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Neuenschwander, P., Sinsin, B. & Goergen, G. (eds) 2011. Protection de la Nature en Afrique de l’Ouest: Une Liste Rouge pour le Bénin. Nature Conservation in West Africa: Red List for Benin. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. ISBN 978 978 49796 9 6, 365 pages.

  • October 2011
  • Publisher: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
  • ISBN: 978 978 49796 9 6
Authors:
Peter Neuenschwander at Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
Peter Neuenschwander
Brice Sinsin at University of Abomey-Calavi
Brice Sinsin
Georg Goergen at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
Georg Goergen
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Abstract

The information needed for implementing nature protection in Benin is sparse and scattered. This volume for the first time presents information in 33 chapters covering rare and threatened plants, insects, fishes, antelopes, large cats, etc. The status of over 550 species is evaluated according to IUCN criteria and their local names, short descriptions, ecologies and distributions are given. The book is of interest to those working in nature conservation from schools, NGOs, tourists to government agencies.
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1
Information de base pour développer une Liste Rouge pour le Bénin Basic information for developing a Red List for Benin
Protection de la Nature en
Afrique de l’Ouest: Une Liste
Rouge pour le Bénin
Nature Conservation in West
Africa: Red List for Benin
Peter Neuenschwander
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
Cotonou, Bénin
Brice Sinsin
Université d’Abomey-Calavi
Cotonou, Bénin
Georg Goergen
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
Cotonou, Bénin
Editors
ii
Protection de la Nature en Afrique de l’Ouest: Une Liste Rouge pour le Bénin Nature Conservation in West Africa: Red List for Benin
© International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 2011
IITA Ibadan, Nigeria
Telephone: (234-2) 7517472
Fax: (234-2) 2412221
E-mail: iita@cgiar.org
Web: www.iita.org
To Headquarters from outside Nigeria:
IITA, Carolyn House
26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, UK
Within Nigeria:
PMB 5320, Oyo Road
Ibadan, Oyo State
ISBN 978 978 49796 9 6
Citation correcte Correct citation: Neuenschwander, P., Sinsin, B. & Goergen, G. (eds).
2011. Protection de la Nature en Afrique de l’Ouest: Une Liste Rouge pour le B
é
nin. Nature
Conservation in West Africa: Red List for Benin. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture,
Ibadan, Nigeria. 365 pages.
Page de couverture:
Le singe end
émique ‘Zin kaka’ (
Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster, au centre) est l’animal
phare, symbole de la protection de la nature au B
énin.
Autres espèces rares et menac
ées
(de
gauche à droite) Trichechus senegalensis, Fundulopanchax lamentosum, Thunbergia
atacorensis, Chamaeleo necasi, Hyperolius cf. torrentis, Ceriagrion citrinum, Lycaon pictus. Pour
les auteurs des photos voir page 348.
Cover page:
The endemic monkey (shown in the centre) is the agship species for nature protection in Benin.
The other species named in the French text (from left to right) are all rare and threatened. Photo
credits: see page 348.
iii
1
Information de base pour développer une Liste Rouge pour le Bénin Basic information for developing a Red List for Benin
Liste des chapitres Contents
Contributeurs ........................................................................................................................ iv
Avant-propos du Ministre de l’Environnement et de la Protection de la Nature ............ vi
Préface Preface: Peter NeueNschwaNder, Brice siNsiN & Georg GoerGeN ............................ vii
1. Information de base pour développer une Liste Rouge pour le Bénin
Basic information for developing a Red List for Benin: Peter NeueNschwaNder,
Georg GoerGeN & Brice siNsiN ...................................................................................... 1
2. Le Bénin, milieu naturel et données socio-économiques Benin, its natural ...........
environment and socio-economic data: Peter NeueNschwaNder & Ismaïla Toko ........... 7
3. Phytogéographie du Bénin Phytogeography of Benin: Aristide adomou ..................... 14
4. Plantes Plants: Aristide adomou & Brice siNsiN ............................................................. 21
5. Champignons supérieurs Larger fungi: Nourou S. Yorou & André de kesel ............. 47
6. Crevettes Shrimps and prawns: Zacharie sohou, Meryas D. KouToN & Roger djimaN . 61
7. Insectes Insects: Georg GoerGeN, Pascal dupoNT, Peter NeueNschwaNder,
Sévérin Tchibozo & Philippe le Gall ............................................................................. 67
