a critical challenge. In this study, the phenotypic diversity of a West African germplasm of Kersting’s groundnut was determined and the possibility for indirect selection explored. In total, 297 accessions collected across diverse ecological zones in Benin and Togo were assessed using 19 descriptors in two contrasting environments. Correlation and path coefficients analyses were performed to determine association patterns among variables. Hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out to group accessions having similar performance across locations. Based on the results, the diversity panel was categorized into four clusters with clusters 2 and 4 containing the best performing accessions. Significant moderate phenotypic correlation was detected between seed coat colour and days to 50% flowering (r = − 0.63). Likewise, significant and moderate to strong positive genetic correlations were observed between grain yield with number of seeds per pod (rg = 0.60), 100 seed weight (rg = 0.70), number of seeds per plant (rg = 0.96) and number of pods per plant (rg = 0.90). However, significant weak negative correlations were revealed among grain yield, days to 50% flowering (rg = − 0.32) and days to maturity (rg = − 0.30). Moreover, high direct effects were detected among grain yield and number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight and days to 50% flowering. The findings imply that indirect selection for grain yield in Kersting’s groundnut, using 100 seed weight, number of seeds per plant and days to 50% flowering could be relevant to increase the efficiency of breeding programmes. Accessions 02_AF169, 02_AF51, 02_AF202, 02_AF222, 02_AF196, 02_AF100, 02_AF255, 02_AF216, 02_AF223 and 02_AF199 could also be used as parental lines for the development of high yielding varieties.

On-farm practices, mapping, and uses of genetic resources of Kersting’s groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal et Baudet] across ecological zones in Benin and Togo

Enhancing orphan crops productivity in developing countries is of paramount importance to providing quality diets to the growing population as well as resilience options to smallholder farmers in order to adapt to climate change. However, the status of genetic resources diversity and the utilisation patterns of many orphan crops have been poorly investigated to inform breeding programs and management strategies. In this study, we assembled Kersting’s groundnut diversity, associated farmers’ knowledge and production systems across three ecological zones in Benin and Togo. We collected data through focus group discussions in 43 villages. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 300 farmers. Four cell analyses was performed using cropping areas and number of Kersting’s groundnut farmers as criteria. We conducted a comparative analysis of the Kersting’s groundnut utilisations and production systems across ecological zones. In total, 308 accessions of Kersting’s groundnut were collected using farmers’ criteria such as grain colour, grain size, maturity time, yield potential, medicinal properties and marketability. Farmers grouped the accessions into five landraces based solely on grain colour. All landraces were cultivated in the Sudanian zone while only three of them were found in the Guinean and Sudano-Guinean zones. Most of these landraces were produced by a few farmers on small cropping areas. The choice of landraces for production depended on local intention for production and different use categories across ecological zones. Up to 46.80% of decrease in cropping areas was observed in most zones due to specific production bottlenecks such as drought and diseases. We discuss our findings and suggest tailored actions including effective in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, germplasm collection and characterization in other countries where the crop is produced, development of new cultivars with farmers’ preferred traits and enhancement of the genetic base of the species.

Effects of results based financing models on the performance of exposed health zones in Benin

Background: Since 2011, Benin adhered to results-based financing (RBF), with the implementation of RBF_PRPSS model by Health System Performance Strengthening Project (PRPSS) and RBF_PASS model by health system support project (PASS). Notwithstanding the lack of evidence on this experimental phase, the Ministry of Health initiated the extension of the RBF_PRPSS model to uncovered areas. This comparative study was led to evaluate the health system performance in RBF zones.Methods: The study examined data from sixty-seven health facilities in six health zones offering maternal and child health services, using the double difference, the Student's test and the variance comparison, with 5% significance level.Results: The study found that between 2011 and 2014, staff numbers remained stable in the RBF strata (p>0.05). The cumulative duration over a six-month period of stock-outs of five key drugs (paracetamol, amoxicillin, oxytocin, iron, sulfadoxine pyrimetamine) decreased from 51 days to 29 days (p<0.05). Direct revenues per health facility increased more in the RBF strata (p<0.05). Financial viability increased in RBF_PRPSS stratum. Health services utilization improved significantly for institutional delivery, tetanus toxoid immunization, DTP (Hib) HepB 3 and MCV immunization and curative care. Decreasing of maternal and neonatal mortalities in RBF strata were not significant.Conclusions: In sum, the RBF implementation has not yet generated a significant effect on the overall performance of the health system in exposed areas, although it is already accompanied by a significant improvement in the utilization of certain health care services.

