Evaluation of the Fixed Population of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (lam.) Zepernick & Timler Along the Climate Variation in Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

Z. zanthoxyloïdes is a versatile plant that serves multiple purposes. Consequently, it faces significant user demand in Benin. The present investigation evaluated the abundance of this species and conducted an ecological analysis of the existing habitats that sustain its growth. The inventory of Z. zanthoxyloïdes was carried out in 120 square 50 m x 50 m plots on mega-transets in the Lama, Wari-Maro and N'Dali classified forests and fallows that surround them. The results show that adult individuals are almost absent in fallow land and are found in natural forests (P< 0.05). As for juveniles, they are found in both natural forests and fallow.. The distributions of the diameter classes showed a good fit with the Weibull distribution .The density of Z. zanthoxyloïdes adult trees is greater in the Lama Classified Forest compared to the other two. The study reported that fallows currently contain more young individuals than natural forests. The confirmation of the species' vulnerability aligns with the previous report from the Benin Red List. Consequently, undertaking measures to support its natural rejuvenation becomes imperative in order to preserve the species for both current and future generations.