Climate change aggravates anthropogenic threats of the endangered savanna tree Pterocarpus erinaceus (Fabaceae) in Burkina Faso
Species distribution modeling has become increasingly important as climate change drives significant habitat shifts in plant and animal species, particularly those that provide essential ecosystem goods and services. One such species is the African rosewood tree (Pterocarpus erinaceus), which faces severe threats in sub-Saharan Africa due to habitat loss and anthropogenic pressures, while its distribution patterns and ecological requirements remain incompletely understood. Naturally occurring in various savanna ecosystems, the species has suffered considerable population declines over recent decades. This study employs ensemble modeling to predict both current and future distribution potential for P. erinaceus in Burkina Faso, incorporating 54 environmental variables to assess habitat suitability under projected climate scenarios for 2050 and 2070. Using greenhouse gas concentration trajectories RCP4.5 and 8.5, along with general circulation models CNRM-CM5 and HadGEM2-CC, researchers evaluated the species’ vulnerability to climate change. Additionally, a network of protected areas in Burkina Faso was analyzed to determine their role in conservation efforts. Key environmental factors influencing P. erinaceus distribution include isothermality (31%), minimum temperature of the coldest month (31%), soil pH at a depth of 0–5 cm (11%), silt content at 60–100 cm (9.2%), and precipitation during the warmest quarter (8%). Under current climate conditions, highly suitable habitats span approximately 129,695 km², covering 47% of Burkina Faso. However, projections indicate a significant decline in suitable habitat, with potential losses of up to 61% under future climate scenarios. Given these findings, urgent conservation measures are necessary to safeguard P. erinaceus within its native range. This study provides valuable insights for land managers, helping them prioritize conservation areas and avoid introducing the species into unsuitable environments unless appropriate management strategies are implemented.
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This works is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors
Dimobe, K.,Ouédraogo, K.,Annighöfer, P.,Kollmann, J.,Bayala, J.,Hof, C.,Schmidt, M.,Goetze, D.,Porembski, S.,Thiombiano, A.
Publication year
2022
