Connaissances Et Perceptions Des Services Écosystémiques Des Espaces Verts Des Villes De Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi Et Allada Du Sud Bénin: Implications Pour La Gestion Durable Des Forêts Urbaines Et Péri-Urbaines

La végétation urbaine dans son ensemble offre aux habitants des bienfaits aussi variés qu’utiles appelés services écosystémiques. Cette étude vise à évaluer les connaissances et la perception des services écosystémiques, ainsi que le taux de fréquentation des espaces verts publics urbains dans trois villes du sud Bénin que sont : Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou et Allada. Pour atteindre cet objectif, des interviews semi structurées ont été réalisées auprès de 405 usagers des espaces verts publics. Les résultats ont révélé quatre catégories de services écosystémiques dont les populations ont connaissance, à savoir : les services d’approvisionnement ; de soutien ; de régulation puis les services culturels. Le degré de connaissance sur des services écosystémiques est fonction du gradient d’urbanisation ; du niveau d’étude et du secteur d’activité des enquêtés. Les usagers de Cotonou fréquentent moins ces lieux que ceux résidant dans les villes d’Abomey-Calavi et d’Allada. Plus de 80 % des enquêtés ne sont pas satisfaits de la gestion de ces espaces verts par les autorités municipales. La plupart (70 %) d’entre eux ont la volonté de s'impliquer dans la gestion de ces espaces en leur consacrant du temps. 78 % des enquêtés de Cotonou sont prêts à mettre des moyens financiers, contre respectivement 45 % et 30 % de ceux d’Abomey-Calavi et d’Allada. Les enquêtés d’Abomey-Calavi et d’Allada sont plutôt plus disposés à s’impliquer physiquement dans la gestion de ces espaces verts. Il serait bénéfique, au vu des envies d’implication des enquêtés, que les autorités municipales impliquent davantage les populations, pour une gestion durable de ces espaces. The urban vegetation as a whole provides residents with a wide range of useful benefits known as ecosystem services. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of ecosystem services, as well as the rate of use of urban public green spaces in three cities in southern Benin, which are: Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou and Allada. To achieve this objective, semistructured interviews were conducted with 405 users of public green spaces. The results revealed four categories of ecosystem services of which the populations are aware, namely: provisioning; supporting; regulating; and cultural services. The level of knowledge about ecosystem services depends on the urbanisation gradient, the level of education and the sector of activity of the respondents. Users in Cotonou are less likely to visit these places than those living in the towns of Abomey-Calavi and Allada. More than 80% of the respondents are not satisfied with the management of these green spaces by the municipal authorities. Most of them (70%) are willing to get involved in the management of these spaces by devoting time to them. 78% of respondents in Cotonou are willing to contribute financial resources, compared to 45% and 30% respectively in Abomey-Calavi and Allada. Respondents in AbomeyCalavi and Allada are more willing to be physically involved in the management of these green spaces. In view of the respondents’ desire for involvement, it would be beneficial if the municipal authorities were to involve the population more in the sustainable management of these areas

Safeguarding of Benin wild pigs habitats to increase the resilience of spontaneous and marginal populations

The Red river hogs and the Common warthog are privileged game, quite prolific and their habitats are undergoing quite a bit of modification due to human activities. The phyto-ecological characterization of their habitats in South Benin has been carried out in their current range distribution. The Braun-Blanquet sigmatist method was used to carry out inventories in 70 phytosociological surveys taking into account the floristic community strata and anthropo-environmental data were collected following occurrence indices. A total of 184 plant species were enumerated and reduced to a Detrended Correspondence Analysis while a Hierarchical Ascending Classification was carried out to form ecological groups. After the diversity indices, the ecological spectra were produced and a linear model with a proportion test was performed. Low values of Shannon diversity indices (0-0.4 bits), Pielou Equitability (0-0.1) and Simpson index (0-0.01) and an ecological dissimilarity of habitats were observed in their communities. They are more fond of the herbaceous-arbustive groups but the ecological preference of red river hog, contrary to the common warthog, is marshy to semi-aquatic. It is fundamental to propose a master plan for reconversion, restoration of degraded habitats, review land use policies and evaluate these suids Average Daily Gain (ADG). Keywords: Benin, domestication, habitats, Suids, threat

Typologie Et Répartition Des Espaces Verts Publics Dans Le Grand Nokoué (Sud Bénin)

