Perceptions of local populations on the state of phytodiversity in the subwatershed of Kossi river in the municipalities of Dassa-Zoumé and Glazoué in the Center of Benin

In Africa, since several decades a rarefaction of many plant species because of their daily use by people can be observed. This study which was conducted in the subwatershed of the Kossi River aims to collect peasant perceptions about the state of phytodiversity. The data were collected through an individual survey in 10 villages with 492 households. The software CAP version 2.15. and R version 3.3.3. were used for the statistical analysis. In total, 94 species belonging to 83 genera and 38 families were identified. The dominant genera are Ficus, Ocimum, Acacia and Blighia. Forty-six (46) species of the listed species (48.94%) are currently rare and 9 species (19.57%) of those rare species are threatened in Benin. Value of importance (IV) of activity and the consensus value (UCs) of the choice of activity show that logging, agriculture and breeding have greatest influence on species loss. This study gives information on the most used species by the populations and those we can select for reforestation campaigns. As a perspective, a work on the temporal dynamics of the land use units of this sub-basin will be done to better appreciate their evolution over time. En Afrique, on assiste depuis plusieurs décennies à la raréfaction de plusieurs espèces végétales du fait de leur utilisation quotidienne par les populations. La présente étude conduite dans le sous-bassin versant de la rivière Kossi vise à recueillir les perceptions des populations locales sur l’état de la phytodiversité. Les données ont été collectées à travers une enquête individuelle dans 10 villages auprès de 492 ménages. Les logiciels CAP version 2.15. et R version 3.3.3. ont été utilisés pour les analyses statistiques. Au total, 94 espèces reparties en 83 genres et 38 familles ont été recensées. Les genres dominants sont Ficus, Ocimum, Acacia et Blighia et les familles les mieux représentées sont les Caesalpiniaceae, les Papilionaceae et les Combretaceae. Quarante-six des espèces recensées (48,94%) sont actuellement rares et 9 de ces espèces rares (19,57%) sont menacées au Bénin. La Valeur d’Importance (IV) de l’activité et la valeur consensuelle (UCs) du choix de l’activité ont révélé que l’exploitation forestière, l’agriculture et la transhumance sont les principaux facteurs responsables de cette raréfaction. Cette étude renseigne sur les espèces les plus utiles pour les populations et celles à apporter en cas d’enrichissement. Comme perspective, la dynamique temporelle des unités d’occupation du sol de ce sous-bassin sera abordée pour mieux apprécier leur évolution dans le temps

Ethnobotanical study of Senegal custard apple (Annona senegalensis Pers.) in Dassa-Zoumétownship, Republic of Benin

Medicinal plants play an important role in the well-being of population in tropical countries. The objective of the study was to investigate the ethno botanical uses of custard apple (Annona senegalensis) in Benin. A survey carried out in Dassa-Zoumé township showed that population uses Annona senegalenis to treat many diseases including injury, wound, sting of bee or wasp, snake bite, sting of scorpion, malaria etc. Various organs of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits) were involved in the preparation of many medical recipes. These recipes require different formulations (decoction, infusion, grinding, calcination, chewing, toothpick and trituration). A total of 65 uses of A. senegalensis were recorded in the township. Bathing of body, drinking, dressing in hot water, local application, scarification, instillation, washing of mouth were various modes of administering the medicines. Given the numerous therapeutic and nutritional values of this plant, it is important that the scientific world gives more attention to this shrub by domesticating it and characterizing the active principles present in various organs of this plant.Keywords: Benin, medicinal plant, traditional uses, diseases, treatmen

Trade in vulture parts in West Africa:Burkina Faso may be one of the main sources of vulture carcasses

The current catastrophic decline in African vultures is caused mainly by poisoning, and killing for consumption and belief-based use (traditional medicine). To find out more about the key threats to vultures in West Africa, we assessed the main anthropogenic causes of vulture mortality in Burkina Faso. We analysed incidents of mass vulture mortality, based on interviews conducted in 2016 with local butchers, veterinarians, foresters, and abattoir watchmen at 44 sites across the country. A total of 730 interviews revealed that poisoning was the main cause of mortality of vultures in Burkina Faso (20 of the 23 mass mortality incidents described by respondents were caused by poisoning). Poisoning was also the most lethal threat to vultures (779 out of 879 known vulture deaths were due to poisoning). According to the survey, intentional poisoning of vultures with poisoned baits (which comprised 15 out of 23 mass mortality incidents) produced the highest number of victims (577 out of 879 dead vultures). The number of vultures killed by poisoned baits was higher closer to the borders than elsewhere in Burkina Faso and we believe these recent intentional vulture poisoning events in Burkina Faso were intended to meet the growing demand for vulture body parts in West Africa. The survey showed that unintentional poisoning was the second main cause of vulture mass mortality (5 out of 23 mass mortality incidents comprising 202 of 879 dead vultures). Other important anthropogenic causes of vulture mortality included electrocution at electricity poles and motor vehicle collisions. Our results highlight the need for awareness campaigns, improved policy and legislation, and stronger commitment from governments in West Africa, to halt the trade in vultures and prevent their extirpation.</p