Factors Determining the Use and Cultivation of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Republic of Benin

Factors Determining the Use and Cultivation of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Republic of Benin. Despite its nutritious leaves and considerable economic importance, the agroforestry species Moringa oleifera Lam. is still considered a neglected and underutilized species. To contribute to the development of an effective valorization strategy for M. oleifera, this study identified factors driving its use and cultivation in Benin. To this end, an ethnobotanical survey through individual interviews (n = 801) was performed in 46 localities across biogeographical zones in Benin. Conditional inference tree–based classification models allowed us to identify factors that mostly influence the use, cultivation, and cultivation system of M. oleifera. Awareness, knowledge of the plant biology, gender, cultivation system, and age are factors influencing the use of M. oleifera. Cultivation systems are driven by ethnicity, knowledge of the plant’s biology, and the main socioprofessional activity. Effective valorization of M. oleifera requires awareness rising on its usefulness while providing knowledge on the plant biology.

The role of abiotic factors on both mango infestation and Sternochetus mangiferae abundances in mango agroecosystems in Benin

AbstractTo develop management strategies for the mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae), we surveyed infestation levels of the pest in three agroecological zones of Benin and determined the influences of abiotic factors on mango infestation levels and population dynamics in mango orchards at IITA-Benin from 2009 to 2011. We collected immature and mature fruits from the canopy and fallen fruits from under the canopy from three randomly selected trees per cultivar, per orchard. Samples were examined to determine the number of the mango seed weevil eggs to adults during the rainy seasons of three years of the study. Our results show that the highest abundance of both the weevil and its eggs was from March to May of each year. In the first year of sampling, the cultivar Eldon was more infested than the other two cultivars, while during the second and third years, the cultivar Alphonse was most infested. The occurrence of the weevil was almost nil in the hot agroecological zones, while for the mango cultivars of IITA-Benin the percentage of infested fruit increased or decreased according to the studied variables, such as temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. We found that the period from March to May with low temperatures and high rainfall was favourable to the population increase of mango seed weevils. We discuss possible implications of our findings for the management of the pest.

Functional traits partially mediate the effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on the growth of a tropical tree.

Understanding how trees mediate the effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance is fundamental to developing forest sustainable management strategies. The role that intraspecific functional diversity plays in such process is poorly understood. Several tree species are repeatedly defoliated at large scale by cattle breeders in Africa to feed livestock. In addition, these tree species are also debarked for medicinal purposes. These human-induced disturbances lead to biomass loss and subsequent decline in the tree growth. The main objective of this work is to investigate how functional traits mediate tree response to chronic anthropogenic disturbance. We used a unique data set of functional traits and growth rate of 503 individual tree of Afzelia africana. We collected data on leaf mass per area (LMA), wood density (WD) and growth rate, and recorded history of human disturbances (debarking, pruning) on individual tree from 12 populations of A. africana distributed in two ecological zones in Benin (West Africa). We tested the effect of disturbances on absolute growth rate across ontogenetic stages, assessed the role of intraspecific trait variability on growth and tested the role of tree functional strategy on the tree growth response to debarking and pruning. We found that debarking did not affect stem growth, suggesting a fast compensatory regrowth of bark wounded. Moreover, tree response to debarking was independent of the functional strategy. By contrast, we found that pruning reduced tree absolute growth; however, trees with low WD were more strongly affected by pruning than trees with high WD. Our results emphasize the importance for plant functioning of the interplay between the availability of leaves for resource acquisition and a resilience strategy by mobilizing stored resources in stem wood to be reinvested for growth under severe disturbances.

Survey of farmers\u2019 knowledge of cassava mosaic disease and their preferences for cassava cultivars in three agro-ecological zones in Benin

