Fatimata Niang1, Mariama Diop2, Fatou Anta Fall3, Mariama Cissé4, Fatoumata Diop5, Hadji Abou Diallo6, and Abdoulaye Samb7
1 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
2 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
3 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
4 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
5 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
6 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
7 Environmental Sciences Institute, University of Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, PO 5005, Dakar, Senegal
Original language: English
Copyright © 2026 ISSR Journals. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Forests represent a vital component of ecosystem services, offering significant benefits. However, these vital habitats are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of invasive species. In West Africa, Azadirachta indica has been introduced for timber production, the provision of shade, land restoration, etc. This species exhibits traits such as rapid growth, high seed production, etc., which may facilitate its establishment as an invasive species. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential invasiveness of A. indica in the Delta du Saloum National Park, focusing on its abundance, temporal spread, and impact on woody species diversity. The data were collected through floristic inventories conducted in 2012, 2019 and 2022. The results indicated a consistent increase in the sites location, number and density of Azadirachta indica over the studied decades. This species demonstrates considerable capacity for natural regeneration, as evidenced by the predominance of young and diminutive individuals. The progressive dynamics of the species observed between 2012 and 2022 remain similar to those predicted for the next 10 years, providing information on future proportions with clear implications for woody flora. The presence of the species has been found to be associated with a decline in richness and diversity, as well as a change in the floristic composition of the forest. The findings of this study offer a management and control instrument that is timely, as it is being developed at a critical juncture when the proliferation of invasive species with severe ramifications typically occurs in an unanticipated manner.
Author Keywords: Neem, invasive species, protected area, ecosystem dynamic, tree population.