8. Gastéropodes marins Marine snails: Zacharie sohou ................................................. 94
9. Céphalopodes Squids, octopuses and cuttlesh: Zacharie sohou ............................... 98
10. Poissons d’eau douce de grande taille Large fresh water shes: Philippe laleYe .............
103
11. Petits poissons d’eau douce Small fresh water shes: Damien marTiN,
Martial kouderiN & Peter NeueNschwaNder .................................................................... 112
12. Poissons marins Marine shes: Zacharie sohou & Roger djimaN .............................. 129
13. Amphibiens Amphibians: G. NaGo ............................................................................... 149
14. Crocodiles Crocodiles: G. Nathalie kpera, Guy A. meNsah & Brice siNsiN ................... 157
15. Tortues terrestres et d’eau douce Tortoises and freshwater turtles:
Sêdjro Justine dossa ...................................................................................................... 164
16. Tortues marines Sea turtles: Sêdjro Justine dossa & Joséa dossou-bodjreNou ........ 175
17. Serpents Snakes: A. S. Christian ToudoNou ................................................................. 186
18. Varans et caméléons Monitor lizards and chameleons: A. S. Christian ToudoNou .............
198
19. Oiseaux Birds: Toussaint O. louGbeGNoN & Roland M. libois ....................................... 204
20. Chauves souris Bats: Bruno A. djossa, Nohemi C. A. VoGloziN & Brice A. siNsiN ..............
229
21. Primates Primates: Georges Nobime, Brice siNsiN & Peter NeueNschwaNder ............... 238
22. Rongeurs Rodents: Guy Apollinaire meNsah & Aimé H. bokoNoN-GaNTa ...................... 250
23. Antilopes Antelopes: Bruno A. djossa, Barthélémy kassa,
Ferdinand kidjo & Brice siNsiN ....................................................................................... 259
24. Lamantin d’Afrique de l’Ouest West African manatee:
Joséa S. dossou-bodjreNou, Zacharie sohou & Patrice saGbo .................................... 272
25. Baleines et dauphins Whales and dolphins: Zacharie sohou ...................................... 278
26. Eléphant Elephant: Aristide C. Tehou ............................................................................ 285
27. Hippopotame Hippopotamus: Achille E. assoGbadjo, Gauthier amoussou,
Brice siNsiN & Peter NeueNschwaNder ............................................................................ 289
28. Phacochères et potamochères Warthog and bush pig: Bruno A. djossa,
Mireille D. aGassouNoN houeNou & Brice siNsiN ............................................................. 293
29. Mammifères myrmécophages Myrmecophagous mammals: Hugues A. akpoNa
& Is-haquou A. daouda .................................................................................................. 298
30. Damans Hyraxes: Hugues A. akpoNa, bruno djossa & Brice siNsiN ............................. 304
31. Grands carnivores Large carnivores (Felidae, Hyaenidae & Canidae):
Etotépé A. soGbohossou & Brice siNsiN ......................................................................... 308
32. Petits carnivores Small Predators (Herpestidae, Mustelidae, Viverridae,
Canidae, Nandiniidae & Felidae): Chabi A. M. S. djaGouN,
Hugues A. akpoNa & Is-haquou A. daouda .................................................................... 318
33. Une protection de la nature durable pour le Bénin: Conclusions
Sustainable nature protection for Benin: Conclusions: Peter NeueNschwaNder &
Brice siNsiN ..................................................................................................................... 331
Remerciements: Matériel photographique Photo credits................................................... 348
Index ...................................................................................................................................... 351
... L'objectif global de ce travail est de caractériser et comparer la diversité (biologique, chorologique) des communautés végétales en vue de dégager les ressemblances et/ou les différences qui existent entre ces groupements végétaux. La zone d'étude est sous l'influence du climat subéquatorial avec un régime bimodal caractérisé par deux saisons pluvieuses et deux saisons sèches alternées [17]. La température moyenne varie autour de 27,3 °C [18]. ...
... Il a été dénombré 308 espèces sur l'ensemble de la zone d'étude 2807 espèces que compte la flore du Bénin, soit un taux de 10,97 % [17]. Ainsi, 81 espèces sont récoltées dans le seul faciès des îlots de forêt dense semi-décidue, 167 espèces dans le groupement végétal des jeunes jachères, 138 espèces dans le groupement végétal des savanes herbeuses et 175 espèces dans le groupement végétal des vieilles jachères. ...
