At the “Centre de Promotion de l’Artisanat” (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., July 2009, Cotonou, Benin)

The development of Moringa oleifera seedling planted with the half-moon technique. Here it is an example of a water and soil conservation method in northern Benin (Photo Avakoudjo J. Baru at Birni- Lafia, Karimama, January 2010)

Its pulp is rich in Vitamin C and is locally used as a laxative, purgative and against malaria whilst its seeds are 2 to 15 times richer in protein than maize and cassava.  (Photo Fandohan A.B., January 2009, Karimama, Benin)

Despite its growth hindrance by the hemiparasitic Agelanthus dodoneifolius (Photo Houehanou D. T. April 2008, Tanguieta, Benin)

The preparation of xylophagous cerambycidae specimen for their identification in the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, Belgium. It is for a systematic study of Cerambycidae from the family to the subspecies level (Photo CAKPO Y. T., November 2010, Brussels, Belgium).

Germination testing on Caesalpinia bonduc (Yellow Nicker) on the experimental site of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi. The roots of the species are exploited by rural people in the treatment of diseases related to the prostate gland. (Photo Assogbadjo A.E., April 2009, Benin)

The butter made from the Butter Tree (Pentadesma butyracea) is used by local people in cosmetics and food. (Photo Avocèvou-Ayisso C., July 2009, Bassila, Benin)

People and crocodiles share the same resources (water and fish) and live peacefully.  (Photo, Kpéra G.N., June 2010, Fombawi, Bénin)

The congress topic was: ‘‘Impacts of global change on topical ecosystems’’ Photo Toko I., July 2009, Marburg, Germany)

There is a good working ambiance between young scientists from different West African counties involved in the BIOTA project (Photo B. Djossa, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, 2006)

Fern Diversity in Kibale Park, Ouganda. The most abundant Pteridophytes species are: Pteris caloptera and Tectaria spp.  The abundance and richness of epiphytic ferns increased insignificantly as distance into the forest interior increased.  (Photo Cakpo Y.T.,  July 2010, Kibale, Uganda).

The PGFTR project has adopted a participatory approach of management of the urban classed forest of Abomey. It is therefore important to collect the opinions of the ”illegal” occupants of this forest in order to ensure its sustainable management. (Houngbo N. E., November 2009, Abomey, Benin).

Planting peanuts in association with maize and cassava offers the advantage of slowing down the clearing of the fallow lands. This association allows peasant farmers to have several food crops on the same surface (Photo Adjahossou B.S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

 Kobus kob (antelope)grazing at the per-annual regrowth after vegetation fire.  Papio anubis (baboon) and Phacochoerus africanus (warthog) are looking for the undergound fauna. (Photo Houessou G.L., March, 2008, Pendjari National Park, Benin).

A photo illustrating the eating behavior of the Girolando dairy cattle imported from Brazil on Panicum maximum pasture (Photo Zoffoun G.A., May 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

(Photo Sarè B., September 2007)

A nursery experiment to find out the effects of seed manipulation by fruit bats on germination success (Photo B. Djossa, Tanguiéta, Benin, 2005)

 (Photo Vodouhê F.G., February 2009, Ouidah, Benin).

 Within these plots, data were collected on the forest flora diversity. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., December 2007, Morondava, Madagascar)

Altogether there are 105 landings outside the fishing port of Cotonou, and along the coastal area of Benin (Photo Teka O., Adouko, Benin, 16^th January 2007)

We talked about our work and his contribution.  (Photo Tatiana K., December 2009, Cape Coast, Ghana).

An erosion plot in northern Benin, adopted experiments designed to assess the extent of erosion and runoff in “dongas” and “plateaus” (Photo Avakoudjo J., Baru at Birni-Lafia, Karimama, January 2010)

This is a bush sarmenteuse capable of reaching 5 m high. The latex and the seeds are used to make poisoned arrows. (Photo Djègo, September 2009, Calavi, Benin)

A private botanical garden of medicinal plants in Hinvi, Benin. It is a bargain because these gardens are very rare in Benin. In Northern Benin, there is also the Papatia botanical garden. (Photo Cakpo Y. T., July 2008, Hinvi, Benin)

A female herd of Kobus kob in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. These antelopes along with their cousins the  Kobus defassa are the most abundant herbivores of the park. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., July 2008, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

With the endogenous castration technique. They stitch up the wound with plain thread and a needle. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2007, Boukoumbé, Benin)

Adansonia digitata, is a multiuse species harvested by many communities in Africa. The species is a symbol of Madagascar flora. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., December 2007, Morondava, Madagascar)

This farm belongs to a man who invests on it. In this farm we have cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry production. He wants to produce hectares of artificial pastures.  (Photo Tatiana K., January 2010, Cape Coast, Ghana).

Viewing of the local market showed that the majority of the taxonomic categories of Benin are represented including rare, vulnerable and threatened species. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., March 2010, Cotonou, Benin).