Urban green spaces are essential to ensure the quality of life and the fulfillment of town-dwellers. The objective of this research is to assess the richness of public green spaces in the great Nokoué cities (AbomeyCalavi, Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo and Sèmè-Podji). The itinerary method was used to find the greens spaces whose list was obtained in the town halls. For each public green space found, the geo-referencing (tracking), the determination of the area of the public places and the measurement of the length of the tracks were made. The results revealed that the great Nokoué cities have 114 public green spaces which can be classified in four types (green Spaces of Tribes 4,39 %, Green Spaces of Pathways 13,16 %, Parks and Squares 26,32 % and Public Roads Alignment Trees 58,77 %). Cotonou is the city of the great Nokoué richest in public green spaces (61,95 %) whereas Ouidah has the highest ratio of public green spaces per inhabitant (Ouidah, 0.27 m2 /hbt, Porto-Novo, 0.18 m2 /hbt , Cotonou, 0.12 m2 /hbt Abomey-Calavi 0,06 m2 /hbt and Sèmè -Podji, 0,06 m2 /hbt ). No city of the great Nokoué has reached the ratio of 10 m2 of public green space per inhabitant as recommended by OMS. It is therefore important that urban authoritys give far greater attention to public green spaces (gardens, parks, squares, etc.) in future development plans

Influences Des Zones Biogéographiques Sur La Diversité Avienne Des Galeries Forestières Au Bénin, Afrique De l’Ouest

This study examined the diversity and ecological distribution of riparian bird species across a climatic gradient in Benin. Riparian bird communities were compared among three climatic zones in Benin Republic from December 2012 to November 2015. The diversity and ecological distribution of riparian bird was examined from a census (inventory) of birds in forests galleries across the three climatic zones in Benin by means of a technique of sampling of limited (punctual) type centred on no listening of 20 minutes in a circular plot of 18 m of beam. A total of 140 species richness belonging to 18 orders and 44 families were recorded across climatic zones. The highest (73) species richness were recorded in Guinean zone, followed by Soudanean zone (70) and Soudano – guinean zones, the lowest (68). Similarly, species diversity was highest in Soudanean zone (H’=5.77 bits) and lowest in Soudano – guinean zone (4,28 bits). But we have a significant difference in species diversity between the study climatic zones, but relative abundance of bird are not differed between zones. Further, diverse bird guilds were recorded varying across the climatic gradients indicating the riparian forest conservation importance. Increasing farmland severs more suitable habitats with dire consequences on the survival of disturbance – sensitive bird species. These researches underpin the need for considering integrated bird conservation strategies and are important for planning local ecotourism activities and to protect riparian forest in Benin

Diversité floristique des formations végétales urbaines au Sud du Bénin (Afrique de l’Ouest)

Trees in urban areas have become an essential element for sustainable environment. However, in some African cities, the emphasis is often not placed on this forest heritage. The present study carried out in the districts of Abomey-Calavi, Allada and Cotonou in southern Benin aimed to assess the diversity of trees in public and private green spaces for the improvement of the urban environment. The method of itinerant surveys was used to identify the plant species found in the alignment trees, the green public squares and the concessions of these cities. During the study, the dendrometric and geographical parameters of trees with dbh ? 15 cm were collected. The diversity index, biological types and phytogeographic affinity of the species were analyzed. The results showed a floristic richness composed of 61 plant species distributed in 56 genus and 30 families. Leguminosae (33.3%), Arecaceae (16.0 %), Combretaceae (10.0%) are the dominant families. Shannon's diversity index and Pielou's equitability index are respectively between 2.92 to 3.03 bits and 0.65 to 0.67 bits. Mesophanerophytes are also abundant (57.0%). The relative abundance of pantropical species over other phytogeographic types confirms the loss of local biodiversity in our urban environments. The present study constitutes an important awareness for the preservation of green spaces in these cities. Keywords: urban biodiversity, urban green space, biological types, phytogeographic types, BeninL’arbre en milieu urbain est devenu dorénavant un élément essentiel pour un environnement vivable et durable. Mais, dans certaines villes africaines, l'accent n'est souvent pas mis sur ce patrimoine forestier. La présente étude réalisée dans les villes d’Abomey-Calavi, Allada et Cotonou situées au Sud du Bénin a pour but d’évaluer la diversité des arbres dans les espaces verts publics et privés pour l’amélioration de l’environnement urbain. La méthode de relevés itinérants a permis de recenser les espèces végétales que comportent les arbres d’alignement, les places publiques végétalisées et les concessions de ces villes. Au cours de l’inventaire, les paramètres dendrométriques et géographiques des individus de dbh ? 15 cm ont été notés. Les indices de diversité, les types biologiques et l’affinité phytogéographique des espèces ont été analysés. Les résultats obtenus ont montré une richesse floristique composée de 61 espèces végétales réparties dans 56 genres et 30 familles. Les Leguminosae (33,3 %), les Arecaceae (16,0 %), les Combretaceae (10,0%) sont les familles dominantes. Les indices de diversité de Shannon et l’équitabilité de Piélou sont compris respectivement entre 2,92 à 3,03 bits et 0,65 à 0,67. On note par ailleurs une abondance des mésophanérophytes (57,0%). L’abondance relative des espèces pantropicales sur les autres types phytogéographiques confirme la perte de la biodiversité locale dans nos milieux urbains. La présente étude constitue une importante sensibilisation pour le maintien des espaces verts dans ces villes. Mots clés: biodiversité urbaine, espace vert urbain, types biologiques, types phytogéographiques, Béni

