Marie Jeanne Bourouno
This project focuses on the conservation of Pterocarpus erinaceus, a tree species classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species is critical for maintaining biodiversity and providing socio-economic benefits to local communities, yet it is under severe pressure from illegal logging, overgrazing, and deforestation. According to Traoré et al. (2014), human activities such as agricultural expansion and bushfires have drastically reduced the population of Pterocarpus erinaceus across West Africa, hampering its natural regeneration and increasing the risk of extinction.
Pterocarpus erinaceus photographed in the village of Foncama, in the Faranah prefecture. ©Marie Jeanne Bourouno.
The study aims to evaluate the structure and distribution of Pterocarpus erinaceus populations in the Faranah Prefecture, an area that plays a vital ecological role as a transition zone between savanna and forest ecosystems. The project will apply structural characterization techniques to assess population density, age distribution, and regeneration capacity. Ky-Dembélé et al. (2007) emphasize that understanding population structure is essential for designing effective conservation strategies for endangered species. This approach will also help identify key environmental and anthropogenic factors limiting the regeneration of Pterocarpus erinaceus, as highlighted in studies by Nacoulma et al. (2011) and Turner et al. (2015).
One of the project's core components is community engagement. According to Pretty (2003), involving local communities in conservation efforts is essential for achieving long-term success. This project will therefore include awareness-raising workshops and the establishment of participatory management committees to ensure that local populations are actively involved in conservation practices. The integration of scientific research with traditional knowledge, as suggested by Aswani and Weiant (2004), is key to fostering sustainable management practices.
The project will also explore the impacts of environmental variables, such as soil type and climate, on the survival of Pterocarpus erinaceus. Studies by Sinsin and Kampmann (2010) have demonstrated the importance of understanding these variables to develop appropriate conservation measures in West African ecosystems. By combining field inventories, remote sensing, and participatory approaches, this project will contribute to the sustainable management of Pterocarpus erinaceus and the broader preservation of biodiversity in Guinea’s savanna ecosystems.
In line with UICN (2021) recommendations, this project aims to provide data-driven conservation strategies to mitigate human pressures on the species while ensuring that the local population benefits from sustainable resource use. The expected outcomes include enhanced conservation practices, reduced habitat degradation, and improved livelihoods for communities dependent on forest resources.