Approvisionnement Et Commercialisation De Deux Espèces De Francolin Utilisées Comme Oiseaux Gibiers Au Bénin

The two species of francolin used as game birds in Benin are Francolinus albogularis Hartlaub and Francolinus bicalcaratus Linnaeus belong to the family Phasianidae. This study aims to evaluate the importance of the commercialization of these game birds at the level of the different actors involved in the value chain. Data collection is based on structured and semistructured surveys conducted at the outlets of species along inter-state roads, in restaurants and hotels, public dining places and bushmeat markets as well than consumers. In total, 495 people were surveyed. The data collected is essentially the actors of the marketing chain, the evolution of the price variation of an individual of francolin, the different transaction circuits, the places of supply. The Minitab 16 software, with the descriptive statistical function, was used to assess the evolution of the price of a francolin individual over the last thirty years among the actors of the marketing circuit. Calculated meat supply frequencies and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. The results from the analysis of the data show that three main actors intervene in the distribution of the product, a varaiation of frequency of supply of the meat, the price of sale of an individual of francolin rose from 50 FCFA there is thirty years to 1600 FCFA this day at the level of hunters. For women processors, this price went from 200 FCFA twenty years ago to 1500 FCFA that day; while he spent for the same period from 300 FCFA to 3500 FCFA among the tenants of restaurants and hotels. This shows a consequent increase in prices. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference between the average selling prices of an individual francolin by hunters from thirty years ago, twenty years, ten years, five years ago and then today. It follows from all the above that urgent measures are being taken to adopt a domestication model for the multiplication of individuals and the valorization of francolins' meat

Biodiversity and ecological distribution of the birds in the forest plantations in the southern Benin

peer reviewedIn Benin and particular in the southern part, the natural habitat disappear or deteriorate dangerously. Only subsist the substitution biotopes. Thus, in this part of the country, the plantations will the last "forest" cover in the next future. Are the plantations could be a good subsitution habitat for forest birds ? In the southern Benin, the wood cover consist in Elaeis guineensis, Tectona grandis and Cocos nucifera (littoral). Birds was surveyed in 12 sites in the three plantation types. Moreover, in these sites, the vegetation structure were described (vegetation cover in different height). The 99 birds species observed were analysed in terms of vegetation cover (ACP). This analysis revealed a good fit between the bird community and their habitat: some species are restricted in one or two plantation type when others ones are more ecological tolerant

Ethnozoological uses of common hippopotamus (<em>Hippopotamus amphibius</em>) in Benin Republic (Western Africa)

85-90Hippopotamus amphibius is the 3rd largest and heaviest terrestrial mammal after elephants (Loxodonta africana) and white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) in Africa. This investigation conducted in the Benin Republic aims to assess the local inhabitants' traditional knowledge associated with hippo in different use categories (medicinal, cultural and spiritual). Data were gathered using ethnozoological questionnaires. One hundred and fifty informants from 13 ethnic groups in Benin were randomly selected and interviewed. Chi square test was used to analyze the answers given regarding the uses categories of hippo. Principal Correspondence Analysis was used to describe traditional beliefs associated with hippo according to the ethnic groups. Results revealed seven use categories for hippo. A significant difference was observed between age groups (² = 27.537; p = 0.027; dF = 2) regarding use categories. But no significant differences were found between ethnic groups (² = 16.437; p = 0.057; dF = 12) for the use categories. The Principal Component Analysis revealed differences in traditional beliefs associated with hippo. For example, the male adult Yoruba and Adja regard hippo as cruel and diabolic animal. The Fon and old men from Idatcha, Aïzo, Mahi, Goun, Holly and Cotafon ethnic groups have considered hippo as saviour, protector and fetish