Coastal short grass vegetation used as rangeland; Remirea maritima is used for forage (Photo Adomou A.C., March 2010, Cotonou, Benin)

(Photo Toudonou A.S.C., July 2009, Massi, Benin)

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

Coastal short grass vegetation showing a stand of Scaevola plumieri (Photo Adomou A.C., March 2010, Cotonou, Benin)

A sacred forest is preserved by local people in the District of Allada in Benin (Photo Arouna O, September 2010, Allada, Bénin).

The deforestation is made especially for salt production as well as for domestic use of coastal households because cooking wood is becoming too rare in the area of Avlékété (Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 28^th March 2007)

Peanut nut oil is used in the kitchen as crackling, sauce, rice and other things. Cotonou seed consumption is evaluated to 12 kg per person per annum (Photo Adjahossou B.S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

In the buffer zone at the W National Park. (Photo Houessou G.L., March 2008, Park W, Buffer Zone, Benin).

Practiced in South Benin, it is often done around selected palm trees.  Groundnut and voanzou are often cultivated on these spaces (Photo, Djaouga M., August 2008, Za-kpota, Benin).

Natural regeneration  in a location generally burned by bush fires during in the  dry season of Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) an endangered species in Benin.  This photo was taken in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve during the rainy season (Photo Houehanou D.T., July 2008, Tanguieta, Benin)

 Illegal grazing is one of the main threats to conservation in the region (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

A flowering Phoenix reclinata in a mangrove forest (Photo Adomou A.C., January 2011, Cotonou, Benin)

Having little concern to cattle, children leave animals free in crop fields leading to farmer/herder conflicts. (Photo, Kpéra G.N., Décembre 2010, Nikki, Bénin)

Abusive timber exploitation (Pterocarpus erinaceus) in the protected forest of “Alibori Supérieur” (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2007, Péhunco, Benin)

This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa and deserves to be maintained (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2004)

This survey was made to determine the species used most often in southern Benin.  Carissa edulis, Clausena anisata, Crataeva adansonii, Anogeissus leiocarpa, and Pavetta crassipes are among the useful traditionally medicinal species in Southern Benin. (Photo Cakpo Y.T., July 2008, Niaouli, Benin).

 (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., November 2009, Weigheim, Germany)

(Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., July 2009, Karimama, Benin)

This species is used in the food of the bovines in the North of Benin Republic.  This species is disappearing because of the various pressures on it.  In Kalalé, the Fulani rely on this resource to feed the cattle during the dry season. (Photo Djaouga M., October 2009, Kalalé, Benin).

A collection room in the Royal Institute of Natural Science in Brussels. Studies were funded by the institute at LEA. Also, other members of the LEA had received this reward for internship training in Belgium.  (Photo CAKPO Y. T.  November, 2010, Brussels, Belgium).

The lion population in Pendjari is estimated to be a little less than 100 .  The Pendjari lion population is one of the most important in West and Central Africa. (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

NTFPs play an important role in the livelihood of people surrounding the reserve. The net annual market value of NTFPs in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve was estimated to be 165, 817 F CFA/ha (US$ 368 ha^-1). (Photo, Vodouhê F.G., March 2008, Koualégou, Pendjari)

Identification tag for restoration action in a degraded area of northern Benin. This is a Goroubéri
site made to fight against plant grazing by animals (Photo Avakoudjo J., Goroubéri, Karimama, January 2010)

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

The seasonal displacement of the Fulani who leave their residence  in search of pasture and water in wetter savannas and forests is called transhumance. (Photo Djaouga M., December 2008, Nikki, Benin).

 (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., April 2009, Forêt Classée de la Lama-Massi, Bénin)

 (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2007, Aguéguè, Benin).

Of garbage and even the illegal construction of a dump in Djougou, Benin. This study diagnoses the degradation problems of this urban forest which could disappear if nothing is done. It is already 70 percent illegally occupied and is polluted by garbage. (Houngbo N. E., November 2009, Djougou, Benin).

In the Bali pond in the Pendjari National Park (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2008, Pendjari National Park, Bénin).

 They remain the relic of giraffe populations in West Africa and as such, they are highly protected to avoid extinction of the species (Photo, Gouwakinnou G. N., August  2008, Kouré, Niger)

By Boukoumbé breeders using the endogenous castration technique.  The breeder incised cock for castration. Capon (castrated cock) was produced for its length and flexible feathers which are use for traditional dancing. With castration, the quantity and quality of cock meat increases. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2007, Boukoumbé, Benin).

An operation collecting turtle shells from the fishermen in the town of Grand Popo (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2005)

A fisherman on the Pendjari River that forms the Northern and Western natural boundaries of the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

This jar proved  that human presence existed several years ago in some areas of the Reserve. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., May 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

 (Photo Houessou G.L., September 2008, Park W, Benin).

These very impressive animals are important for local tourism (Photo B. Djossa, Porga, Benin, 2006)

The day of hatching eggs of sea turtles from artificial incubation in situ on the beach at Grand Popo, represents an occasion for school groups to raise awareness of the Commune (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin 2004).

