Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 4(4), pp. 200 - 206
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2016.040403
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The Contribution of Termitaria to Plant Species Conservation in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin

H. O. Dossou-Yovo ^*, A. E. Assogbadjo , B. Sinsin
Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin

ABSTRACT

The role of termitaria in plant species diversity and conservation was investigated in Pendjari National Park and surroundings. The study objectives were to (i) compare termitaria vegetation similarity, life form and chorological composition between areas, (ii) investigate the difference of species richness and diversity on termitaria between living versus abandoned termitaria, and (iii) predict the species richness and diversity on termitaria as a function of termiaria size. Results show that species from the combretaceae family were the most abundant on termitaria; plant communities on termitaria were different among areas and between living and abandoned termitaria. Phanerophytes were abundant on mounds, therophytes were abundant on termitaria within the protected areas and farms outside of the park; however hemicryptophytes were as abundant as phanerophytes in fallows. From a phytogeographic perspective, species typical of Sudanian ecological region were the most abundant on termitaria. There was no difference in the richness and diversity of termitaria woody species, between termitaria state (dead or live) or between management type (protected or unprotected). Termitaria areas rather than termitaria height significantly correlated with the species richness and diversity. Larger termitaria had the highest diversity. Termitaria vegetation reflects the influence of local climate, moreover termitaria size can be used to predict the species richness and diversity related to them. The termitaria size has no influence on the richness and diversity of woody species related to them.

KEYWORDS
Termitaria, Plant Diversity, Ecology, Conservation, Pendjari National Park

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] H. O. Dossou-Yovo , A. E. Assogbadjo , B. Sinsin , "The Contribution of Termitaria to Plant Species Conservation in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 200 - 206, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2016.040403.

(b). APA Format:
H. O. Dossou-Yovo , A. E. Assogbadjo , B. Sinsin (2016). The Contribution of Termitaria to Plant Species Conservation in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin. Environment and Ecology Research, 4(4), 200 - 206. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2016.040403.