Evaluation of the distribution of Irvingia gabonensis in the peripheral zone of Taï national park (South-West, Ivory Coast)

The intensification of human activities in the buffer zone of Taï National Park (PNT) is leading to a progressive transformation of forest habitats and jeopardizing the availability of several plant species of high socio-economic value, including Irvingia gabonensis. Highly sought after by local populations, this species is under increasing pressure. This dynamic, combined with habitat fragmentation and the reduction of natural stands, could lead to a progressive decline of the species in certain areas of the park’s periphery. In order to identify areas of high occurrence and to provide information useful for guiding conservation, restoration, and sustainable management strategies for the species, its distribution in the PNT’s buffer zone was determined. To this end, a targeted inventory and a mobile inventory were adopted. These methods allowed for the identification of 99 individuals in the explored buffer zones of the Park. The largest numbers were found in the Adk and Soubré sectors, with 35 and 33 individuals respectively. These sectors exhibited a normal, bell-shaped diametrical structure, characteristic of a clear balance between regenerative individuals (young trees) and conservation individuals (older trees). This study showed that the Adk and Soubré sectors constitute key areas of high occurrence of Irvingia gabonensis in the periphery of the PNT. It also highlights a relatively stable stand structure, useful for guiding conservation and sustainable management actions for the species.