Effects of land use changes on Cordyla pinnata (Lepr. ex A. Rich.) Milne-Redh. stand distribution: a multipurpose threatened species in Senegal (West Africa)

Cordyla pinnata is a multipurpose forage species that plays important ecological and socio-economic roles in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated how different land use types affect the species’ population structure and distribution in Senegal. Forest inventories were conducted in 140 plots across four land use types: farmland, fallow, rangeland, and protected area. Diameter at breast height (dbh), crown diameter, height, and regeneration of C. pinnata were measured, and woody species composition was noted. The results showed significant differences in species composition across land use types, with protected areas and rangelands showing the highest species diversity. The density of mature C. pinnata trees was highest in protected areas (393.63 ± 24.21 stems/ha) and lowest in farmlands (140.40 ± 46.70 stems/ha), suggesting that agricultural expansion has a strong negative impact on the species. Diameter class distributions suggested a stable population structure of mature trees, whereas regeneration patterns revealed an unstable state, raising concerns about the species’ future sustainability. Our findings underscore the adverse effects of land use changes on C. pinnata and highlight the need to mitigate human pressure on ecosystems to ensure conservation of this valuable species and the biodiversity it supports.