A comparison of Guibourtia copallifera Benn. stands in South West Burkina Faso-community structure and regeneration

Abstract

Shifting agriculture, fire, and over exploitation of wood and copal resin are the major causes of Guibourtia copallifera Benn. vulnerability in the south-west of Burkina Faso. Conservation of endangered species requires a thorough understanding of the dynamics of small populations. In the present study, we investigated the diversity and the dynamics of G. copallifera communities in two different types of land use history, a protected area (stated forest of Comoé-Leraba) and an unprotected area (the woodlands of Tourni and Timba). A total of 17 rectangular plots (50 m × 20 m) were sampled in both protected and unprotected areas. All woody species were systematically identified, measured and classified into diameter and height classes. In the two different types of land use, the dynamics of G. copallifera’s communities were good, and the diversities were similar and low with high β diversity.

Keywords

biodiversity conservation / shifting agriculture / vulnerable species / West Africa

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