... En dépit de moindre nombre des placettes réalisé dans les îlots de forêt dense semi-décidue par rapport aux autres formations végétales, il est à noter que ces îlots regorgent plus d'espèces de la zone guinéo-congolaise, lesquelles sont inféodées à cette zone biogéographique. Cette dégradation de la flore du milieu est liée aux activités anthropiques mais aussi par la nature paléogéographique de ce district phytogéographique qui est au coeur du Dahomey-Gap [17,19]. Seul le faciès végétal obtenu garde sa spécificité du milieu guinéo-congolais. ...
Diversité floristique des communautés végétales du district phytogéographique du Plateau au Sud-Ouest du Bénin : cas des arrondissements de Koudo, Agamè et Ouèdèmè-Adja, Commune de Lokossa
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2022
Le présent travail vise à étudier la diversité floristique des formations végétales du district phytogéographique du Plateau au Sud-Ouest du Bénin. La méthode d'inventaire phytosociologique a été adoptée et a permis de collecter 308 espèces réparties en 242 genres et 78 familles. La surface d'inventaire varie entre 100 m² et 900 m². La classification hiérarchique ascendante des données de présence-absence a permis de discriminer trois groupements végétaux et un faciès végétal suivant les communautés végétales. L'indice de Shannon et l'équitabilité de Pielou ont permis d'évaluer la diversité floristique des communautés végétales identifiées. Le premier oscille entre 2,57 ± 1,12 bits à 3,47 ± 0,62 bits alors que le second varie entre 0,54 ± 0,23 et 0,67 ± 0,10. Les jeunes jachères présentent la plus forte diversité avec une faible densité des phanérophytes. Ces derniers contrôlent les îlots de forêts sacrées. En dépit de la région guinéo-congolaise dans laquelle l'étude a été menée, les espèces à distribution continentale et celles à large distribution dominent l'ensemble des groupements végétaux sauf le faciès végétal des îlots de forêts. Les espèces autochtones de cette région biogéographique gouvernent les îlots de forêts denses sèches semi-décidues. De ce fait, il devient impérieux d'intervenir afin d'assurer la conservation des espèces et de restaurer les écosystèmes dégradés. Mots-clés : groupements végétaux, diversité floristique, district phytogéographique, Lokossa, Bénin. 43 Afrique SCIENCE 20(6) (2022) 42-56 Yéhounko Bruno Buffon GBODJINOU et al. Abstract Diversité floristique des communautés végétales du district phytogéographique du Plateau au Sud-Ouest du Bénin : cas des arrondissements de Koudo, Agamè et Ouèdèmè-Adja, Commune de Lokossa This work aims to study the floristic diversity of plant formations in the plateau phytogeographical district in southwestern Benin. The phytosociological inventory method was adopted and made it possible to collect 308 species divided into 242 genera and 78 families. The inventory area varies between 100 m² and 900 m². The ascending hierarchical classification of presence-absence data made it possible to discriminate between three plant groups and one plant facies according to plant communities. The Shannon index and pielou's equitability made it possible to assess the floristic diversity of the plant communities identified. The first oscillates between 2.57 ± 1.12 bits to 3.47 ± 0.62 bits while the second varies between 0.54 ± 0.23 and 0.67 ± 0.10. Young fallow land have the highest diversity with a low density of phanerophytes. The latter control the islets of sacred forests. Despite the Guineo-Congolese region in which the study was conducted, species with continental distribution and those with wide distribution dominate all plant groups except the plant facies of forest islands. Native species of this biogeographical region rule the islands of dense dry semi-deciduous forests. As a result, it becomes imperative to intervene to ensure the conservation of species and restore degraded ecosystems.
... The phytodistrict of South-Borgou covers 22% of the country and has a unimodal rainfall averaging 1200 mm [24]. South-Borgou has ferruginous soils on crystalline rocks and its vegetation is characterized by dry forest, woodland, and riparian forest with 340 plant species [4]. The main sociolinguistic groups occupying the area are Fè, Fon, Idatcha, Mahi, Tchabè, Nago, Bariba, Anii, and Lokpa [26,27]. ...
