Rapid Assessment of Key Structural Elements of Different Vegetation Types of West African Savannas in Burkina Faso

Journal of Landscape Ecology

Lindner André¹  Stein Katharina²  Porembski Stefan³  Qasim Mohammad⁴ 

[1] Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management – CIPSEM, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 41c, 01207 Dresden, Germany;Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Martin-Weg 52, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany;Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Wismarsche Str. 8, 18051 Rostock;Institute of International Forestry and Forest Products, Technische Universität Dresden, Pienner Strasse 7, 01737 Tharandt, Germany;

关键词: leaf area index;    crown diameter;    savanna vegetation;    hemispherical photography;   

DOI  :  10.1515/jlecol-2016-0003

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Estimations of Leaf Area Index (LAI) have recently gained attention due to the sensitivity to the effects of climate change and its impact on forest ecosystems. Hence, a study was conducted on the LAI estimation of four vegetation types: (i) gallery forests, (ii) woodland savannas, (iii) tree savannas, and (iv) shrub savannas, at two protected areas of Nazinga Game Ranch and Bontioli Nature Reserve, Burkina Faso. A relationship between LAI and Crown Diameter was also investigated at these two sites. Digital hemispherical photography was used for the LAI estimation. Crown diameters (CD) were determined perpendicular to each other and averaged for each tree and shrub. Overall results revealed that LAI ranged from 0-1.33 and the CD was recorded in the range of 0.46-11.01 m. The gallery forests recorded the highest mean LAI 1.33 ± 0.32 as well as the highest mean CD 7.69 ± 1.90 m. The LAI for the vegetation types were at their lower ends as the study was conducted in summer season, higher values are therefore expected in the wet season, as a significant correlation between LAI and precipitation has been emphasized by various studies. Continuous LAI monitoring and studies on various growth parameters of different vegetation types at the study sites are recommended towards enhanced monitoring and an ecologically feasible forest- and savanna-use and management to maintain essential ecosystem functions and services.

【 授权许可】

Unknown