Spatial ecology, biodiversity, and abiotic determinants of Congo's bai ecosystem

Research in Odzala-Kokoua National Park reveals that bais—large, natural forest clearings—are more abundant and ecologically significant than previously understood. The study mapped 2176 bais, challenging the notion of their rarity while confirming their role as rare riparian habitats due to their small size (<1 ha for 80.7%) and clustered distribution in low-lying areas. Bais exhibit distinct plant and animal communities, soil properties, and vegetation structures compared to other open ecosystems, highlighting two identifiable types. Combining remote sensing with field surveys, the study integrated hydrological, topographical, and biodiversity data to demonstrate bais' unique ecological contribution to Congolese rainforests.

Hockridge, E. G., Bradford, E. M., Angier, K. I. W., Youd, B. H., McGill, E. B. M., Ngouma, S. Y., Ognangue, R. L., Gibbon, G. E. M., & Davies, A. B. (2024). Spatial ecology, biodiversity, and abiotic determinants of Congo’s bai ecosystem. Ecology, 105(11). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4419