Floristic diversity and structural characteristics of woody savanna vegetation: a case study from Patako Forest (Senegal)

Due to the presence of tree species high socio-economic importance, many protected areas in sudanian zone are facing anthropogenic pressure that threatens their stability and resources integrity. This study aimed at providing a better understanding woody plant composition structure Patako Forest Senegal. Data collection was conducted by stratified random sampling total 251 plots different vegetation types. The results indicated Combretum glutinosum, Terminalia macroptera, Cordyla pinnata, Elaeis guineensis, Acacia macrostachya Khaya senegalensis were most representative species. Importance Value Indices (IVI) these varied significantly among Species diversity structural characteristics higher gallery forest. important Shannon indices recorded forest (2.81) while it medium both woodland (2.12), savanna (1.55) shrub (1.24). Tree density dominated multi-stemmed Stem (536 ± 13 per ha) (526 12 than (364 15 (309 14 ha). management should focus on enhance biodiversity conservation increase potential carbon sequestration.