Effects of land use changes on Cordyla pinnata (Lepr. ex A. Rich.) Milne-Redh. stand distribution: A multipurpose threatened species in Senegal (West Africa)

Cordyla pinnata (Lepr. ex A. Rich.) Milne-Redh. is a multipurpose forage species that provides significant ecosystem goods and services to the local community in sub-Saharan Africa. Analysis of the ecological patterns of the species' population structure is crucial for sustainable management and conservation. It is important to understand how changes in land use influence the natural stand of Cordyla pinnata . This study aimed to: (i) determine the floristic composition of the natural stands of Cordyla pinnata ; (ii) assess the population structure of species; and (iii) assess the influence of land use types on the demographic parameters of species. Forest inventories were carried out in 140 plots, equally distributed between four land use types (farmland, fallow, rangeland, protected area) in Senegal. The data collected included the dbh, the crown diameter, the total height, and the regeneration. The land use types were compared based on woody species diversity and dendrometry parameters of populations. An ANOVA was used for the analysis of density and morphological features data. The floristic composition of Cordyla pinnata natural stands was relatively distinct between the four land-use types. Protected areas and rangelands are the highest diversity. The density of Cordyla pinnata individuals decreased significantly from protected areas (393.63 ± 24.21 stems/ha) to farmlands (140.40 ± 46.70 stems/ha; p < 0.001 ). The diameter classes distribution showed a stable population of Cordyla pinnata in all four land-use types. In contrast, the height class distribution of regeneration individuals revealed an instable state. This study highlighted the negative impact of land use change on Cordyla pinnata populations. Therefore, it is essential to reduce anthropic pressure on lands in order to better conserve natural habitats of Cordyla pinnata and the associated biodiversity.