Détails de la publication

Fire in African savannahs: a review of ecological impacts and management strategies

Détails de la publication

• Type:Article
• Domaine: Ressources naturelles et Environnement
• Année de publication: 2023
• Auteurs: O. G. Zoffoun et E. A. Sogbohossou
• Cultures: Savane
• Couverture géographique: National
• Mots clés: prescribed burning, vegetation, wildlife, biodiversity, fire management

Résumé de la publication

Savannahs, which span about half of Africa’s tropical landscape, are characterized by the coexistence of trees and grasses. Fire is a natural and essential process in savannah ecosystems, playing a crucial role in shaping vegetation structure and maintaining biodiversity. There is currently a lack of up-to-date information gathering in a holistic view of fire ecology in African savannahs biome and management strategies. We reviewed in this paper, the scientific literature on fire in African savannahs, including its ecological impacts and management strategies. Data were acquired on different databases through articles, scientific books, reports, communications, and PhD dissertations. Nearly 6.21% of Sub-African Sahara region (4.89 million km2) is burned annually. These fires have both natural and anthropic sources. The introduction of agriculture and pastoralism into African savannah ecosystems increased year by year the frequency and area of fires. The coexistence between fire and vegetation since thousands of years has developed favoured emergence of fire-tolerant species and fire-prone vegetation. Wildlife species are also affected by fire. Large animals are primarily influenced by the indirect effects of fire through the environment, while small animals are most likely affected by the direct effect (injured or kill by fire). Early dry season fire, late dry season fire and rainy season fire are commonly prescribed burning fire management. Fire suppression and laissez-faire approach are also used in some case. The fire management approach of African savannahs should take into consideration vegetation types, wildlife species occurring in the area and human community as well. By adopting a holistic and collaborative approach to fire management, it is possible to promote sustainable land management and preserve the ecological health and biodiversity of African savannahs.