(Photo Ekué MRM, March 2005, Péhunco, Bénin)

 (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., May 2010, Copargo, Benin)

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2009, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

Thonningia sanguinea (Balanophoraceae), a parasitic and melliferous plant showing a honey bee foraging in a riparian forest in Manigri (Photo Adomou A.C., September 2010, Manigri, Benin)

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Grand-Popo)

(Photo Lougbégnon O. T., February 2010, Lac Azili, Benin).

An Euphorbia unispina (Euphorbiaceae) grows on a rocky stand; although the milk is toxic, the plant is used in the recipe for treating snake bites and stomachaches (Photo Adomou A.C., January 2002, Kota, Benin)

This forest contains the marshy Middle-specific biodiversity. There are plant species such as Xylopia rubescens, Hallea ciliata, raffia hookeri, Ficus congensis and Alstonia congensis, developing either stilted roots, the pneumatophores, aerial roots or the foothills. The fauna is very diverse but the forest is not protected. (Photo Djego J., February 2007, Lokoli, Benin)

In the savannah, the species is subject in its seedling stage to the recurrent annual wild fire effect which delays its normal growth until the plant passes the influence of fire and continues its normal growth from the sapling stage. (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., July 2009, Karimama, Benin)

An example of water erosion in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. Combined with tree dispersal, the study of water erosion can help build more realistic models of how climate change affects the migration and location of trees. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Discussion with  Eyongetta Stanley N., a Cameroun young scientist (shown in white ) and Abdoulaye Sere  a Burkina Faso young scientist during  the 22^nd  CODATA conference. We participated in this conference as young Beninese scientists. We presented a poster on Capons Breeding in Benin. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2010, Cape Town, South of Africa).

Ten morphotypes have been identified in Benin following folk classification (Photo Fandohan A.B., February 2009, Abomey Calavi, Benin)

A participant at the conference on Entomology in the Belgium Museum. This conference was made to share the results of research done in universities in Belgium and the Institute. (Photo CAKPO T. Y., November 2010, Brussels, Belgium).

A blind bush buck found in the Hunting Zone of Pendjari the low density of predators in that zone. If more predators were in the zone, this blind animal would not have been likely to live very long (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

The causes of the erosion may be the construction of the Port of Cotonou, which could modify oceanographic factors. Another cause of the coastal erosion in Benin is withdrawn sand (Photo Teka O., Sémè, Benin, 27^th March 2007)

His PhD research was about  ‘‘Study of spatial variability of herbaceous biomass, phenology and structure of vegetation in the upper Oueme catchment in sudanian zone of Benin’’ (Photo Toko I., July 2008, Cotonou, Benin)

Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood) plant growth under different types of fertilizer for leaf biomass assessment and tea production used to fight against malaria (Photo Avakoudjo J., Abomey, February 2008)

 In most cases, the artificial hatching rate is not 100% certain (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2004)

Lantana camara  in flower is thought to be part of highly invasive plant in Benin (Photo Djègo J., January 2004, Sèmé, Benin)

An African elephant feeding on Acacia sieberiana in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. This keystone species attracts most of the tourists in the reserve. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., July 2008, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Rock outcrops in Zou Zoukan forest can limit the development of tree regeneration. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., September 2009, Zangnanado, Benin)

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., June 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

 (Photo Ekué MRM, March 2005, Agouna, Benin)

The scats are used for diet analysis. (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

One use of Remirea maritima is to ease the teething of babies. (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2010, Cotonou, Benin)

The Master of sciences defense of Avakoudjo Julien, University of Abomey Calavi (UAC) in Benin (Photo Avakoudjo J., Abomey-Calavi, February 2008)

Characteristic vegetation of coastal marshlands in southern Benin  (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2007,  So-Ava, Benin).

Papatia botanical garden bio monitoring is done by LEA. Phytosociological releves were done in the plots which were installed by the topofil (Photo Toko I., September 2008, Papatia, Benin)

This method participated in surveys to measure the level of poaching of some species; however, we were prohibited from taking anything (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2005)

A common species in south Benin habitats (Photo Volunteer PU-LEA, April 2005, Benin)

The LEA collaborates with Liege University concerning scientific exchanges and backing of intellectual capacity.   (Photo Djègo S., Liege, Belgium, 2009).

This method requires a lot of wood energy and increases the degradation of forests and forest relics (Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 16^th  January 2007)

 It is a civil prison. The cattle breeding is semi intensive (Photo Tatiana K., December 2009, Cape Coast, Ghana).

It is a late successional species reaching up to 30 m tall (Photo Ekué MRM, December 2005, Benin)

(Photo Houessou G.L., May 2008, Sampeto, W Park, Benin).

This destruction takes part in the deforestation of the vegetation, which gradually degrades the soil, facilitating the erosion of the ground  on the  level slopes. (Photo Djaouga M., September 2009, Nikki, Benin).