Ethno-zoology study and uses forms of Trichechus senegalensis in southern Benin

Le lamantin Africain (Trichechus senegalensis) est une espèce fortement utilisée par les communautés riveraines du sud-Bénin. L’objectif de cette étude est de recenser les importances ethno-zoologiques et les formes d’usage de l’espèce. Ainsi, une enquête ethno-zoologique a été réalisée auprès de 255 personnes réparties dans 11 localités. Six (6) groupes socio-culturels ont été pris en compte. Quelques indices ethno-zoologiques comme la Valeur d’Usage de l’espèce, la Diversité d’Utilisation, l’Equitabilité d’Utilisation, la Connaissance Globale et la Fréquence d’Utilisation de l’espèce ont été calculés. Au total, 25 organes de l’espèce sont utilisés en alimentation (96,8%), médecine traditionnelle (83,0 %), les activités culturelles (29,8 %) et dans le touristique (13,8%). La diversité d’utilisation est plus élevée chez les groupes socio-culturels Fon et Mina en alimentation. En médecine traditionnelle, il est élevé chez les groupes socio-culturels Goun et Wémè. Les populations disposent d’une bonne connaissance du Trichechus senegalensis et sa fréquence d’utilisation (FU=73,7 %) est supérieur à 50 %. Les pressions anthropiques et naturelles dénotent tant des atouts que des faiblesses pour la conservation et la valorisation de l’espèce. Il est suggéré la mise en œuvre d’un plan d’action incluant les populations locales à la conservation de l’espèce qui tiendra compte de l’interdiction de la chasse, la valorisation des potentialités écotouristiques, les suivis participatifs de ses habitats et de ses effectifs ainsi que la création d’une Aire communautaire de conservation pour tous les habitats de l’espèce et pour d’autres espèces. Mots clés: Lamantin, Trichechus senegalensis, ethno-zoologie, conservation, zones humides, écotourisme, BéninThe African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is after hippopotamus the largest mammal of the wetlands of southern Benin. To understand the importance of the African manatee, its organs and products for the populations of southern Benin, a survey was conducted among 225 people in eleven (11) localities in six (6) communities. In the study environment, the species use is for food (96.8%), medicinal (83,0 %), cultural (29,8 %) and tourism (13,8%). A total of 25 manatee organs are known in the pharmacopoeia and in the food of the communities of southern Benin. The products are used either alone or in combination with plant or other animal products. Diversity of use is more pronounced in fon and Mina communities. For the pharmacopoeia, the diversity index is very high among the Goun and Wémè with respectively 0.43 and 0.41. The diversity of ethno-zoological knowledge on the manatee, the varied use of its organs and products, the anthropic and natural pressures denote both strengths and weaknesses for the conservation and enhancement of the species in the study environment. For the conservation and sustainable management of the species and its habitats, the study suggests the implementation of a plan of action including the local populations to the conservation of the manatee which will take into account the prohibition of hunting, valorization of the ecotourism potentialities of the region, participatory monitoring of habitats and the creation of a conservation area for all manatee habitats in Africa and other species of importance for biodiversity in southern Benin. Keywords: Manatee, Trichechus senegalensis, ethno-zoology, conservation, wetlands, ecotourism, Beni