... Literature was used to collect data regarding the species origin, its global and national distribution, its conservation status (in situ and ex situ), existence of legislation, and threat assessment, for prioritization purpose. Scientific articles, the flora of Benin [29], the Biodiversity Atlas for West Africa [25], the IUCN online database [32], the Red list of threatened plant species in Benin [4], and the online database of the Plant Resources of Tropical Africa [33] were used as complementary sources of data. ...
... While the previous prioritization studies undertaken so far have targeted different groups of species such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) [64], wild edible plants [20], crop wild relatives [47], neglected and underutilized species [73], and timber species, none of these studies has focused on wild spices. The only previous study that listed some wild spices for conservation is the Red List of threatened plant species of Benin [4], with six species (Monodora myristica, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Xylopia aethiopica, X. rubescens, Zanthoxylum gilletii, and Z. zanthoxyloides) documented as threatened based on the IUCN criteria [74]. Four of those wild spice taxa were missing from our inventory and the missing taxa included two species (M. ...
Species richness, cultural importance, and prioritization of wild spices for conservation in the Sudano-Guinean zone of Benin (West Africa)
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2018
Spices have always been used for their flavor-enhancement characteristics and for their medicinal properties. In Benin, scientific research on spices is scarce, despite their importance in the local population’s daily needs. This study investigated the diversity of wild spices and documented the associated traditional knowledge that can be used for their valuation, domestication, and sustainable management in the Sudano-Guinean Zone of Benin. Data were collected during field expeditions using semi-structured interviews in ten localities across the three phytodistricts of the zone. Species richness and Shannon’s diversity index were estimated using species accumulation curves. Use report (UR), cultural importance, use value (UV) index, and informant consensus factor (Fic) were used to assess traditional knowledge on wild species, their local importance, and informants’ agreement among sociolinguistic groups. Priority wild spices were finally identified using an approach combining eight criteria (native status, economic value, ethnobotanical value, global distribution, national distribution, in-situ and ex-situ conservation status, legislation, and threats assessment) in four prioritization methods (point scoring procedure, point scoring procedure with weighting, compound ranking system, and binomial ranking system). A total of 14 species, belonging to 12 genera and 9 families, were inventoried. The most prominent families were Zingiberaceae (21.43%), Annonaceae (21.43%), and Rutaceae (14.29%). More than 200 specific uses were reported, with the Tchabè people holding the greatest level of knowledge (70 uses; UR = 5.70 ± 0.33). The culturally most important spices differed among sociolinguistic groups. Most of the informants agree on the use of the species among (Fic = 0.72–0.98) and across the considered use categories (Fic = 0.88–0.99). The highest UV were registered for Aframomum alboviolaceum (UV = 0.93), Lippia multiflora (UV = 0.76), and Aframomum angustifolium (UV = 0.18). Overall, people perceived wild spices as declining due to agriculture, grazing, and drought. Five species, A. alboviolaceum, L. multiflora, Monodora tenuifolia, Xylopia aethiopica, and Z. zanthoxyloides, were the most prioritized for conservation. This study provides information relevant for the implementation of conservation and domestication actions of wild spices in Benin. Priority species could be integrated into traditional agroforestry systems (e.g., home gardens). However, for this to be effective, further research should be undertaken on morphological and genetic diversity and propagation methods of priority wild spices.
... The phytodistrict of South-Borgou covers 22% of the country and has a unimodal rainfall averaging 1200 mm [24]. South-Borgou has ferruginous soils on crystalline rocks and its vegetation is characterized by dry forest, woodland, and riparian forest with 340 plant species [4]. The main sociolinguistic groups occupying the area are Fè, Fon, Idatcha, Mahi, Tchabè, Nago, Bariba, Anii, and Lokpa [26,27]. ...
... Literature was used to collect data regarding the species origin, its global and national distribution, its conservation status (in situ and ex situ), existence of legislation, and threat assessment, for prioritization purpose. Scientific articles, the flora of Benin [29], the Biodiversity Atlas for West Africa [25], the IUCN online database [32], the Red list of threatened plant species in Benin [4], and the online database of the Plant Resources of Tropical Africa [33] were used as complementary sources of data. ...
... While the previous prioritization studies undertaken so far have targeted different groups of species such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) [64], wild edible plants [20], crop wild relatives [47], neglected and underutilized species [73], and timber species, none of these studies has focused on wild spices. The only previous study that listed some wild spices for conservation is the Red List of threatened plant species of Benin [4], with six species (Monodora myristica, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Xylopia aethiopica, X. rubescens, Zanthoxylum gilletii, and Z. zanthoxyloides) documented as threatened based on the IUCN criteria [74]. Four of those wild spice taxa were missing from our inventory and the missing taxa included two species (M. ...
