Diversity and Structure of Khaya Senegalensis (desr.) A.Juss Habitats Along Phytogeographical Zones in Chad (Central Africa) Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Use

Abstract

In Chad, the species of Khaya senegalensis is commonly used by the local communities to treat several diseases such as malaria, fever and cough. However, the species is facing the greatest threat for the survival due to its exploitation as timber. The species is on the IUCN red list with endangered status locally. Thus, this study assessed the population structure and ecological indicators of vegetation in three climatic zones dominated by Khaya senegalensis in Chad as a basis for sustainable management and conservation strategies. A total of 88 plots (30 m x 30 m) were used in three phytogeographical zones for data collection. The structural parameters (tree density, basal area) and ecological indicators (specific richness, Shannon diversity index, Pielou’s evenness index, importance value index) were assessed for all tree species and for Khaya senegalensis following a climatic gradient. A number of 300 tree species belonging to 66 families, 11 life form and 14 chorological types were inventoried. K. senegaleensis had the highest significance value index across all three climate zones. In terms of vegetation characteristic, Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian zones were similar against Sudano-Sahelian zone which was different. These results should be fundamental for the conservation and sustainable management of K. senegalensis and its habitats specially in Chad. Likely, the findings contribute to knowledge addition for the species conservation. However, the methodological limitations related to sampling should not be obscured. Therefore, the species’ abundance areas were randomly identified while plots were placed stratified.