Caractéristiques écologiques de la galerie forestière de la rivière Kossi dans les communes de Dassa-Zoumé et de Glazoué au Centre-Bénin

This study concerns characteristics of forest gallery of Kossi River in municipalities of Dassa-Zoumé and Glazoué in the Department of Hills. The study of structure and floristic diversity of gallery forest of Kossi River was done by phytoecological method in 41 plots of 2,500 m² (50 m × 50 m) for study of plants groups and plots of 25 m² (5 m × 5 m) for régénération. In total, 82 species left in 68 genders and 28 families were identified. The analysis of the 41 plots by the Detrended Canonical Analysis (DCA) shown 03 plant groups such as Anogeissus leiocarpa and Daniellia oliveri group plant, Anogeissus leiocarpa and Isoberlinia doka group, and Cynometra megalophylla and Ceiba pentandra group. Specie richness of these plant groups varies from 31 to 41 species (dbh ≥ 10 cm). Families diversity is between 21 and 22 with predominance of Moraceae, LeguminosaeCaesalpinoideae and Leguminosae-Mimosoideae. Shannon diversity index varies from 2.4 to 3.1 bits and Pielou equitability from 0.5 to 0.6. Density varies from 129 to 233 stems / ha, basal area from 7.9 to 17.2 m² / ha and regeneration rate by group plants varies from 21.60 % to 42.96 %

Breeding Behavior of the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) in the Sudano-Sahelian Area (Garango, Burkina Faso)

Knowledge of Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) breeding behavior is important for monitoring purposes and to understand factors that may impact their breeding rates. In this study, we describe the breeding behavior of 65 Hooded Vulture pairs during two breeding seasons (2013/2014 and 2014/2015) in the Sudano-Sahelian area, Garango, in central-eastern Burkina Faso. The main behavioral patterns examined were aerial displays, copulation, nest building, incubation, nestling-rearing, and nest attendance. Hooded Vultures appeared highly selective with regard to nesting tree selection (91% of the 65 nests were in one of three species: Parkia biglobosa, Faidherbia albida, and Tamarindus indica). The breeding period of 65 pairs of Hooded Vultures spanned approximately 8 mo from egg-laying to fledging of the young. The constructed nests included a variety of human-made waste (plastic, paper, paperboard, and rags). Incubation lasted 48.1 ± 2.0 (SD) d for 18 hatched eggs. Juveniles continued receiving food from their parents on the nesting site for at least 38 d after fledging, and stayed with their parents for &gt;5 mo post-fledging. Aerial displays were frequently performed by Hooded Vultures in pairs (two adults) or in threes (two adults with juvenile) and those observed early in the breeding season were considered to be courtship displays. Both sexes contributed to nest building and incubation tasks, and nestlings were relatively well attended by parents at all times of the day during the first weeks. Hooded Vultures produced 0.70 fledged young per nest where eggs were laid, or 0.57 fledged young per territorial pair. Hooded Vultures have a relatively healthy reproductive rate, but remain threatened primarily by direct human persecution. Local protection of Hooded Vultures in this area should be strengthened by public awareness campaigns to safeguard the population's long-term persistence.</p

Trade in vulture parts in West Africa:Burkina Faso may be one of the main sources of vulture carcasses