This field work in the Kolobi natural forest was for AROUNA Ousséni’s PhD study (Photo Toko I., November 2010, Djidja, Benin)

Donga is a natural ground sinking and erosion phenomenon often occurring in flood plains and typical of warm climate. (Photo Fandohan A.B., April 2009, Karimama, Bénin)

A common species in Benin (Photo:Volunteer PU-LEA., April 2005, Benin)

 (Photo Zoffoun G.A., May 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

Grasslands constitute the major part of cattle feed in Benin (Photo Teka O., Tanguiéta, Benin, 8^th March 2007)

There are many of them in the Beninese parks and their number is estimated as 1444 individuals according to the 2008 count in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. These animals are preferably hunted in Benin during sport hunting because of their trophy beauty. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., March 2011, Tanguieta, Benin).

An animal formerly wild is to be domesticated in an experiment made by Mister CORNEC at Dassari in the Benin republic. (Photo Djaouga M., November 2010, Matéri, Benin).

These cattle imported from Brazil in November 2004 have been installed on the Kpinnou ranch and thrive. The bulls weigh an average of 660 kg (1455 lbs) (Photo Zoffoun G.A., June 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

In the Municipality of Ouidah. This mangrove is overexploited due to the demographic pressures in Benin’s coastal region (Photo Teka O., Agbanzinkpota, Benin, 28^th March 2007)

This parasitic grass has a tuberous rhizome and unisexual flowers with bright red bracts, that can be rigid and difficult. The tuberous rhizome is used to treat parasitic worms, rheumatism, dysentery, and sore throat. The fruits are rich in alkaloids  (Photo Djègo, July 2010, Kaodji, Benin)

(Photo Lougbégnon O. T.,  March 2007, Aguégué, Benin) 

This is an indigenous fruit species native to semi-arid regions of Africa. It is maintained in agroforestry situations by farmers who use almost all of its organs for medicinal, food, carving and firewood purposes. (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., June 2008, Karimama, Benin)

It was introduced in the domanial perimeters for provision of wood energy . The filao improves the pH of soil and increases the capacity of the cations to exchange with other ions. (Djègo photo, January 2004, Sèmé, Benin)

This ceremony is the LEA members’ initiative. It is organized every year in January (Photo Toko I., January 2009, Grand-Popo, Benin)

In Benin, sport hunting was organized in the hunting zone of north Benin (Photo Toko I., August 2009, Germany)

This is an exotic species with high energy value.  It was introduced in the domanial perimeters for provision of wood energy . The filao improves the pH of soil and increases the capacity of the cations to exchange with other ions. (Djègo photo, January 2004, Sèmé, Benin)

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) captured by the specialists in studying this group of crocodiles during the 1st workshop held in W Regional Park of Niger (Photo, Kpéra G.N., November 2008, Tapoa, Niger)

The focus group for an ethnobotany study of Pentadesma butyracea (Butter Tree), a multi-purpose tree, which supplies many indigenous people with a diversity of valuable non-timber forest products. (Photo Avocèvou-Ayisso C., March 2006, Natitingou, Bénin).

Dialium guineense and Eleas guineense  boughs transported for the installation of acadja on the Nokoué  (Photo Teka O., Ganvié, Benin, 5^th  March 2007)

“Acadja” is a systems  trap the young fish in vegetal paddocks and breed them. The vegetal paddock is always made on Dialium guineense (Velvet tamarind), which is already scarce in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi     (Photo Teka O., Ganvié, Benin, 5^th March 2007)

Girolando cows weigh about 500 kg (1102 lbs) and produce 3,000 kg (6614 lbs) of milk per lactation (Photo Zoffoun G.A., June 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

The species is able to capture small insects when they lay on its leaves (flies, ants, etc.) and digests them (Photo Houessou G.L., September 2008, W National Park, Benin).

Stems of Dennetia tripetala (Annonaceae), a rare species, collected by people in the semi-deciduous forest of Ewè-Adakplamè and used during ceremonies for the idol “Oro” (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2007, Kétou, Benin)

(Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2010, Mont Kouffè, Benin).

Termite-built structures (termitary) constitute patches in the landscape where the availability of soil nutrients for plants is improved. Termites have been identified amongst the main soil engineers. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

It is an exotic species introduced in reforestation in Benin for its fast growth. The eucalyptus acidifies the soil and alters its biochemical properties. The exotic species is harmful to the species of the undergrowth. (Djègo photo, January 2004, Sèmé, Benin)

 (Photo Vodouhê F.G., November 2009, Tanongou, Bénin)

Results presentation by the Director of the Laboratory of Applied Ecology to PIC Artemisia Project Donors on the optimal conditions for Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood) plant and leaf biomass production for tea made to fight against malaria. (Photo Avakoudjo J., Abomey, April 2008)

Caramelized peanut with high commercial value in Cotonou, 2010 (Photo Adjahossou B. S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

Baobab individuals in a traditional agroforestry system at Boukoumbé in Northern Benin. Baobab is a multipurpose species used daily by rural populations for food, cultural, and socio-economic purposes. (Photo Assogbadjo A.E.., July, 2007, Benin)

(Photo Houessou G.L., September 2008, W National Park, Benin).

