Characteristics of dry forest in West Africa and the influence of fire.
1992
Swaine, M. D.
The climate, soils, forest structure and floristics of dry forests in West Africa are briefly described. Forests in Ghana have 2 rainfall peaks, with annual rainfall ranging from 850 to 1350 mm and 6-10 dry months (<100 mm rain). The dry forests in Ghana are characterized by (i) relatively nutrient rich soils developed over a variety of rock types, (ii) relatively short trees (tallest trees 10-40 m), (iii) a relatively high proportion of deciduous trees in the canopy and a high proportion of evergreens in the understorey, and (iv) a distinctive flora which changes gradually towards areas of higher rainfall, but abruptly at the forest/savanna boundary. Dry forests near the boundary form a distinctive subtype as a result of occasional encroachment by litter fires, which have become more common in the 1980s. Evidence is presented to suggest that many parts of the forest zone in West Africa may have been subject to fires, which have probably had a significant influence on the composition of the present forest canopy. Mortality caused by fire is greatest for small trees, whilst more large trees are killed by drought. This thinning allows rapid recolonization, especially by marantaceous and zingiberaceous forbs and pioneer trees. Recurrent fires impede recovery of burnt forest.
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