Do flying foxes limit flower abortion in African baobab ( Adansonia digitata )? Case study in Benin, West Africa

Introduction. The plant baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose tree in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the role of bat-induced pollination in baobab fruiting. Materials and methods. The tree was studied in three different climatic regions in Benin Republic: Materi, Dassa-Zoume and Come-Houeyogbe, representing the Northern, Central and Southern parts of the country, respectively. Tree size (diameter at breast height, height, crown diameter) and flower size (sepals and petals length and width) were measured from each of the trees in the study areas and flower visitation by bats was monitored. Bats’ contribution to pollination success was also evaluated by monitoring caged and free flowers. Results and discussion. There were significant differences in tree and flower sizes among the three regions. Significant differences were also observed in the mean number of bat visits per tree and pollination success among tree populations, but, fruit set per tree was not significantly different among baobab populations, at least in the first 8 weeks. In all populations, flower abortion was significantly elevated in caged flowers. Conclusion. Based on findings of this study, it can be concluded that bat-pollination increases the fruit set rate, making it an important factor for in situ regeneration of baobab trees in the country.