Research Article
Local Perceptions of Ecosystem Services Provided by Forest and Mangrove Ecosystems in the Saloum Delta National Park, Senegal
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
225-244
Received:
16 August 2025
Accepted:
27 August 2025
Published:
19 September 2025
Abstract: This paper focused on the perceptions of communities living along the Saloum Delta National Park (SDNP), located in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve (SDBR), of the ecosystem services (ES) provided by the mangrove and forest ecosystems. Through semi-structured surveys of 103 individuals in seven villages, the analysis revealed that the SDNP offers a diversity of 21 ecosystem services classified into three categories: provisioning, regulation and cultural. The most popular ones are fishing (72.8%), oyster harvesting (65.1%), pharmacopoeia (64.1%), firewood (54.4%), aesthetics (90.3%) and protection against erosion (93.2%). The species Rhizophora mangle stands out as the best known and most widely used mangrove, with a high use value (UV= 3.09) and a strong informant consensus (FCI> 0.97). Although socio-demographic factors do not significantly influence the use of services, occupation (particularly farmers) and area play a role in the diversity of uses. The services provided by mangroves are more numerous and better known than those provided by forests, reflecting the ongoing dependence of populations on this ecosystem. These results underline the strategic importance of the PNDS in local development and point out for sustainable and participatory management of its resources, through development of fishery products, strengthening of facilities, raising awareness of rational exploitation and the restoration of degraded habitats, particularly mangroves.
Abstract: This paper focused on the perceptions of communities living along the Saloum Delta National Park (SDNP), located in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve (SDBR), of the ecosystem services (ES) provided by the mangrove and forest ecosystems. Through semi-structured surveys of 103 individuals in seven villages, the analysis revealed that the SDNP offers...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Potential Shrubs for Beekeeping Development in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Mekonen Wolditsadik Beyi*
,
Taye Beyene Lema,
Desta Abi Gemadi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
245-249
Received:
1 September 2025
Accepted:
12 September 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Honey production relies heavily on the availability of diverse and consistent floral resources. This study assessed the performance of eight shrub species commonly found in the mid and lowland agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia to identify the most suitable ones for beekeeping. The selected species included Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephala, Vernonia amygdalina, Callistemon citrinus, Cajanus cajan, Dovyalis caffra, Sesbania sesban, and Dodonaea angustifolia. Key parameters evaluated were the number of flower heads per plant, honeybee visitation rates, flowering period, and pollen production. Results revealed that Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephala, Vernonia amygdalina, Callistemon citrinus, and Dovyalis caffra exhibited extended flowering durations ranging from two to three and a half years, with Parkinsonia aculeata displaying the highest flower head count. These species also bloomed predominantly during floral scarcity periods, offering critical support to bee colonies. Notably, V. amygdalina and C. citrinus were intensively foraged during late mornings, whereas P. aculeata attracted bees primarily in the afternoon. Given their high foraging intensity, extended bloom, and pollen yield, these species hold significant potential for apiculture development. Further research is recommended to assess their nectar quantity and quality, and their integration into watershed restoration initiatives.
Abstract: Honey production relies heavily on the availability of diverse and consistent floral resources. This study assessed the performance of eight shrub species commonly found in the mid and lowland agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia to identify the most suitable ones for beekeeping. The selected species included Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephal...
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