Authors:
Louis DJEGBATE
, Alain ZINGONGO
, Norbert AGOINON
, Jose Edgard GNELE
, Odile GUEDEGBE
DOSSOU ,Benin
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Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to inventory the fauna and flora of the crocodile pond in order
to come up with development proposals for ecological and ecotourism restoration of the
ecosystem. To achieve this objective, two field phases were carried out respectively in April and
October 2018 for one week at each descent. This provision made it possible to take into account
the temporal and/or seasonal dimension of the dynamics of the biological resources in place. The
wildlife inventory was carried out on the basis of direct and indirect observations during the day
and at night, supplemented by trapping captures. Night and day mounts were made. Crocodiles,
endemic to the pond, have been the subject of an in-depth study of their habitat and ecology in
the environment. The floristic inventory was carried out through vegetation surveys both inside
and outside plots. Semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted with local
populations, authorities and local government officials in order to take into account the interests
of the various stakeholders in the development proposals. A total of nine (09) mammal species,
twenty (20) bird species, one (01) fish species, one (01) crustacean species and five (05)
amphibian species were inventoried on all three (03) pools during the field phase of this study.
The vegetation of the ponds and its associated areas include about thirty woody species divided
into sixteen (16) families. The most dominant families are those of Moraceae (04 species)
including the genus Ficus, followed by Mimosaceae, Sapindaceae represented by three species
each. The other families are at most represented by two species. The ecological restoration of the
crocodile pond must involve enriching the food chain and maintaining it through periodic
stocking with catfish and tilapia. Two platforms are to be built on the pond and banks using
locally collected stone paving stones to improve crocodile sightings by tourists. In the same way,
an internal ecotourism tour will be planned and visit contents developed |