Ethno-zoological use of bee products and by-products east of the W Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Benin

La présente étude est menée à l’Est du Parc W dans les communes de Malanville, Karimama et Kandi. Elle a pour objectif global de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance des produits et sous-produits des abeilles. L’approche méthodologique utilisée est constituée de la recherche documentaire, des observations directes sur le terrain et des enquêtes ethno-zoologiques. Au total, 204 personnes choisies aléatoirement ont été interviewées dans sept groupes ethniques. Ainsi, les résultats des données ont été analysés grâce à l’application de l’analyse factorielle des correspondances (AFC), de l’analyse de variance et des tests de Kruskall W. et de Mann. Les résultats montrent qu’environ 100% des enquêtés utilisent le miel dans l’alimentation. Selon les résultats des tests utilisés, il n’y a pas de différence significative entre l’usage des produits d’abeilles par groupe ethnique et tranche d’âge. L’analyse sur les deux premiers axes factoriels explique 100% de la relation ’’produits-utilisation’’. Cette étude a permis de découvrir que tous les produits d’abeilles sont d’une grande utilité. Mots clés: Abeilles, produits, réserve transfrontalière, biosphère, BéninThe current study has been carried out in the park W in the communes of Malanville, Karimama and Kandi. Its overall objective is to contribute to a better knowledge of bee products and by-products. The methodological approach used consisted on literature search, direct observations in the field, socio-economic and ethno-zoological surveys. In total, 204 randomly chosen persons belonging to seven ethnic were interviewed. Data obtained was analyses using factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) and Kruskall Wallis and Mann Whitney tests. Results showed that 100% of the people investigated use honey in their diet. There was no significant difference between the use of bee products by ethnic groups and by age groups. The analysis on the first two factorial axis explains 100% of the relationship between bee products and their use. This study allowed us to find that all bees’ products were considered highly usefulness. Keywords: Bee products, cross-border reserves, biosphere, Beni

Ecology and ethnozoological knowledge of some hunted and threatened bird species in the southern ecosystem in Benin

The natural areas of the south of Benin under subequatorial climate are diversified in resident birds’ species as well as migratory one. Some of them are hunted for food and therapeutic purposes by grassroots communities. The most used are Guttera pucherani, Dendrocygna viduata, Egretta alba, Egretta ardesiaca, Porphyrio alleni et Porphyrio porphyrio. In order to reduce pressure on biodiversity in this part of Benin and to implement the sustainable conservation of birds’ species, this study on ecology and ethno-zoological knowledge of hunted bird species was carried out in the forest areas and the Ramsar sites 1017 and 1018. Field prospections were conducted from 2009 to 2012. The birds’ inventory method used was based on listening point techniques of 15 minutes. Data analysis were analyzed through the computation of bird species abundances, the establishment of maps distribution of the species, the habitat description and the modeling of the climatic niche of these species under climatic models CCCMA (Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis) and CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) using MAXENT3.3.2. The ethno-zoological knowledge of the birds species were assessed through individual and groups survey and allowed to calculate the use values of the different part of the birds’ species according to the socio-cultural groups, sex and age. Moreover a logistic binary regression was carried out to determine the socio-economic factors which affect bird species exploitation by the grassroots communities. Results of modeling showed that among the variables selected for the prediction of the climatic models, distance from river, altitude appeared as the environmental variable which more contributed to the prediction of the models (with an average of 74.32 % and 12.94%). Projection under CCCMA and CSIRO in 2050, showed a progression of the favorable areas to Dendrocygna viduata, Porphyrio alleni, Porphyrio alleni, Egretta ardesiaca while it showed a regression of the favorable areas to Egretta alba. The estimated uses values showed that the ethno-zoological knowledge on the bird species differed according to the ethnic groups. Birds are used for food, medicinal and magico-mystics purposes. The magico-mystics and food were the most frequent used categories. Homogeneity of knowledge was found among the informants regarding the ethnic group as well as for the sex with respectively 0.66 and 0.7 for the use diversity value (ID) and use equitability value (IE). No significant difference was found between the informant for the use diversity value (ID) and use equitability value (IE). This study helps to build a database on 6 birds’ species and can be used for bird game ranching and game farming in Benin