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Vascular plants utilization in Mahimborondro Protected Area, Northern Highland of Madagascar
Abstract
This study was conducted among local communities bordering the Mahimborondro Protected Area (PA). This ethnobotanical research aimed to document woody forest resources harvested by local populations. The methodology combined semi-structured surveys using a predefined questionnaire with residents of two villages, Bealanana and Beandrarezona, and a floristic inventory to assess resource availability. Respondents were questioned about their livelihoods, particularly their relationships with forest resources. During floristic inventory, four growth parameters were measured: density, basal area, biovolume, and regeneration rate. The surveys identified 39 useful plant species, including three threatened species: Breonia madagascariensis, Cryptocarya vaccinioides, and Prunus africana. The uses identified were as follows: house construction, utensil manufacturing, transportation and agricultural tools, fuelwood, traditional medicine, and fencing. By applying Lance et al. (1994) formula, we identified eight most frequently used species: Erythroxylum nitidilum, Ocotea laevis, Cryptocarya vaccinioides, Erythroxylum sphaeranthum, Brachylaena merana, Eugenia emirnensis, Prunus africana, and Pittosporum verticillatum. Analysis of diameter classes revealed a significantly higher density for trees with a diameter ]0.20 to 0.30 m], which decreased for larger classes. In contrast, basal area and biovolume showed lower values for diameter ]0.10 - 0.40 m], and higher values for trees with a diameter ]0.40 m[. However, the stands of these species mostly exhibited a very good state of natural regeneration, indicating active resource renewal. For sustainable use, any conservation plan for the Mahimborondro Protected Area must integrate the needs and traditional knowledge of local populations regarding these forest resources. Its sustainable management is essential to reconcile biodiversity conservation with community well-being.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v53.2.7579
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Copyright (c) 2025 Seraphin Fabrice, Jelot Hernandez, Jeanneney RABEARIVONY, Vonjison RAKOTOARIMANANA, Felaniaina Valerie RAJAONARISON, Marius Paul Hubert RAKOTONDRATSIMA, Lily-Arison RENE DE ROLAND
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