TITLE:
Ecological Sustainability of Detar (Detarium senegalense J. F. Gmel) in Togo (West Africa)
AUTHORS:
Fifonsi Ayélé Dangbo, Kossi Adjonou, Kouami Kokou, Juergen Blaser
KEYWORDS:
Detarium senegalense, Distribution, Ecology, Non-Timber Forest Products, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.10 No.3,
March
13,
2019
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.