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Effects of termite mounds on composition, functional types and traits of plant communities in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (Benin, West Africa)
Author(s) -
Gbeffe Alain K.,
Houehanou Thierry D.,
Habiyaremye Muhashy,
Assede Emeline S. P.,
Yaoitcha Alain S.,
Janssens de Bisthoven Luc,
Sogbohossou Etotépé A.,
Houinato Marcel,
Sinsin Brice A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/aje.12391
Subject(s) - species richness , ecology , herbaceous plant , biodiversity , species diversity , forb , ecosystem , plant community , biology , beta diversity , geography , grassland
Understanding the role of termite mounds in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is a priority for the management of tropical terrestrial protected areas dominated by savannahs. This study aimed to assess the effects of termite mounds on the diversity of plant functional types ( PFT s) and herbaceous’ net aboveground primary productivity ( NAPP ) in plant communities ( PC s) of the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. PC s were identified through canonical correspondence analysis performed on 96 phytosociological ‘relevés’ realized in plots of 900 m 2 . PFT s’ diversity was compared between savannahs and mounds’ plots using generalized linear models. In each plot, 7 m 2 subplots were harvested and NAPP was determined. Linear mixed models were performed to assess change in herbaceous NAPP regarding species richness, graminoids’ richness, specific leaf area and termite mounds. There is no specific plant community related to mounds. However, the occurrence of termite mounds induced an increase of woody and forbs diversity while the diversity of legumes and graminoids decreased. These diversity patterns led to decreasing of PC s’ NAPP . This study confirms that termite‐induced resource heterogeneity supports niche differentiation theory and increased savannah encroachment by woody species.