Structure et diversité floristique des îlots de forêts riveraines communautaires de la Basse vallée de la Sô au Sud-Est du Bénin

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the structure and floristic diversity of the forest bordering the lower valley of the Sô southeast of Benin. Methods and Results: The floristic inventories and forestry products were conducted across 38 plots. In total, 75 species belonging to 69 genera and 31 families were surveyed. Plant communities were identified and characterized as the riparian forest to Mimusops kummel and Pterocarpus santalinoides, riparian forest Cola gigantea and C. laurifolia and riparian forest to Berlinia grandiflora and Dialium guineense. Plant and structural parameters varied from one group to another. Thus, species richness varies from 30 to 47 species, Shannon diversity index of 1.65 to 4.20 bits, Pielou evenness from 0.50 to 0.83 and the diversity of families is between 19 and 24 with a predominance of Leguminosae. Density varies from 247 to 641 stems / ha, basal area of 22.25 to 63.84 m² / ha, volume and biomass are between 85.62 and 471.01 m3/ha. Conclusion and application: The study showed the diversity of plant community forests. There is a recent increase in local biodiversity, but is subject to strong human pressure which requires urgent conservations action. The protection of these fragile ecosystems is crucial for southern Benin since it constitute a wetland of international importance (Ramsar 1018) and economic potential for the populations living on the lakeside.

Keywords: Flora, community, Sô lower valley, South-East of Benin, West Africa.

J. Appl. Biosci. 2013