BackgroundCassava is an important crop in Africa that is widely cultivated for its starchy tuberous root, which constitutes a major source of dietary carbohydrates. Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is the most devastating disease affecting cassava in Africa and causes enormous losses in yield. In Benin, specifically, cultivars resistant to CMD are not commonly planted, and even when CMD is observed in fields, farmers do not implement control measures, presumably because they lack proper knowledge and training. Our study aimed to evaluate farmers’ knowledge of CMD to determine whether there is consistency between farmers’ criteria for selecting cassava cultivars and the currently CMD-recommended cassava varieties.MethodsWe conducted structured interviews with 369 farmers in 20% of townships in each of three agro-ecological zones in Benin between November 2015 and February 2016. Farmers were selected randomly in each household, and their fields were assessed for CMD incidence and severity.ResultsAll farmers surveyed, representing a broad demographic pool with regard to education level, age group, and years of experience in cassava production, successfully recognized CMD symptoms in photos, but most (98.60%) said they did not know the causes and vectors of the disease. Most farmers (93.51%) reported that they obtain planting material from neighboring fields or their own fields. In total, 52 unique cultivars were identified, of which 3 (5.76%) were preferred based on their yield and precocity and 3 (5.76%) were preferred based on taste or ability for transformation. The assessment of disease incidence and severity showed that the areas most affected by CMD were Comè Township (37.77% of fields affected) and agro-ecological zone VIII (26.33%).ConclusionFarmers already know how to recognize the symptoms of CMD and could implement control measures against it if they are trained by researchers. Across all surveyed areas, we identified six preferred cultivars based on the four most commonly stated preference criteria (precocity, yield, gari, and taste. Our results suggest that farmers will be more likely to use CMD-resistant cultivars and clean plant material if the plants meet their existing preference criteria. We suggest that CMD-resistant cultivars will be embraced only if the recommended cultivars are strategically aligned with the characteristics desirable to the cassava farmers in each region.

English

The aim of this study was to characterize polyphenolic compounds, antifungal and antioxidant activities of polyfloral honey collected from three different phytogeographical zones in Benin duing dry and rainy seasons. Spectrophotometrically at 517 nm, DPPH scavenging activity of tested samples was measured, while antifungal activity, total polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins were evaluted by Dohou, Singleton and Zhishen methods, and a slightly modified method of Sun, respectively. Results revealed that only season has significant influence (P <0.05) on the flavonoids content and total phenols. The highest total phenols (781 ± 46 µgGAE/gs) and flavonoids (528 ± 31 µgCE/g) contents were obtained respectively from honey samples of the rainy and dry seasons. The samples collected in the rainy season in the three zones, have better antifungal activity than those collected in the dry season. The lowest IC50 recorded was 27.58 ± 4.44 μg.µl-1 which showed that the highest antioxidant activity can be found in honey samples of the rainy season collected from the Sudanian zone. Overall, this study confirms that all investigated honey samples were good sources of polyphenolic compounds, and exhibit antifungal and antioxidant actvities. Keywords: Antifungal, antiioxidant, honey, Benin.

Fertilizer recommendations for maize production in the South Sudan and Sudano-Guinean zones of Benin

The present study aims to determine fertilizer (N–P–K) recommendations for maize (Zea mays L.) on Acrisols (south Benin) and Ferric and Plintic Luvisols (centre Benin). Two years (2011 and 2012) experiment was conducted at Dogbo and Allada districts (southern) and Dassa (centre Benin). Six on-farm experiments were carried out to validate fertilizer rates simulated by the DSSAT model. The experimental design in each field was a completely randomized bloc with four replications and ten N–P–K rates: 0–0–0 (control), 44–15–17.5 (standard fertilizer recommendation for maize), 80–30–40, 80–15–40, 80–30–25, 80–30–0, 69–30–40, 92–30–40, 69–15–25 and 46–15–25 kg ha−1. Treatments 44–15–17.5 and 46–15–25 showed the lowest grain and stover yields. The observed maize grain yields were highly correlated with the estimated grain yields (R2 values varied between 80 and 91% for growing season 2011 and between 68 and 94% for growing season of 2012). The NRSME values varied between 12.54 and 22.56% (for growing season of 2011) and between 13.09 and 24.13% (for growing season of 2012). The economic analysis for the past 32 years (1980–2012) including the current experiment showed that N–P–K rates 80–30–25 (at Dogbo), 80–15–40 (at Allada) and 80–30–0 (at Dassa) were the best fertilizer recommendations as they presented the highest grain yields and the best return to investment per hectare. Nevertheless, 80–30–25 is advised for Dassa considering that sustainable maize production will require regular inputs of potassium. The 2 years of field experiments were not sufficient to derive biophysically optimal fertilizer recommendation rates for each site.