The current catastrophic decline in African vultures is caused mainly by poisoning, and killing for consumption and belief-based use (traditional medicine). To find out more about the key threats to vultures in West Africa, we assessed the main anthropogenic causes of vulture mortality in Burkina Faso. We analysed incidents of mass vulture mortality, based on interviews conducted in 2016 with local butchers, veterinarians, foresters, and abattoir watchmen at 44 sites across the country. A total of 730 interviews revealed that poisoning was the main cause of mortality of vultures in Burkina Faso (20 of the 23 mass mortality incidents described by respondents were caused by poisoning). Poisoning was also the most lethal threat to vultures (779 out of 879 known vulture deaths were due to poisoning). According to the survey, intentional poisoning of vultures with poisoned baits (which comprised 15 out of 23 mass mortality incidents) produced the highest number of victims (577 out of 879 dead vultures). The number of vultures killed by poisoned baits was higher closer to the borders than elsewhere in Burkina Faso and we believe these recent intentional vulture poisoning events in Burkina Faso were intended to meet the growing demand for vulture body parts in West Africa. The survey showed that unintentional poisoning was the second main cause of vulture mass mortality (5 out of 23 mass mortality incidents comprising 202 of 879 dead vultures). Other important anthropogenic causes of vulture mortality included electrocution at electricity poles and motor vehicle collisions. Our results highlight the need for awareness campaigns, improved policy and legislation, and stronger commitment from governments in West Africa, to halt the trade in vultures and prevent their extirpation.</p

Local perceptions and sociocultural value of Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Hooded Vultures have suffered from dramatic population declines in recent decades owing to anthropogenic pressures. To properly address this threat, the sociocultural perspectives towards this species should be considered. We examined peoples' perceptions, knowledge and beliefs on Hooded Vulture's sociocultural values in Burkina Faso through face to face surveys at 20 sites spread across the country. A total of 900 interviews (with 600 householders and 300 butchers) revealed valuable knowledge and an overall positive perception of Hooded Vultures. More than 72% (n = 653) of interviewees (mostly Mossi, Bissa and Gourmatche ethnic groups) regarded Hooded Vultures as important, venerated and sacred birds, and we received no reports of Hooded Vultures attacking livestock-which is all beneficial to their conservation. Conversely, a minority of interviewees (12%, n = 108) believed that Hooded Vultures are harmful, but the reasons provided for this view were insubstantial. Nevertheless, the negative views towards Hooded Vultures should be urgently examined. Furthermore, the vast majority of respondents (84%, n = 753) viewed Hooded Vulture populations as having decreased and the main reasons provided were decreasing food availability, intentional killing using poisoned baits for beliefmbased use, habitat loss or degradation, and unintentional poisoning. Interestingly, most respondents (84%, n = 760) were acutely aware of the imminence of the Hooded Vulture's possible extinction and are willing to take conservation measures, suggesting both support and eventual success for conservation actions in this area. The key actions suggested by local communities are valuable for vulture conservation and include severely punishing poachers, supplying safe food for Hooded Vultures, preserving and restoring habitat, and raising awareness of Hooded Vulture conservation

Local perceptions and sociocultural value of Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus in Burkina Faso, West Africa: Perceptions locales et valeur socioculturelle des Vautours Charognards au Burkina Faso