(Photo B. Djossa, Pendjari, Benin, 2005)

This milk sold by the Fulani women at Kandi is also used for making cheese (Wagatchi) and  butter (nèba) from the milk clot. These milk products are consumed by the people. (Photo Djaouga M., June 2010, Kandi, Benin).

Fulani are excellent shepherd people who practice the transhumance (migration) towards West Africa. (Photo Teka O., Natittingou, Benin, 9^th March 2007)

Monitoring of the eating behavior of the Girolando dairy cattle imported from Brazil on Panicum maximum pasture (Photo Zoffoun G.A., May 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

It is one of the  rodent species captured during a study of  the diversity of small mammals in the Atacora Mountain Chain. Traditionally, this rodent has been hunted and was estimated to have 27 groups in the Atacora Mountain chain during this study. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., October 2007, Tanguieta, Benin).

During the 1st workshop held in W Regional Park of Niger (Photo Kpéra G.N., November 2008, Tapoa, Niger)

(Photo Sare B., September 2007)

The waterbuck are very territorial and like to live close to the water. This species has been recently targeted to be in danger in Benin parks due to the dryness of several water holes. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., July 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

Traditional salt making in Djègbadji (Ouidah) using firewood collected in the mangrove (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2009, Ouidah, Benin)

This species is one of the wild ungulate (hoofed) species in Benin parks with solitary behavior.  This antelope prefers the gallery forest and dense vegetation habitat. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., September 2009, Tanguieta, Benin).

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

Commercialization of Pentadesma butyracea butter in a local market. Its immediate returns provide women with their own source of income, which they invest in food and other household needs (Photo Avocèvou-Ayisso C., March 2008, Karimama, Benin)

This is a wild fruit tree species portraying high economic value (at both the national and international levels) as a food and medicine species (Photo Fandohan A.B., April 2008, Karimama, Benin)

P. africana is a valuable tree in the semi-arid regions of Africa. It produces excellent charcoal. The bark and roots are used in medicine and seeds as food condiment. Because of these multipurpose uses added to recurrent drought effects, it is currently experiencing severe pressure (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., November 2010, Karimama, Benin)

The poster was  on Traditional agroforestry and biodiversity conservation in Benin (Photo Vodouhê F.G., August 2009, Nairobi, Kenya)

Caramelized peanut commonly called kokada is cheap for all people to buy. (Photo Adjahossou B.S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

This species is one of the most abundant ungulate (hoofed) species in Benin Parks. They are known for their gregarious behavior with groups of 80 individuals sometimes. Their number is estimated at 984 kobs according to the count made in 2008 in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., September 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

This mist net is one of the best traps to study bats (Photo B. Djossa, Pendjari, Benin, 2005)

Bori pond is located in the Hunting Zone of Pendjari. This celebration has been repeated every 3 years by the local communities for many generations. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

The principal activity of the Fulani sociocultural groups of North-Benin is drawing milk. The milk will be useful either for consumption, or making cheese   (Photo Djaouga M., September 2009, Nikki, Benin).

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Campus of Abomey-Calavi)

This species can be found in several habitats mostly present in Northern Benin. This species is known to be a totem animal for the Gourmantche ethnic group, one of the most important ethnic groups living around the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., October 2007, Tanguieta, Benin).

Dispersal is ensured in agroforestry systems by human and domestic animals (sheep and goats) and in the wild by rodents and some wild herbivores (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., June 2010, Karimama, Benin)

Physionomy of the sacred forest of Bamèzoun (RAMSAR site 1018) in Southern Benin. This forest is a cultural form of biodiversity conservation in an area with high human population density. (Photo Assogbadjo A.E., November 2010, Benin)

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

Supervision of students during a biodiversity change assessment course along a transect in the community forest of Zouzoukan (Covè) (Photo Adomou A.C., August 2010, Covè, Bénin)

Transplanting of Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood) seedlings in bags and plastic pots in different conditions for the identification of the optimal conditions for plant production increasing tea yield or leaf biomass. (Photo Avakoudjo J., Abomey-Calavi, January 2008)

At the Tanongou market.  The pulp of fruit is used locally in daily feeding and to make juice. It contributes 53% of a family’s net income throughout the period of production. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., November 2009, Tanongou, Benin)

Maize is the main crop in southern Benin. In the search for cultivable land, people go further into the forests classified for the installation of fields; This is the case in the classified forest of Kilir (Djougou) (Photo Djègo, October 2006, Kilir, Benin)

This Annona senegalensis fruit is appreciated by both monkeys and humans (Photo Toko I., May 2009, Djidja, Benin)

Dossa worked on the use of sea turtles in a village in the Commune of Grand – Popo (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2005)

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

 In this region, yam is the base of the local diet . Due to the harmful effects of climate change and a decrease of agricultural production, new research is planned in order to select varieties, which can resist the climate variations better. (Photo Teka O., Tanguiéta, Benin, 9^th  March 2007)

This ecological site is made up of savannas and lucid forest in the township of Zangnanado (Photo Djègo, July 2009, Kaodji, Benin).