What determine the distribution, richness and traditional knowledge related to the wild spices in the Sudano-Guinean zone of Benin?
Poster
  • Sep 2017
In recent decades, wild spices (WS) have been increasingly studied for their flavor-enhancement characteristics and their medicinal properties. In Benin, many spices used daily for medicine, food and ceremony are gathered from the wild. But so far, little attempt has been made for their domestication and cultivation. Consequently, many WS are being extinct due to overexploitation and habitat loss. This study investigated the diversity of the wild spices as well as it ecological drivers, and document the associated traditional knowledge for their valuation, sustainable management and conservation in the Sudano-Guinean zone of Benin. Data were collected during field expeditions and using semi-structured interviews in ten localities across three phytodistricts. Occurrence data were recorded in the field and from Global Biodiversity Information Facility database. Species richness and Shannon’s diversity index were estimated using species accumulation curves and based on presence-absence data obtained from semi-structured interviews. Species distribution and richness were then mapped, and their driving forces identified using conditional inference trees. Use-report and Cultural importance index were used along with a Generalized linear model to test for differences in traditional knowledge. Priority WS were identified using an approach combining eight criteria in four prioritization methods. Fourteen species, belonging to 12 genera and 9 families were inventoried. The most prominent families were Zingiberaceae (21.43%), Annonaceae (21.43%) and Rutaceae (14.29%). The species were unequally distributed and several spice-rich areas were identified. More than 200 specific uses were reported, with Tchabè people holding the greatest level of knowledge (70 uses; UR=5.70±0.33). The most culturally important spices differed among sociolinguistic groups. Overall, people perceived WS as declining due to agriculture, grazing and drought. Eight species were identified as of highest priority for conservation: Aframomum alboviolaceum, A. angustifolium, A. melegueta, Lippia multiflora, Monodora tenuifolia, Securidaca longipedunculata, Xylopia aethiopica and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides. This study provides basic data to engage conservation and domestication actions for WS in Benin. Priority species could be integrated into home gardens and traditional agroforestry systems in particular for sustainable management. However, for this to be effective, further research should be engaged on morphological and genetic diversity, and propagation methods of those spices.
... Atakora mountain chain is a region of great ecological and species diversity in the country [15]. It harbors an outstanding flora including three endemic genera (Vitellaria, Pseudocedrela, and Haematostaphis) to the Sudanian zones, two plant species endemics to Benin (Cyperus beninensis (Samain, Reynders & Goetgh) Huygh and Ipomoea beninensis Akoègninou, Lisowski & Sinsin), and Thunbergia atacorensis Akoègninou & Lisowski, an endangered species endemic to the inselbergs of Benin and Togo [16,17]. Unfortunately, over-logging, exploitation of granitic rock plates, and agricultural exploitation of the mountain chain lead to the degradation of plant communities and threat the integrity of this ecosystem. ...
... The Dunn post hoc test was performed using the package FSA [34] in R software [35]. Since the number of women in the study (16) was very unbalanced for making robust inference [36], no statistical comparison was made regarding gender, although descriptive statistics have been reported. To assess the reason supporting the importance of threatening woody species, a correspondence analysis was applied on the contingency table of categories of use and important species. ...
... The diversity of TWS in the Atakora chain region is estimated at 117 species, representing about 4.17% of the national flora of Benin estimated at 2807 species [43]. About 12% of the identified TWS are red listed in Benin and in IUCN list, with Afraegle paniculata, Afzelia africana, Khaya grandifoliola, K. senegalensis, Milicia excelsa, Pterocarpus erinaceus, and Triplochiton scleroxylon, highly endangered in the country, the others being vulnerable [16]. These observations are supporting the status of Atakora region and its mountain chain, known to be a hotspot of biodiversity in Benin [15], hosting three endemic genera (Vitellaria, Pseudocedrela, and Haematostaphis) to the Sudanian zone, the two Beninese's endemic plant species (Cyperus beninensis and Ipomoea beninensis), as well as Thunbergia atacorensis, an endangered species endemic to the inselbergs of Benin and Togo [16,17]. ...
