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Distribution of tree species along a gallery forest–savanna gradient: patterns, overlaps and ecological thresholds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2013

Akomian Fortuné Azihou ,
Romain Glèlè Kakaï ,
Ronald Bellefontaine  and
Brice Sinsin
Akomian Fortuné Azihou*
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin
Romain Glèlè Kakaï
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin
Ronald Bellefontaine
Affiliation:
CIRAD, UPR Génétique Forestière, F-34398 Montpellier, France
Brice Sinsin
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Benin
*
1Corresponding author. Email: fazihou@gmail.com
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Abstract:

Savannas intermingled with gallery forests are dynamic habitats typical in Africa. This study aims to determine if differences in species traits lead to non-overlapping distribution of gallery-forest and savanna species and abrupt transition between gallery forest and savanna. Tree species densities were measured in 375 plots of 1500 m2 covering a total sample area of 56.25 ha along forty 3-km transects located at right angles to a riverbed with gallery forest into surrounding savanna. Location, vegetation type, soil physical properties, erosion and fire occurrence were recorded as site factors. Data analysis included the quantification of co-occurrence patterns, threshold indicator taxa analysis and fuzzy set ordination. The gallery forest–savanna gradient predicted floristic composition of plots with a correlation of 0.595 but its accuracy was locally modified by the occurrence of fire and the physical properties of soil that covered more than 30% of the range of residuals. The distribution of gallery-forest and savanna tree species did not overlap. Along the gallery forest–savanna gradient, savanna species gradually increased in density while gallery-forest species showed a community threshold at 120 m from the river beyond the width of gallery forest. The forest species driving this trend should play an important role in the dynamics of gallery forest–savanna boundaries.

Keywords

AfricaBenincommunity analysisecological thresholdsenvironmental synthesisfuzzy set ordinationindicator speciesspecies co-occurrencevegetation dynamicswoody flora
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 29 , Issue 1 , January 2013 , pp. 25 - 37
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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