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

The habitat of the red belly monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster Gray) (Photo Djègo S., Togbota, Benin, 2010).

A common species in savannah environments (Photo: Volunteer PU-LEA, January 2009, Benin)

Focus group discussions during data collection on NTFP use within the Pendjari biosphere reserve (Photo Vodouhê F.G., February 2008, Kouorou, Benin)

A sapling of Afzelia africana in its dominated stand in the Pendjari hunting zone.  Saplings are rarely seen in the reserve because adults are dominant (Photo Houehanou D.T., March 2008, Tanguieta, Benin)

In the bat study section, bats are kept in capture bags before measurements are taken (Photo B. Djossa, Pendjari, Benin, 2005)

The students in the Master of Natural Resource and Biodiversity Management RESBIO program at the time of their first promotion (Photo Djègo S., CIEVRA, Benin, 2010).  

This is an exotic species with high energy value.  It was introduced in the domanial perimeters for provision of wood energy . The filao improves the pH of soil and increases the capacity of the cations to exchange with other ions. (Djègo photo, January 2004, Sèmé, Benin)

(Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 28^th March 2007)

A team composed of Beninense, Burkinabese and German people during ecological field work in Summer school in Germany (Photo Houehanou D.T.,  July 2009, Germany)

 (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., July 2009, Massi, Benin)

This medium sized carnivore species is nocturnal and mostly found in the savanna, outcrop vegetation, wood land and thicket habitats. It is one of  the strictly protected species in Benin. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., October 2007, Tanguieta, Benin).

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

These animals are important draws for local tourism (Photo B. Djossa, Porga, Benin, 2006)

 The LEA researchers meet in the beginning of each year on January 1st at the Director of the laboratory‘s house, Professor Brice Sinsin, to wish each other a happy new year.   Often there is a second party towards late January at the beach or outside of Cotonou for perfect recreation. (Djègo photo, February 2009, Grand Popo, Benin)

A researchers’house at Batia in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari (Photo AZIHOU A. F., June 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Captured in Lama forest (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., April 2009, Massi, Bénin)

An oral presentation at the 22^nd Conference of the Primatology French society (Photo Djègo S., Liege, Belgium, 2009).

The swamp forest of Lokoli (Zogbodomey, Benin) being developed on hydromorphic soil (Photo Adomou A.C., January 2010, Lokoli, Benin).

Ruderal annual grass whose flowers are characterized by a false cylindrical terminal ear, equipped with long brown red bristles.  This plant invades Fallows, the classified forest of Sota in Benin (Photo Djègo, October 2006, Sota, Benin).

(Photo B. Djossa, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, 2006)

In the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, about half of the baobabs were debarked. Debarking is size specific but studies revealed that debarking had no effect on fruit production. (Photo DELEKE KOKO K. I. E., May 2008, Wanteou, Benin)

This vegetation is typical of a closed canopy forest of the Sudanian Zone. Mr. AZIHOU Fortuné is conducting PhD research on the modelling of the colonization of savannahs by tree species from gallery forest. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., January 2011, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Short grass vegetation with Remirea maritima and Chrysobalanus icaco in the coastal zone of Benin (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2010, Cotonou, Benin)

The production of hay allows the conservation of forage for livestock feed during the dry season when green forage becomes scarce (Photo Zoffoun G.A., May 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

Nougat obtained from the nut paste is being used to accompany gari. The nougat is rich in carbohydrates (specifically glucids) and has a high energy value about 430 calories. (Photo Adjahossou B.S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

This experiment at Guié shows how one can restore grounds previously a sight of despair for the people into farmland.   (Photo Djaouga M., November 2008, Guié, Burkina-Faso).

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2011, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

Used to avoid high crocodile predation on fish and to enhance fishing yields (Photo Kpéra G.N., July 2010, Nikki, Benin)

Floristics data is encoded in VegDA (Vegetation Data), in ISBA, Benin. This base contains different flora protected in the Benin area. The total record has 40689 pieces of data with 1445 taxa and 1107 left to finish. (Photo CAKPO Y. T., 2008, Cotonou, Benin)

(Photo Houessou G.L., October2009, W National Park, Benin).

(Photo Sare B., September 2007)

Resting in camp during the day time (Photo B. Djossa, Porga, Benin, 2006)

The arrest of a poacher poaching meat at the Monts Kouffé- Wari-Maro-Agoua gazetted forest. (Photo Houessou G.L., April 2007, Monts Kouffé, Agbassa, Benin)

This plant species is characteristic of mangroves in the tropic zones. Rhizophora racemosa is used by coastal populations mainly for cooking salt production (Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 28^th  March 2007)

Inside a subplot of 5 m x 5 m in each corner of a plot of 30 x 30 m. (Photo Houessou G.L., October 2009, W National Park, Benin).