Traditional ecological knowledge-based assessment of threatened woody species and their potential substitutes in the Atakora mountain chain, a threatened hotspot of biodiversity in Northwestern Benin, West Africa
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2018
Background Atakora mountains in Benin are a unique but fragile ecosystem, harboring many endemic plant species. The ecosystem is undergoing degradation, and the woody vegetation is dramatically declining due to high anthropogenic actions and recurrent drought. This study aimed to (i) assess the diversity of threatened woody species and (ii) identify their potential substitutes in the three regions of the Atakora mountains namely East Atakora, Central Atakora, and West Atakora. Methods The data were collected during expeditions on surveyed localities through semi-structured individual interviews. Free-listing was used to record threatened woody species and which were important and why. Alpha-diversity indices were used to assess diversity of threatened and important threatened woody species. A correspondence analysis was used to determine the reason supporting their importance. Differences in species composition were assessed using analysis of similarities. A number of potential substitutes were compared among species using generalized linear models. Results A total of 117 woody species (37 families and 92 genera) were identified. The most prominent families were Fabaceae (19.66%), Combretaceae (12.82%), and Moraceae (10.26%), and the richest genera were Ficus (10 species), Combretum (6), and Terminalia (5). Most threatened species differed across regions (East Atakora, Central Atakora, and West Atakora) and included Afzelia africana, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Borassus aethiopum, Diospyros mespiliformis, Khaya senegalensis, Milicia excelsa, and Pterocarpus erinaceus. Most socioeconomically important species (K. senegalensis, Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, and V. doniana) were used mainly for food, timber, and fuelwood purposes. Old and adult people, and Dendi and Fulfulde sociolinguistic groups had greater knowledge of threatened woody plant species. High intercultural differentiations in species composition were detected between Bariba-Berba and Bariba-Natimba. Knowledge of substitutes also differed across regions with P. erinaceus, Isoberlinia spp., and A. africana being the most cited substitutes. Conclusion Basic data was provided here to inform decision and guide efficient management of woody resources. There was evidence that immediate conservation measures are required for some high economic value woody taxa which were critically threatened. Ex-situ conservation of these species while promoting their integration into agroforestry-based systems were recommended. Besides, community-based management programs and community led initiatives involving knowledgeable people from different horizons will lead to a long-lasting conservation of these threatened resources. Keywords: Beta-diversity, Atakora mountain chain, Socio-cultural factors, Forest resources, ANOSIM
... To access the systematic information notes, the botanical nomenclature followed the Analytical Flora of Benin (Akoègninou et al. 2006). The list of plant species recorded was compared to online resources such as the "Catalog of life" (Hassler 2020) and the Benin National Red List (Neuenschwander et al. 2011) in order to access botanical information notes and the conservation status of species. ...
... Some of these species found in the single location of EARF within Benin (e.g., Acroceras gabunense, Chrysophyllum welwitschii, Dovyalis afzelii, Drypetes aframensis, Drypetes gilgiana, Englerophytum oblanceolatum, Mansonia altissima, Nesogordonia papaverifera, Octolobus spectabilis, Pterygota macrocarpa, Rinorea ilicifolia, Rinorea kibbiensis and Vitex micrantha) may gain more attention in the National Red List (Neuenschwander et al. 2011). Among them, there are many globally threatened species as the case of Nesogordonia papaverifera and Mansonia altissima, respectively reported as vulnerable (VU) and endangered (EN) by IUCN (2002) and later, were both assessed in Benin as critically endangered (CR) by Adomou et al. (2010) who considered EARF as sites with high concentration of threatened plant species in Benin. ...
