INFLUENCE OF WOODY COVER ON THE NATURAL REGENERATION OF THREATENED TIMBER SPECIES IN THE YAPO-ABBE CLASSIFIED FOREST (SOUTHEASTERNCOTE D’IVOIRE)

This study was carried out in the Yapo-Abbe classified forest (FCYA) in south-eastern Côte d'Ivoire. Its aim was to assess the impact of vegetation cover on the natural regeneration of woody species included in the 2018 IUCN red list. The methodology involved establishing inventory plots in areas with different levels of woody cover (low, medium, high and very high). The investigations identified 24 timber species on the 2018 IUCN Red List, 12 of which showed natural regeneration. The results indicate a significant influence of woody cover on the regeneration of the 2018 IUCN Red List timber species inventoried. The highest values of density of regenerating individuals were observed in areas with medium or moderate cover. These results suggest that moderate woody cover can favour the natural regeneration of these species, probably by providing an adequate microclimate and protection against disturbance.