Diversité de la régénération des ligneux dans les plantations forestières au centre de la Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Diversity of woody regeneration in forest plantations at the Center of Côte d'Ivoire Description of the subject. Côte d'Ivoire has a long history of using exotic species in reforestation activities. Its reforestation strategy has been more than 70% based on Tectona grandis L.f., Cedrela odorata L. and Gmelina arborea Roxb. Few studies have made it possible to assess these reforestation activities with regard to their ability to maintain native plant diversity. Objectives. This study analyzed the impacts of these forest plantations on the natural regeneration of trees in one of the reforestation sites. Method. Stratified sampling was used as the basis of inventories in four types of habitat: young and old teak forests, multi-species plantations and neighboring forests. Mature, sapling and seedling trees were counted and their diameters at breast height were measured. Results. Neighboring residual forests were more diversified than reforestation areas for both mature and sapling trees. For seedling trees, the diversity profiles were similar between the habitats. In all habitats, exotic species were the most abundant. Cedrela odorata, an exotic species, showed a remarkable abundance in neighboring forests. Conclusions. The trends observed in the regeneration of reforested areas suggest that new plantations should be based on several exotic and / or native species to improve plant diversity.

Keywords

• reforestation
• natural regeneration
• native species
• exotic species
• téné protected forest
• côte d’ivoire