A checklist of vascular plants of Ewe-Adakplame Relic Forest in Benin, West Africa
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2021
Covering 560.14 hectares in the south-east of Benin, the Ewe-Adakplame Relic Forest (EARF) is a micro-refugium that shows insular characteristics within the Dahomey Gap. It is probably one of the last remnants of tropical rain forest that would have survived the late Holocene dry period. Based on intensive field investigations through 25 plots (10 × 50 m size) and matching of herbarium specimens, a checklist of 185 species of vascular plant belonging to 54 families and 142 genera is presented for this forest. In addition to the name for each taxon, we described the life form following Raunkiaer’s definitions, chorology as well as threats to habitat. The Rubiaceae family was the richest (20 species) followed by the Fabaceae (15 species). Life forms showed the preponderance of phanerophytes (88%). The Chorological spectrum was dominated by Guineo-Congolean species (66%). Species richness estimated were 200.52 ± 9.2808 for Bootstrap ; 217.62 ± 14.5972; 224.16 ± 15.3725 and 242.67 respectively for Chao , Jacknife1 and Jacknife2 . Bootstrap appears to be the estimation closer to the field records. In Benin, EARF is home for Rinorea species described as West African forest bio-indicators and single location for Nesogordonia papaverifera , Mansonia altissima , Englerophytum oblanceolatum , Octolobus spectabilis , Vitex micrantha and most of Drypeteae tribe species ( Drypetes aframensis , Drypetes afzelii , Drypetes gilgiana and Drypetes leonensis ) recorded in Benin. Our results provides baseline information for further in-depth analysis of vegetation history in Benin by raising the question on the past floristic connection of the Dahomey gap and community engagement in conservation.
... The climate is characterised by a unimodal rainfall regime with an average seven month rainy season (Adomou, 2005). The Sudanian zone includes three phytogeographical districts (also called phytodistricts) that are distinguished on the basis of soil and floristic composition: North Borgou, Atacora chain and Mékrou-Pendjari (Neuenschwander et al., 2011). From a climate perspective, the Atacora chain phytodistrict is characterised by a dry season that lasts about seven months with a mean annual rainfall of 1,000 mm, whereas in the Mékrou-Pendjari phytodistrict, the driest part is characterised by eight months of drought and has an average annual rainfall of 750 mm (Neuenschwander et al., 2011). ...
... The Sudanian zone includes three phytogeographical districts (also called phytodistricts) that are distinguished on the basis of soil and floristic composition: North Borgou, Atacora chain and Mékrou-Pendjari (Neuenschwander et al., 2011). From a climate perspective, the Atacora chain phytodistrict is characterised by a dry season that lasts about seven months with a mean annual rainfall of 1,000 mm, whereas in the Mékrou-Pendjari phytodistrict, the driest part is characterised by eight months of drought and has an average annual rainfall of 750 mm (Neuenschwander et al., 2011). North Borgou has 1,000 to 1,150 mm of rain with the driest conditions at Kandi. ...
Ethnic and generational differences in traditional knowledge and cultural importance of Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause in Benin’s Sudanian savannah
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2017
Understanding the socio-cultural importance of indigenous fruit trees (IFT) and its determining factors is a prerequisite for developing their value and making management decisions. This study documented traditional knowledge (TK) and the cultural importance (CI) of Lannea microcarpa, a neglected and underused indigenous fruit tree found in Benin’s Sudanian region. The study further tested whether TK and CI varied according to ethnic groups and generations. We collected data on the uses and importance of the species from 262 informants who were randomly selected within its zone of occurrence, using free lists and scoring, respectively. Twenty-eight specific usages divided in eigth categories of uses were reported, of which 21 were medicinal, 2 were commercial, and 1 each was for human food, fodder, firewood, construction, packaging and toothpicks. Contrary to the other use categories, traditional knowledge on food uses did not vary either between generations or among ethnic groups. In addition, food use was culturally the most important, followed by medicinal uses. Overall, the fruit was the most preferred and most frequently commercialised part of the plant. Medical conditions treated with L. microcarpa include anaemia, diarrhoea, coughs, ulcers, stomach aches and blood evacuation after childbirth. Our findings suggest that domestication of L. microcarpa should prioritise the fruit, which is the most valued part of the plant. Further studies should therefore focus on the domestication potential of L. microcarpa for its fruit traits and on how to improve fruit production.
... Les graines de C. bonduc flottent et conservent très longtemps leur viabilité dans l'eau. Cela explique sa présence dans les régions côtières.C. bonduc est classée sur la liste rouge du Bénin comme espèce éteinte à l'état sauvage(Adomou, 2005;Neuenschwander et al., 2011). On la retrouve uniquement dans les systèmes agroforestiers (champs, jardin de case, jachère etc). ...