 In southern Benin, this traditional religion is called « Vodoun ».  (Photo Teka O., Ouidah, Benin, 10 janvier 2007)

Participants at the forest and water interaction training group during the IUFRO-SPDC Pre-Congress Training Workshop prior to 23^rd IUFRO World Congress (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., August 2010, Namyangju City, South Korea) 

Sport hunting is used to regulate the ungulate population. To increase local participation in management of the species, 30% of the sport hunting revenue is reserved for the local population organized in an association called AVIGREF. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., June 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

During the workshop at Banfora, Burkina. This team works on different studies ranging from vegetation conservation to soil restoration (www.sunproject.dk) (Photo Houessou G.L., November 2008, Banfora, Benin).

 The termite plays an important role in the conservation of some species that find shelter there or adapt to it  (Photo Djègo, February 2009, Zou, Benin)

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

Farm installation in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve showing the process of traditional agroforestry establishment. Traditional agroforestry consists of maintaining useful seedlings or trees on farmlands when preparing a plot for crops. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., April 2007, Nanébou, Benin)

This natural process shows the apparent effects on the population structure and spatial repartition of the species and it is an object of further investigation (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., July 2009, Karimama, Benin)

The workshop aimed to identify constraints and windows of opportunity related to dam use and management (Photo Kpéra G.N., July 2010, Nikki, Benin)

This agroforestry species is present in the savanna only on dead termite mounds (Photo B. Djossa, Matéri, Benin, 2005)

The main processing activities for the H. sabdariffa calyx are crushing, and producing concentrate drink , jam and instant powder. The manufacture of beverages, which is the main method of transformation, has been led by women with less advanced technologies. (Photo DELEKE KOKO K. I. E., January 2008, Bembèrèkè)

Cucumis metuliferus (Cucurbitaceae) in the fallow in Djidja; the fruits are used to treat skin diseases (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2010, Djidja, Benin)

By observing the working fishermen, people realize the difficulty of these specialized fisheries in Africa, which are becoming less and less profitable in Benin (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2005)

It  provides large globular bays or ellipsoid like containers (calabash) that are exploited by the farming populations in Benin (Photo Djègo, October 2006, Djougou, Benin)

 Six lions have been equipped with GPS collars in Pendjari to follow their movements and assess their home range. (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2009, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

It is practiced in periods of low water in the rivers at Péréré. Fishing is a seasonal practice in an area with cotton farming. (Photo Djaouga M., March 2010, Péréré, Benin).

 (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., April, 2005, Pahou, Benin).

Djagoun Sylvestre co-moderator and organizer of the technical session on subjects related to: “Frontiers in wildlife ecology and management” during the 23^rd IUFRO World Congress, Seoul, South Korea 2010. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., August 2010, Seoul, Korea)

For the diameter measurements. This measurement is designed to calculate the area covered by the trays of tillering of perennial grasses in pastures to assess their level of degradation (Photo Zoffoun G.A., May 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

Showing the main road of the Reserve (Photo Houehanou D. T., February 2009, Tanguieta, Benin)

An unusual occurrence of a leopard captured in a trap in the community forest of Zouzoukan (Gbananmè) in the Sudano-Guinean transition zone. This was the first time it was known that a leopard was in that area. (Photo DGFRN, 2010, Gbananmè, Bénin)

Oral communication on the prediction of current and future potential distribution areas of Sclerocarya birrea subsp. birrea (Malura) in Benin,(West-Africa),  at the 23^rd IUFRO World Congress, Seoul, South Korea. (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., August 2010, Seoul, Korea)

An example of hydro-agricultural management using an onion culture in northern Benin. This field illustrates a land management and land use method. (Photo Avakoudjo J., Birni-Lafia, Karimama, January 2010)

Fruiting occurs in the dry season when trees are leafless. Investigations on the productivity of the species based on size class distribution are ongoing (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., July 2009, Karimama, Benin)

(Photo B. Djossa, Pendjari, Benin, 2005)

Oral communication at the 23^rd IUFRO World Congress, Seoul, South Korea (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., August 2010, Seoul, Korea)

Donga is a phenomenon of subsidence or movement of the soil and slumpflation of soil. Their occurrence is accelerated by vegetation degradation and vulnerability of soils to erosion due to aggression by rains, weak soil structure, underground drainage, wind, overgrazing and uncontrolled bush fires (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., November 2010, Karimama, Benin)

A seedling of Pentadesma butyracea (Butter Tree) photographed during a demographic study. Its leaves, bark and roots are used to treat various diseases  (Photo Avocèvou-Ayisso C., December 2008, Bassila, Benin)

The seeds of Parkia biglobosa are ground into pungent nutritious spices and condiments like soumbala,  dawadawa or afinti which is added to soups and stews throughout the savannah regions of sub-Saharan Africa. (Photo DELEKE KOKO K. I. E., May 2008, Wanteou, Benin)

A flowering  Scadoxus multiflorus (Amaryllidaceae) commonly called the Fireball Lily, a wild ornamental plant (Photo Adomou A.C., December 2010, Dassa, Benin)

In southern Benin, there are a lot of sacred forests. The principal ones are Bamèzoun, Kpinkonzounmè and Gnagnouizoumè.  (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2007, Adjohoun, Benin).

