Conservation Value of the Floristic Diversity in the Mabi-Yaya Reserve, Southeast of Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Background: The Mabi-Yaya nature reserve, created in 2019, is a protected area located in the Mé region in the southeast of Côte d'Ivoire, precisely towards the city of Alépé and covers an area of 61,282,559 ha. This reserve is rich in biodiversity and plays an important role in the conservation of many endemic and threatened species. The regression of forest cover in Côte d'Ivoire appears spectacular over time and space. Aims: The present study analyzed the floristic diversity and conservation value of species recorded in the nature reserve of Mabi-Yaya. Methodology: Conservation, restoration and management of forest landscapes and natural and anthropized ecosystems. Nature reserve of Mabi-Yaya; February to July 2023. The data were collected according to surface and itinerant survey methods. A total of 20 plots of 2000 m2 (100 m x 20 m) were randomly installed on the site. All vascular species present in the sample surface were identified and the diameter at breast height (dbh) greater than or equal to 2.5 cm of woody plants 1.30 m from the ground was measured. The data was collected according to the methods of surface survey and itinerant. Results: This study identified 556 species in the massif, divided into 404 genera and 99 families, of which the most important were Fabaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Regarding the conservation attribute of biodiversity, 45 species with a special status have been identified. These are: 38 West African endemic species (GCW), 02 Ivorian endemic species (GCi). Eighteen (18) species on the IUCN red list (2025) and 09 species on the Aké-Assi list (1998). Among the 18 species on the IUCN red list, 16 species are vulnerable (VU) and 2 species are endangered (EN), including Placodiscus pseudostipularis Radlk. (Sapindaceae). The mode of dissemination of diaspores of species from the Mabi-Yaya reserve is endozoochory. Conclusion: Conservation efforts for endemic, rare and endangered species of the forest must be prioritized. At the end of this study, we can retain that the Mabi-Yaya nature reserve has a floristic richness estimated at 556 species. The reserve is characterized by a dominance in Guinean-Congolese species and phanerophytes. It is a rather diverse forest reflecting a great stability of the flora of the reserve.