Vitellaria paradoxa, an endemic species plant to the Sudanian floristic region

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes habitat conservation as a major approach for biodiversity conservation. The Atacora Chain is an ecologically, geo-morphologically and floristically important habitat. It covers 675 732 ha and has not so far gained any attention from conservationists. It harbours 17% of the national flora, of which many species are globally and locally threatened. The implementation of a conservation program covering the Atacora chain and its threatened plant species is important with regard to their ecological, economical and social functions for neighbouring population. The present conservation project therefore aims to create a botanical conservatory for the Atacora chain in order to contribute to the conservation of rare, endemic and threatened plants (RETP) and to restore their habitat in chosen conservation sites.

Specifically, it aims to at first: assess the abundance, ecological and floristic characteristics of habitats and endangerment factors of Atacora Chain’s RETP; assess the socioeconomic and cultural importance of RETP harboured in the Atacora Chain and initiate a community-based program for the conservation the Atacora Chain landscape.

Data on the abundance, ecological and floristic characteristics of habitats and endangerment factors of RETP harboured of Atacora chain will allow to identifying degraded habitats and main threats. Midterm conservation will be implemented through reforestation (plantation of rare, endemic and threatened) program with forester assistance and an initiative (agroforestry) for promoting the RETP along with a sound campaign. We will provide information (endogenous conservation strategies, demographic and structural data on species) to the scientists and Non-Governmental Organizations managers, and other conservation-based agencies. This will allow strengthening the species protection. During public awareness, we will provide technical information for a better use of all species mainly those rare, endemic and threatened. Many documents (student reports, pamphlets) will be edited in French and sessions will organize for vulgarization. We are already negotiating with Ministers personal the importance of installation of vegetation area on Atacora chain. After this project, long term conservation will be envisaged. Firstly, it is the biology study (morphology and reproduction traits) that will permit to know reproductive capacity of these species. Afterwards, germination experimentation will be implemented and nursery of RET will be created. At last, we will install the vegetation-based conservation areas.