Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 39: 2607 - 2617. Published March 9, 2011.
The study of unburned savanna sections serving as temporary refuges for insects. An experiment in a tropical humid savanna in Côte d’Ivoire
Kanvaly DOSSO, Souleymane KONATE, Tamia Akoua Madeleine KOUAKOU, Aboubakar DEMBELE, Daouda AIDARA and K.E. LINSENMAIR
Station d’Ecologie de Lamto, Université d’Abobo-Adjamé, Côte d’Ivoire
Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, Sanderring 2, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
Corresponding address: Email: doskan2002@yahoo.fr
ABSTRACT
Objective: Fire is a significant factor in the Lamto savanna where it is considered as the major cause of disturbance. Although previous studies have very well shown its role in the creation of spatial heterogeneity in the vegetation, few reliable data exist on its effects on biodiversity in general and on insects in particular. In the context of biodiversity conservation in protected areas in Côte d’Ivoire, an investigation was conducted in the Lamto reserve to study the effects of fire on insect’s movements.
Methodology and results: Using different trapping methods (pitfall trap, Malaise trap and movable cage), data were collected on insects between and within two plots of savanna differing in their fire-treatment in order to examine the effect of fire on the insects movement and community composition. The results showed intensive movements of flying insects between plots during the fire while ground-dwelling insects seemed to find refuge in the ground and grass tufts in the burned area; this strategy being mostly used by individuals of small size. The unburned plot played a dual function in biodiversity conservation. On the one hand, it provided a refuge for flying insects during the fire, and on the other hand, it served as a retreat for many species that eventually resettled the burned plot offering new and attractive living conditions for insects some months after the fire via the new growth of grasses.
Conclusion and Application: In the framework of biodiversity management in Lamto reserve, such a study can be used for guiding further research on the interaction between biodiversity and savanna fires.
Key words: Biodiversity, conservation, fire, insects, refuge, savanna
FULL PAPER [PDF AVAILABLE HERE]
