Regeneration and spatial distribution of seedling populations in Sudanian dry forests in relation to conservation status and human pressure

Effects of conservation status and human population pressure on species composition, density and spatial distribution of seedling populations in Sudanian dry forests of Burkina Faso were studied. Data were collected from protected and unprotected forests at two sites differing in human population densities. A total of 62 species were recorded, representing. 23 families and 48 genera, and the dominant families were Combretaceae and Caesalpiniaceae. Population pressure influenced significantly the species richness, but not conservation status. There were moderately significant differences in seedling densities between protected and unprotected forests at each site. The mature-juvenile relationships were generally weak in all cases (r(2) < 50%). The spatial distribution of the seedlings was mainly clumped, reflecting the dominance of clonal propagation. The protection provided by the present conservation status was inefficient in promoting regeneration. As most species have few seedlings, expediting the natural regeneration process inside and outside the forest reserve is recommended.