Pigeonpea [(Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)] production system, farmers\u2019 preferred traits and implications for variety development and introduction in Benin

BackgroundThe success of crop varieties introduction is tightly linked to the uses, biophysical conditions, the cropping systems in which the crop is integrated and farmers’ and consumers’ preferences. In Benin, however, pigeonpea production systems including the cropping systems, marketing, utilizations and preferences have received little attention. This study aimed at analyzing farmers’ practices and constraints related to pigeonpea production as well as identifying farmers’ preferred traits in pigeonpea.MethodsThe study was conducted in three pigeonpea-growing agroecological zones in Benin. Participatory rural appraisal tools including individual interview (n = 302) and group discussion were used to collect information on production system, constraints and preferred traits. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the relationship between crop associated with pigeonpea and the growing areas. Based on preferred traits, villages were clustered using UPGMA.ResultsPigeonpea is predominantly grown by men. Approximately 98% of the pigeonpea growers associated pigeonpea with other crops, while 2% of them grew the crop in pure stand. Pigeonpea grown in association with maize (48.7%) was the most encountered cropping system. The type of crops associated with pigeonpea depended on the growing area (P < 0.001), and a high diversity in crops combination was observed in the Department of Couffo. Lack of improved varieties, low productivity and lack of quality seed were major factors constraining pigeonpea production. The pigeonpea seed system was essentially informal with self-saved seed (79%), purchase from fellow farmers or from local markets (12%) and gift/exchange (9%) as seeds sources. Farmers’ preferences traits varied across pigeonpea-growing area, but overall, high yielding, early maturing, and resistance to pod borers were the main reported preferred traits.ConclusionOur results confirm the importance of pigeonpea both in the cropping systems and in contributing to ensure food security in the growing areas in Benin. Farmers’ varietal preferences were identified. This information is important for designing appropriate strategies for sustainable pigeonpea production. Insight gained into farmers’ preferred traits in pigeonpea varieties will also help in the choice of varieties or advanced breeding materials to be integrated into participatory varietal selection programs in order to improve productivity of the crop in Benin.

Adaptation of the “Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles (IDEA)” method for assessing sustainability of farms in the lower valley of Ouémé River in the Republic of Benin

The Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles (IDEA) method was adapted and used to study the sustainability of farms in the Ouémé lower valley in the Republic of Benin. The IDEA survey was tested among a sample of farmers, through discussion groups at village level and via interviews with resource staff. The data collected were then subjected to binomial tests and results from the interviews subject to Student t-test. The study showed that some units of sustainability in the initial version of IDEA are applicable in the study area without modification. Other units, such as permanent or temporary grassland, were rejected as they were not considered relevant by village assemblies. Some elementary units, such as the spatial units of the same crop (indicator A6: size of plots), were reformulated to meet the local context. Finally, the scores for some sustainability indicators, such as C1 (economic viability), were adjusted to meet the local context. With further modification, the adapted version of the IDEA method could be used in other agro-ecological zones in Benin and Africa.

Effects of Diverse Pretreatments on Seed Germination in Cleome gynandra L. (Capparidaceae) - A Threatened Species, Collected from Different Agro-Ecological Zones in Benin

Effects of Diverse Pretreatments on Seed Germination in Cleome gynandra L. (Capparidaceae) - A Threatened Species, Collected from Different Agro-Ecological Zones in Benin

English

In Benin, family poultry farming has become an important activity in economic and social aspects that contribute to food security, poverty reduction and well-being. However, current information about poultry production and consumption is still limited. This information would be useful to improve the sustainable exploitation of agricultural and commercial genetic resources. We aimed to identify and assess the socio-economic and phenotypic features as well as to investigate phenotypic variability and growth performance of guinea fowls raised under different environments. Growth performance and survival rates of local guinea fowl varieties were recorded in three zones of Benin: Collines, Atacora and Borgou. Seven varieties, Gray, Common, Bonaparte, White, Black, Isabelle and Multicolored, were identified in Benin. The farmers choose a variety to be raised based on breeding system, agro-ecological zone, disease resistance, market price and production purpose. Bonaparte, Common and Gray varieties emerged as the most resistant whereas White, Black and Gray outperformed in growth and may be used for breeding purposes. The semi-confinement system could be recommended for startup as a temporary solution to improve production of local guinea fowls in Benin. The existence of several varieties on farms does not encourage genetic conservation and improvement of these resources. Establishing selection or crossbreeding programs in controlled environments would be more appropriate for guinea fowls raised in Benin. Key words: Survey, agro-ecological zones, confinement systems.