Caesalpinia bonduc(L.) Roxb
Technical Report
Full-text available
  • Oct 2021
Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb est la plante médicinale la plus commercialisée du sud Bénin. Elle est éteinte à l'état sauvage. Cela est dû à la surexploitation de ses racines qui sont essentiellement utilisées dans le traitement de la prostate et de la faiblesse sexuelle. De plus, la dureté des graines ne favorise pas la régénération spontanée de l'espèce à l'état sauvage. L'espèce est classée comme rare et menacée de disparition dans le monde. Des pieds isolés de l'espèce, plantés de main d'homme sont souvent rencontré dans les agglomérations et quelques fois dans les jardins de cases et systèmes agroforestiers. Pour inverser la tendance actuelle et réduire les menaces qui pèsent sur cette espèce, des stratégies de conservation in situ et ex situ sont nécessaires de toute urgence. C'est dans cette optique que la présente fiche technique se propose de donner l'état des connaissances techniques sur l'espèce au Bénin.
... In Gabon, respondents [39]. b Locally threatened [40]. c Globally threatened [41]. ...
1746-4269-11-5
Data
Full-text available
  • Jan 2015
Meat and magic: traditional use of the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus in Benin
Article
  • Jun 2021
Considered a widespread gamebird found across the northern Afrotropical region, the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus is used in magical rituals and for traditional medicine in Africa. Although considered to be a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, loss of their habitat and hunting has caused them to be locally threatened. The aim of this ethno-ornithological study was to assess the utilization of Stone Partridge through surveys conducted in traditional communities. Some 384 people across 13 ethnic groups in Benin Republic were interviewed. Standardised ethnozoological indices were used to evaluate the importance of Stone Partridge as a source of food and a socio-cultural aspect in Benin per ethnic groups, gender and age class. Some 91.15% of respondents cited food as the major use category of Stone Partridge, followed by traditional medicinal and magical ritual. Responses varied by ethnic group and gender, but not age. Respondents reported that hunting is a major threat, leading to population declines. Stone Partridge plays an important role in rural communities in the study area, but a national conservation management strategy is lacking for this and other gamebird species.
National inventory and usage of plant-based medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders with cattle in Benin (West Africa)
Article
Full-text available
Gastrointestinal disorders remained recurrent with livestock in Benin despite huge import of veterinary drugs at high costs. Nevertheless, the country abounds rich and varied anti-gastrointestinal flora which are hardly known, neglected and underutilized. The present study investigated the diversity of plants used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and documented the traditional knowledge associated with them. A total of 690 breeders and farmers were interviewed using open-ended and semi-structured interviews. Data were collected on the identity of the informants, plants and plant parts used, gastrointestinal disorders treated and usage types. Data were analyzed through calculation of relative frequency of citation (RFC), and use of descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis, bar charts and balloonplot. A total of 158 medicinal plant species belonging to 60 families and 130 genera were identified. The most represented were Leguminosae (18%) and Combretaceae (6.4%). Thirty-one plant families were mentioned to be highly utilized, among which the most important were Zygophyllaceae, Phytolaccaceae, Rubiaceae, Lamiaceae, Loranthaceae, Thymelaeaceae and Flacourtiaceae. The species were reported to treat seven gastrointestinal disorders. The most frequently cited were intern parasitosis (35%), diarrhea (29%) and constipation (17%). Leaves (40%) and stem barks (28%) are the plant parts mostly used to treat those disorders. The species with the highest value for RFC were: Khaya senegalensis, Anacardium occidentale, Cassia sieberiana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Vitellaria paradoxa. Socioeconomic factors influencing ethnobotanical knowledge about these species were: age, profession and geographic location of the informants. Further analysis of chemical and pharmacological content of those species are necessary to ascertain the efficiency of their claimed properties and relieve farmers of these disorders.
milieu naturel et données socio-économiques Benin, its natural environment and socio-economic data: Peter NeueNschwaNder & Ismaïla Toko
  • Le
Le Bénin, milieu naturel et données socio-économiques Benin, its natural ........... environment and socio-economic data: Peter NeueNschwaNder & Ismaïla Toko ...........
environment and socio-economic data
  • Le Bénin
  • ......... Ismaïla Toko......... Benin
Le Bénin, milieu naturel et données socio-économiques Benin, its natural........... environment and socio-economic data: Peter NeueNschwaNder & Ismaïla Toko........... 7
Poissons d'eau douce de grande taille Large fresh water fishes: Philippe laleYe
  • Céphalopodes Squids
Céphalopodes Squids, octopuses and cuttlefish: Zacharie sohou............................... 98 10. Poissons d'eau douce de grande taille Large fresh water fishes: Philippe laleYe............. 103