Entomological survey and biodiversity conservation in the Madeleine Island Park of Senegal: Analeptes trifasciata (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae), a threat to the insular baobab

Abstract

A management program of biodiversity inventory and conservation was recently adopted for the rehabilitation of the Madeleine Island National Park (MINP). Entomological surveys were conducted between 2006 and 2009 to gather biological data on the biodiversity and to point out species of interest. Over 30 species of insects belonging mainly to Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Lepidoptera were collected and identified. The Baobab is one of the most important tree species of interest due to its dwarfism which is a source of curiosity for many scientists, visitors and tourists. A coleopteran pest Analeptes trifasciata (Cerambycidae) was found to be a vicious pest to the Baobab Adansonia digitata (Malvale: Bombacaceae). That Beetle was reported earlier in almost all West African countries as a threat to many tree species. This preliminary survey encourages a thorough inventory of the biodiversity and suggests a conservation strategy for major species such as the Baobab, by introducing a management tool to control the damages of A. trifasciata.