Ethnobotanical Investigation and Collection of the Local Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties Produced in Benin

Although maize is an economic crop among agroecological zones in Benin, there is a limited information on its varietal diversity, production constraints and ethnobotanical knowledge. To fill this gap, ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 51 communities from 22 ethnic groups randomly selected from 11 departments in Benin using participatory rural appraisal. A total of 161 accession names of maize were recorded and collected from the study area. Results of the study showed a strong correlation between the age of the producers and the number of varieties produced. Similarly, there was a relationship between total maize yield produced and size of the farm cultivated. In the North, maize varieties are classified based on seed color or maturity period, while in the South plant morphology and origin are mostly used. Across ethnic groups, variety preference criteria depended on specific production constraints and its socio-cultural importance. Based on the perceived agronomic traits of the varieties reported by farmers, collected samples were clustered into four groups of complementary characteristics that are of high importance for maize breeding in Benin.

English

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers were used for genetic diversity analysis and population structure of the cultivated Pearl millet in Benin, West Africa. In order to assess the level of genetic diversity, 14 polymorphic SSR markers were used to screen 114 accessions from different agro-ecological zones in Benin. SSR markers were found to reveal a total of 57 alleles with an average of 4.071 allele per locus. Genetic diversity index varied from 0.099 to 0.633 with an average of 0.405. The average observed heterozygosity was found to reach 0.425. The analysis of molecular variance showed no real differentiation between regions. Only 5% of genetic variation was observed between samples collected from north-eastern and north-western region. A high level of variation (95%) was observed among accessions. Moreover, both principal component analysis (PCA) and the dendrogram obtained from the genetic distance among accessions revealed the absence of any specific structuration of accessions from each region under study. Our results confirmed diversity among cultivated Pearl millet in Benin and such diversity is not clustering according to geographical patterns. Key words: Cereal, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, genetic variability.

Spatial and Temporal Infestation Rates of Apate terebrans (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in Cashew Orchards in Benin, West Africa

Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. is an important export crop in Benin, but incurs serious damage from the cashew wood borer Apate terebrans Pallas. In spite of its economic importance, the population dynamics of this beetle have never been studied, thus precluding any science-based development and implementation of control strategies. The spatial and temporal abundance pattern of A.terebrans was therefore monitored in 17 mature cashew orchards distributed across three agro-ecological zones in Benin. In each orchard, 30 cashew trees were chosen at random and inspected monthly for two consecutive years. As this insect feeds inside branches and trunks by boring holes, direct observations of adults inside the tree are not possible. Therefore infestations of trees were estimated by the occurrence and number of fresh entry holes. Over the two-year observation period, infestations in the cashew trees by A.terebrans started in September, peaked in January–February and sharply declined thereafter, reaching zero by July–August. Whereas the infestation rates were statistically similar between sampling years or among agro-ecological zones, they differed significantly among sampling months. Aggregation indices calculated using Taylor's power law indicated that A.terebrans has an aggregated spatial distribution. Values of the Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) index indicated that the spatial pattern of the infestation in a given year does not depend on the pattern observed in the previous years, suggesting that A.terebrans generally prefers to infest new trees. Implications of our findings for the development, implementation and monitoring of effective control strategies against A.terebrans are discussed.

Influences Des Zones Biogéographiques Sur La Diversité Avienne Des Galeries Forestières Au Bénin, Afrique De l’Ouest

This study examined the diversity and ecological distribution of riparian bird species across a climatic gradient in Benin. Riparian bird communities were compared among three climatic zones in Benin Republic from December 2012 to November 2015. The diversity and ecological distribution of riparian bird was examined from a census (inventory) of birds in forests galleries across the three climatic zones in Benin by means of a technique of sampling of limited (punctual) type centred on no listening of 20 minutes in a circular plot of 18 m of beam. A total of 140 species richness belonging to 18 orders and 44 families were recorded across climatic zones. The highest (73) species richness were recorded in Guinean zone, followed by Soudanean zone (70) and Soudano – guinean zones, the lowest (68). Similarly, species diversity was highest in Soudanean zone (H’=5.77 bits) and lowest in Soudano – guinean zone (4,28 bits). But we have a significant difference in species diversity between the study climatic zones, but relative abundance of bird are not differed between zones. Further, diverse bird guilds were recorded varying across the climatic gradients indicating the riparian forest conservation importance. Increasing farmland severs more suitable habitats with dire consequences on the survival of disturbance – sensitive bird species. These researches underpin the need for considering integrated bird conservation strategies and are important for planning local ecotourism activities and to protect riparian forest in Benin.