Human-induced Pressures and Regeneration Dynamics of Forest Fragments Belonging to the Société Des Caoutchoucs de Grand-Béréby (SOGB) in Southwestern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Forest fragments provide several ecosystem services to local communities but are under significant human pressure, leading to a reduction in their area and a loss of biodiversity. The Société des Caoutchoucs de Grand Béréby (SOGB), located in southwestern Côte d’Ivoire, manages these forest fragments to preserve natural habitats and protect flora and fauna. However, these protected biodiversity conservation areas, covering more than 11 ha, are subject to human pressures that have significant impacts on flora and fauna, thereby affecting the integrity of these forests. A study was therefore conducted to assess the impact of human activities on the natural regeneration of flora in the SOGB’s forest fragments, with the aim of proposing restoration strategies. To achieve this objective, we conducted a field visit to degraded areas within the various SOGB protected areas where access is prohibited, followed by sampling in these areas. An inventory consisting of circular plots of 500 m², each containing a subplot of 100 m², was then established, identifying 109 species belonging to 106 genera and 49 families. The density of perennial crops is higher than in areas used for charcoal production and food crop cultivation. Analysis of disturbance and regeneration potential indices indicates that charcoal production areas are the most disturbed, exhibiting low diversity but high regeneration potential.