Structural characterization of community forests in Togo’s maritime region

Abstract

Background In the current context of climate change, community forests in Togo’s Maritime region are the last relics of threatened woody biodiversity. They are essential for maintaining natural carbon sinks and increasing the resilience of populations to the effects of climate change.Objective This study is a contribution to the analysis of structural and dendrometric parameters of plant populations to assess the health of species in their natural habitat and identify demographic trends.Methodology Ninety-two plots of variable size were inventoried following the Braun-Blanquet approach, recording species diversity and structural attributes of individuals (DBH ≥ 10 cm). Diameter class structure was analyzed to infer population dynamics, and species conservation status was assessed according to IUCN Red List criteria.Results Community forests in Togo’s Maritime region have an average density of 854 ± 25.37 stems ha−1, with positively skewed diameter distributions indicating regenerating young stands. Mean DBH is 72.4 ± 46.09 cm, total height 14.5 ± 5.64 m, basal area 6.4 m2 ha−1, and above- and below-ground biomass 115.8 ± 1.57 Mg ha−1 and 56.8 ± 1.25 Mg ha−1, respectively. The most abundant species are Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr (12.05%), Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf (9.90%), and Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels (5.91%). Eight species are IUCN-listed as threatened, while several natives with low IVI (<10%) Lannea acida A.Rich., Albizia adianthifolia (Schum.) W.Wight, Albizia zygia (DC.) J. F. Macbr., require urgent conservation measures.Conclusion The results of this study help to reveal the structural and dendrometric characteristics of community forests, thus providing a basis for ensuring the continuity of efforts to preserve woody resources in Togo’s forest formations.