Characterization and Risk Assessment of the Collapse of the Woody Stand of Ecosystems of the Fathala Forest (Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve-Senegal)

The objective of this study is to characterize and assess the risk of collapse of woody plant formations in the Fathala forest. In recent years, this forest has suffered a sharp reduction in its plant cover to the point of compromising the survival of populations of certain animal species such as the Red colobuses. The methods used are respectively constituted by the transect method, the dendrometric statements method and that of establishing the red list of ecosystems of the IUCN. The specific richness comprises 56 species divided into 47 genera and 22 families. The density is higher in the unfenced area (369 ind/ha in clear forest and 53 ind/ha in gallery forest) compared to the fenced area (160 ind/ha in clear forest versus 48 ind/ha in gallery forest). A study of the plant formations shows a strong degradation of the ecosystems passing from a clear and dry Sudanese forest to a wooded savannah. The cover rate in the fenced area is 20% in gallery forests and 25% in clear forests; in the unfenced area, it is 19% and 23% in gallery forests and clear forests, respectively. The application of the IUCN criteria shows an annual rate of collapse is -6 ind/ha in gallery forests and -4 ind/ha in clear forests. The annual rate of cover collapse would be -3.75% and -2.9% for gallery forests and clear forests, respectively. These results classify the forest in the Critically Endangered category. The main factors responsible for this degradation are, among others, anthropogenic actions and climatic pejoration. These results could constitute a basic tool for undertaking an improvement in the management of this forest, which is a living environment for an animal species.