Socio‐Ecological Significance and Anthropogenic Threats to Berlinia (Sol. ex Hook.f., 1849) and Isoberlinia (Stapf, 1911) Species in Côte d’Ivoire

Berlinia and Isoberlinia species, vital for timber, food, medicine, and cultural services in Côte d'Ivoire's Guineo-Sudanian zone, face severe threats from overexploitation, habitat loss, and climate stress. A study examining 72 plots across protected (Comoé National Park) and unprotected areas revealed significant declines in density, stem diameter, and basal area in unprotected stands, with Isoberlinia doka suffering from selective illegal logging and Berlinia grandiflora showing regressive population dynamics due to aging stands and low regeneration. Ethnobotanical surveys identified 23 medicinal, seven handicraft, two fuelwood, and one food uses, while highlighting eight key drivers of decline, including deforestation, agriculture, unsustainable logging, bushfires, cashew cultivation, and drought. The findings underscore the need for community-based conservation strategies integrating local ethnoecological knowledge to ensure the sustainability of these ecologically and socio-economically critical species.

Karim, S. G., Bakary, S., & Koné, N. G. A. (2026). Socio‐Ecological Significance and Anthropogenic Threats to Berlinia (Sol. ex Hook.f., 1849) and Isoberlinia (Stapf, 1911) Species in Côte d’Ivoire. Ecology and Evolution, 16(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72984