Situated at the “heart” of Abidjan, the National Park of Banco (NPB), is the rare relics of moist dense rainforests, coveted everywhere. Therefore, the present study suggests estimating the structure of the vegetation of this protected area in consideration of the demographic pressure and the urbanization.
To achieve, the National Parc of Banco has been subdivided into four (4) sectors (North, West, Central and East). Linear transects of 500 m long and 10 m wide were installed in the sectors. Along these transects, all woody species with dbh ≥ 10 cm were inventoried in the sectors. Depending on the dbh measurement, individuals were grouped into different diameter classes. The floristic inventory revealed a total of 146 woody species divided into 111 genera and belonging to 21 families. The Meliaceae family is the most abundant species. The density of the trees of the park was estimated at 257 individuals/ha with an average of 19.31 to 31.45 individuals/ha about the sector. Concerning the basal area of the PNB, it was estimated at 40.59 m²/ha. Furthermore, this study revealed the most abundant of individuals with a dbh belonging to the lower classes of diameter on those of the superior classes, with a preponderance of microphanerophytes and mesophanerophytes. Although the PNB is coveted everywhere, the results of this study reveal that it still has a relatively well-preserved structural diversity.
Chimpanzees communities depend highly on plant resources availability and the stability of their habitats. To characterize the territories of chimpanzees living in Taï National Park, this study aimed to analyze species diversity and structural parameters of these habitats. Rectangular transect of 93 ha were established in three chimpanzee territories. On each transect, trees with dbh ≥ 10 cm were identified, measured, and counted. Two hundred sixty four (264) plant species belonging to 180 genera and 52 botanical families were recorded in the three territories. The most important families are Ebenaceae, Fabaceae, and Malvaceae. The dominant plant species are Diospyros mannii, Calpocalyx brevibracteatus, and Coula edulis. The chimpanzees feed on the leaves and fruits of these three species. The studied territories present a density (486.5 individuals/ha) and a basal area (30.88 m2/ha) similar to those of most of tropical forests. Vegetation structure reveals that those habitats are stable with high regeneration capacity. By contributing to a best knowledge of chimpanzees’ habitats, this study establishes a scientific base for their communities monitoring in the Taï National Park.