Unique botanical value on Atacora Mountains: reasons for the creation of new conservation areas in Benin

Background and aims- Atacora Mountains (AMs) are a geo-morphologically, ecologically and floristically important ecosystem in Benin. Unfortunately, nearly entire the area remains without official protection. Considering the high pressure on the flora and vegetation during last decades, identification of suitable conservation areas at finer scale is needed. This work present a checklist of plant species found in the six site covered by Atacora Mountains, assess distribution of the special plants (endemic, nearly endemic, exclusive and threatened) and identify diversity centres and priority conservation area. Material and methods- Inventories were conducted in six sites covered by the AMs from August 2017 to March 2019. The phytosociological method of Braun-Blanquet was applied. A total of 129 plots of 900 m² for mature individuals, and subplots of 5 x 5 m for regenerations were performed. The map of AMs was digitised using ArcGIS 9.3 and grid cells based on mileage were used to assess the spatial patterns of special species. Key results- In total, 827 plant species belonging to 464 genera and 105 families of which 55 special species were recorded. The highest numbers of the special species were distributed throughout the study area except in Toucountouna and Kérou sites. Using distribution and taxonomic richness in special taxa as model system, three biodiversity centers and one top conservation priority site (Boukoumbé) were identified. Conclusion- The identified areas of AMs can form the basis for defining habitats with priority conservation in this ecosystem. It is therefore important to preserve the remaining plant populations in situ to create an environment in which they can increase to levels beyond an imminent danger of extinction.