Kastamonu University Journal of Forestry Faculty 1303-2399 1309-4181 Kastamonu University 10.17475/kastorman.340150 Structural and spatial patterns of Isoberlinia species in a disturbed community forest (Benin, West Africa) Structural and spatial patterns of Isoberlinia species in a disturbed community forest (Benin, West Africa) Goussanou Cedric A. Tente Brice A. Akouehou Gaston Salako Valere K. Glele-kakaï Romain L. Sınsın Brice A. 09 27 2017 17 2 225 237 09 27 2017 Copyright © 2001, Kastamonu University Journal of Forestry Faculty 2001 Kastamonu University Journal of Forestry Faculty

AbstractAim of study: This study focused on the analysis ofstructural and spatial patterns of Isoberliniaspp stands according to topographic units.Area of study: Data collection were carried out within theZouzounkan forest reserve, located in SouthernBenin.Material and Methods: Square plots of 1 ha were considered for theforest inventory in which, geographical coordinates of Isoberlinia individuals were recorded. Ripley’s K function was usedto assess the spatial patterns of the species in the forest whereasdendrometric and ecological parameters was computed to analyze the structure ofthe species populations. Possible impact of topographic units of the forestreserve on dendrometric and spatial patterns of trees was assessed.Main results: The results show that Isoberlinia spp. is more abundant on the hill side than on the topand down hills. Aggregative spatial distribution of trees was found acrosstopographic units with more aggregation on the hill side. However beyond aradius of 8 m aggregation decreased. Furthermore, significant difference wasnoted on dendrometric patterns of Isoberliniatrees according to topographic unit.Research highlights: Results obtained suggest that effectiveconservation strategy of Isoberliniatrees in Zouzoukan forest reserve should take into account topographicalpatterns.

AbstractAim of study:This study focused on the analysis of structural and spatial patterns ofIsoberliniaspp stands according to topographic units.Area of study:Data collection were carried out within the Zouzounkan forest reserve, locatedin Southern Benin.Material and Methods:Square plots of 1 ha were considered for the forest inventory in which, geographical coordinates ofIsoberliniaindividuals were recorded. Ripley’s K function was used to assess the spatial patterns of the species in the forest whereas dendrometric and ecological parameters was computed to analyze the structure of the species populations. Possible impact of topographic units of the forest reserve on dendrometric and spatial patterns of trees was assessed.Main results:The results show thatIsoberliniaspp. is more abundant on the hill side than on the top and down hills. Aggregative spatial distribution of trees was found across topographic units with more aggregation on the hill side. However beyond a radius of 8 m aggregation decreased. Furthermore, significant difference was noted on dendrometric patterns ofIsoberliniatrees according to topographic unit.Research highlights:Results obtained suggest that effective conservation strategy ofIsoberliniatrees in Zouzoukan forest reserve should take into account topographical patterns.

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