Mansonia altissima seedlings.

Conservation of natural resources in this era of raging demography and habitat destruction added to climate change is among stake scientists and natural resources conservationists are facing. Several multipurpose species encountered the situation among which is Mansonia altissima. Indeed, the species originated from the West tropical Africa and is often found in semi-deciduous forest. Unfortunately, in Benin, no really documented study has assessed the ecology of the species and approached estimation of its dendrometric parameters.

The species is recognized for its economic, social, cultural, medicinal and pharmacological uses. All these put at risk the population of the species which is considerably declining with days. In addition, it has been reported that the species organs encountered on-field undergo attacks by several insects. But no such attacks have been investigated deeply so as to propose solution for the species recovery. Although, the literature claims the seedlings fair resistance to drought, regeneration is very scare in its habitat. Thus, investigating factors affecting seeds germination and seedlings’ growth would be an asset for ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species in Benin. The overall project aims to:

-characterize the ecological conditions of the populations of the species

-document the influential enemies of the species

-test for factors affecting seeds germination and seedlings growth

-disseminate information gathered to the public through seminar workshops, presentations and publications.