Characterization of Grazed Vegetation within Mountainous Areas in the Plateau Region of Togo (West Africa)

Abstract

Objectives: Livestock production systems in Togo are still dependent on availability of natural vegetation for livestock feed. The present study aims at characterizing grazed vegetation of the Plateau Region. More specifically, the aim is to inventory forage species and analyze their diversity. Methodology: In order to characterize the grazed plant communities of the zone, phytosociological surveys were carried out at six sites, namely: Nyidové and Djamakondji (Agou), Dalia (Haho), Tchella (Ogou), Onè (Amou) and Mempeassem (Danyi). A total of 140 plots (10mx10m), twenty per site, were installed and investigated using the Braun-Blanquet method. Ecological parameters (bush fires, grazing, biomass removal, etc.) are the main factors responsible for the loss of forage diversity and degradation of plant cover on the sites. Abstract: A total of 87 species were inventoried, mainly in the families Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae. Among the species identified, the most palatable are Panicum maximum (Poaceae), Centrosema pubescens (Fabaceae) and Sporobolus pyramidalis (Poaceae).The palatability index of available vegetation varies from site to site. It is low (IS<4) on two of the sites without good grasses or legumes (Dalia and Tchella) and average (IS<5) on the other sites with good quality. As for biological families, the most represented are Asteraceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, etc. Mesophanerophytes, champhytes, therophytes, microphanerophytes, nanophanerophytes and hemicryptophytes are the most predominant biological life forms while pantropicals are more represented in Dalia (40%) and Tchella (49%). Chromolaena odorata (92.85%), Imperata cylindrica (78.57%), Tridax procumbens (64.28%) non-consumed invasive species are very much represented and reflect the state of degradation of grazed vegetations. Conclusion: The results of this study will be used for pastoral management work in the area.