Distribution of tree species along a gallery forest-savanna gradient: Patterns, overlaps and ecological thresholds

Azihou Akomian Fortuné, Glele Kakaï Romain Lucas, Bellefontaine Ronald, Sinsin Brice Augustin. 2013. Distribution of tree species along a gallery forest-savanna gradient: Patterns, overlaps and ecological thresholds. Journal of Tropical Ecology, 29 (1) : 25-37.

Quartile : Q3, Sujet : ECOLOGY

Résumé : Savannas intermingled with gallery forests are dynamic habitats typical in Africa. This study aims to determine if differences in species traits lead to non-overlapping distribution of gallery-forest and savanna species and abrupt transition between gallery forest and savanna. Tree species densities were measured in 375 plots of 1500 m2 covering a total sample area of 56.25 ha along forty 3-km transects located at right angles to a riverbed with gallery forest into surrounding savanna. Location, vegetation type, soil physical properties, erosion and fire occurrence were recorded as site factors. Data analysis included the quantification of co-occurrence patterns, threshold indicator taxa analysis and fuzzy set ordination. The gallery forest-savanna gradient predicted floristic composition of plots with a correlation of 0.595 but its accuracy was locally modified by the occurrence of fire and the physical properties of soil that coveredmore than 30% of the range of residuals. The distribution of gallery-forest and savanna tree species did not overlap. Along the gallery forest-savanna gradient, savanna species gradually increased in density while gallery-forest species showed a community threshold at 120 m from the river beyond the width of gallery forest. The forest species driving this trend should play an important role in the dynamics of gallery forest-savanna boundaries.

Mots-clés Agrovoc : arbre forestier, espèce, savane, distribution spatiale, espacement, inventaire forestier, écologie forestière

Mots-clés géographiques Agrovoc : Bénin

Mots-clés complémentaires : Forêt galerie

Classification Agris : K01 - Foresterie - Considérations générales
F70 - Taxonomie végétale et phytogéographie
F40 - Écologie végétale

Champ stratégique Cirad : Axe 6 (2005-2013) - Agriculture, environnement, nature et sociétés

Auteurs et affiliations

• Azihou Akomian Fortuné, UAC (BEN)
• Glele Kakaï Romain Lucas, UAC (BEN)
• Bellefontaine Ronald, CIRAD-BIOS-UMR AGAP (FRA)
• Sinsin Brice Augustin, UAC (BEN)

Source : Cirad - Agritrop (https://agritrop.cirad.fr/567602/)

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