Hooded Vultures have suffered from dramatic population declines in recent decades owing to anthropogenic pressures. To properly address this threat, the sociocultural perspectives towards this species should be considered. We examined peoples’ perceptions, knowledge and beliefs on Hooded Vulture’s sociocultural values in Burkina Faso through face-to-face surveys at 20 sites spread across the country. A total of 900 interviews (with 600 householders and 300 butchers) revealed valuable knowledge and an overall positive perception of Hooded Vultures. More than 72% (n = 653) of interviewees (mostly Mossi, Bissa and Gourmatché ethnic groups) regarded Hooded Vultures as important, venerated and sacred birds, and we received no reports of Hooded Vultures attacking livestock—which is all beneficial to their conservation. Conversely, a minority of interviewees (12%, n = 108) believed that Hooded Vultures are harmful, but the reasons provided for this view were insubstantial. Nevertheless, the negative views towards Hooded Vultures should be urgently examined. Furthermore, the vast majority of respondents (84%, n = 753) viewed Hooded Vulture populations as having decreased and the main reasons provided were decreasing food availability, intentional killing using poisoned baits for belief-based use, habitat loss or degradation, and unintentional poisoning. Interestingly, most respondents (84%, n = 760) were acutely aware of the imminence of the Hooded Vulture’s possible extinction and are willing to take conservation measures, suggesting both support and eventual success for conservation actions in this area. The key actions suggested by local communities are valuable for vulture conservation and include severely punishing poachers, supplying safe food for Hooded Vultures, preserving and restoring habitat, and raising awareness of Hooded Vulture conservation. Au cours des dernières décennies, les populations de Vautour Charognard ont connu un déclin spectaculaire en raison des pressions anthropiques. Pour mieux faire face à cette menace, les aspects socioculturels de cette espèce doivent être pris en considération. Pour ce faire, nous avons examiné les perceptions, les connaissances et les croyances des populations sur les valeurs socioculturelles du Vautour Charognard au Burkina Faso à travers des enquêtes sous forme d’interview dans 20 sites répartis sur l’ensemble du pays. Un total de 900 entretiens auprès de 600 chefs de famille et 300 bouchers ont révélé des connaissances intéressantes et une perception globalement positive des Vautours Charognards. Plus de 72% (n = 653) des personnes interrogées (principalement des groupes ethniques Mossi, Bissa et Gourmatché) considèrent les Vautours Charognards comme des oiseaux importants, vénérés et sacrés, et nous n’avons reçu aucune mention faisant part d’attaques de Vautours Charognards sur le bétail, ce qui est un avantage pour leur sauvegarde. À l’inverse, une minorité de personnes interrogées (12%, n = 108) estiment que les Vautours Charognards sont nuisibles, mais les raisons invoquées pour justifier ces propos ne sont pas substantielles. Néanmoins, ces opinions négatives à l’égard des Vautours Charognards doivent faire l’objet d’une attention, de toute urgence. Par ailleurs, la grande majorité des répondants (84%, n = 753) perçoivent une diminution des populations de Vautours Charognards et les principales raisons invoquées sont la réduction de la disponibilité de la nourriture, les tueries intentionnelles à l’aide d’appâts empoisonnés pour une utilisation dans des pratiques basées sur des croyances, la perte et la dégradation de l’habitat et les empoisonnements non intentionnels. Il est important de noter que la grande majorité des répondants (84%, n = 760) sont particulièrement conscients de l’imminence de l’extinction du Vautour Charognard et sont prêts à entreprendre des mesures de conservation, ce qui présage à la fois un soutien des communautés locales et un succès éventuel des actions de conservation dans cette région. Les actions prioritaires suggérées par les communautés locales sont intéressantes pour la conservation des Vautours Charognards et comprennent la répression sévère des braconniers, l’approvisionnement en nourriture saine pour les Vautours Charognards, la préservation et la restauration de l’habitat, et la sensibilisation à la conservation des Vautours Charognards

Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus are at risk of extinction in Benin:A result of poaching for belief-based use and decreasing food availability

In recent years, Hooded Vulture populations in West Africa have decreased substantially. However, in some areas within this region, the species is still relatively abundant. To find out more about the situation in West Africa, we assessed the status of Hooded Vultures in Benin, one of the countries where their status is not well known. We conducted road counts on paved and unpaved roads and along small trails over a total of 1451 km. We also conducted interviews with local abattoir watchmen, veterinarians, butchers and foresters to examine potential threats to this species. A total of 52 Hooded Vultures were counted mostly in the departments of Atacora (32) but also in Alibori (10) and Borgou (10). The relative abundance was four Hooded Vultures per 100 km, highlighting the near extirpation of this bird from Benin. A total of 49 interviews revealed that poaching for belief-based use (through shooting and traps) and decreasing food availability remain the most important threats for Hooded Vultures in northern Benin. If these threats are not mitigated, we predict the extirpation of the Hooded Vulture outside protected areas in Benin within the next two decades, possibly even sooner. Conservation measures, including awareness campaigns, and the improvement and enforcement of environmental legislation, must be urgently implemented to improve the protection of this Critically Endangered vulture species.</p

PERFORMANCE AND CHALLENGES OF CURRENT HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN ABOMEY-CALAVI DISTRICT IN BENIN

&lt;p&gt;Since 2020, the Beninese government has been experimenting with anewhouseholdsolidwastemanagementsysteminfivemunicipalitiesinsouthernBenin.Thepresentstudyaimstoassesstheperformanceofthiscurrent management system in the central district of Abomey-Calavi. Asurveywith236householdsandstakeholders,acharacterizationofsolidwasteaccordingtohouseholdstandingandseasons,andSWOTanalysiswerecarriedout.Theresultsshowthatthenoveltyofthecurrentmanagementsystemliesinthestructuringoftheinterventionandresponsibilities of the various actors. The coordination of the system istheentireresponsibilityofanewactor,theSGDS(WasteandSanitationManagement Company). At total, 23505 tons of waste are pre-collectedin 2022, representing 80% of pre-collection rate. However, the recoveryrateisverylow.Itwasconcludedthatthecurrentsolidwastemanagement system is neither optimal nor sustainable again. Public–private–governmentpartnershipandcollaborationwithhouseholdsdeservestobereinforced.Aformalizedpolicyofoptimalwasterecoveryforeachcomponentalsodeservestobedeveloped.Thisresultscanserveasanefficientdecision-makingtool.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;/p&gt