An early management fire in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari aims to promote the regrowth of hemicryptophytes eaten by herbivores during the dry season. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., December, 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

This park lies over 1978 km ² with a remarkable variety of species, from large mammals to the smallest animals, a rich semi rainforest ecosystem . (Photo Cakpo Y. T., July, 2010, Uganda).

(Photo Ekué MRM, March 2005, Agouna, Benin)

 (Photo Toko I., August 2009, Germany)

Disintegration and dispersion of seeds of mature female cones of Encephalartos barteri ssp. barteri a fern found in Benin (Photo Ekué MRM, March 2005, Wari Maro, Benin)

A mature adult of Pierreodendendron kerstingii (Simaroubaceae), a rare species in the sacred grove of Kpinkonzoumè in Adjohoun (Photo Adomou A.C., June 2009, Adjohoun, Bénin)

Shrub savannahs are the typical vegetation of the Sudanian zone like these in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., January 2011, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Artemisia annua, Chinese wormwood seedlings are watered. These seedlings are used for tea production to fight against Malaria (Photo Avakoudjo J., Abomey-Calavi, January 2008)

AZIHOU Fortuné sitting on an uprooted tree of Acacia sieberiana in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. Combined with the stem breaking, uprooting is the way African elephants influence the structure of the vegetation in the park. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., July 2008, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

The local population of Togbota Agué after a discussion with the work group of the University of Karlsruhe (Photo Teka O., Togbota Agué, Benin, 2^nd March 2007)

When mature, the seed covering aril is edible and is traded internationally after processing. The non edible part of the fruits are used to make an antiseptic soap in northern Benin (Photo Ekué MRM, February 2006, Toukountouna, Benin)

 (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., May 2010, Copargo, Benin)

 (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2009, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

The species Paspalum vaginatum is appreciated by the rind herd from the lagoon race in the southern part of Benin (Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 28^th March 2007)

 An aquatic mammal which can weigh more than 100 kg (220 lbs), this species is threatened in Benin and its population is in extinction in Benin (Photo Houessou G.L., March, 2006, Aholouyèmè, Sèmè-Podji district, Benin).

In this zone, the estimated speed of erosion based on satellite images is at the present time around 10 m per year (Photo Teka O., Cotonou, Benin, 27^th March 2007)

 (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., February 2010, Lac Azili, Benin).

Stands in a plant branch along the Sô River in Sô-Ava (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., April, 2008, Benin).

This photo marks the meeting with the king of Kilir, the greatest defender of the forest that gave the name Djougou to the city and justifies the existence of this royal palace. (Houngbo, N. E., November 2009, Djougou, Benin).

 This beautiful species supports a pedestrian tourism activity (Photo B. Djossa, Tanguitéta, Benin, 2005)

The leaves are commercialized at nearly all rural and urban market places in Benin and this activity constitutes an important source of income during the dry season for numerous women. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., December 2008, Bohicon, Benin)

This was to measure the slope during field work for a study on  the population structure of Afzelia africana in the Pendjari hunting zone (Photo Houehanou D.T., March 2008, Tanguieta, Bénin).

A group of hartebeests (Acelaphus bucelaphus) with two males fighting. Hartebeests are a gregarious and timorous antelope species which run away immediately when humans approach them. Their number is estimated at 1136 individuals as of 2008 in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., January 2011, Tanguieta, Benin).

Rice is often cultivated in sandy shoals.  The new variety developed by ADRAO-IITA develops a little everywhere in the Benin Republic. (Photo Djaouga M., July 2009, Glazoué, Benin).

An invasive and eutrophic species in Benin’s rivers and lakes (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2007, Adjarra, Benin).

It is appreciated by bees (Photo Toko I., May 2009, Savalou, Benin)

(Photo Lougbégnon O. T., November 2007, Adjohoun, Benin).

Monkeys eat this fruit (Photo Toko I., May 2009, Djidja, Benin)

 (Photo Vodouhê F.G., March 2008, Koualégou, Pendjari)

Some young scientist friends at the end of the CODATA conference dinner. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2010, Cape Town, South of Africa).

A relaxing party at Sampiengou after a long trip by motorbike in the W National Park (Photo Houessou G.L., January 2008, W National Park, Benin).

An endemic sub-species of primate in Benin (Photo: Pirot M-L., August 2005, Benin)

 (Photo Toyi, August 2009, Zè, Bénin)

The influence of the traditional king is not to be neglected in the conservation and the protection of our natural resources. (Djègo photo, October 2006, Djougou, Benin)

This is a characteristic species of the undergrowth of plantations because of its exotic gases on sandy cord in southeast Benin. (Djègo photo, January 2004, Sèmé, Benin)

Group discussion to assess local communities’ perception about biodiversity conservation within the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (PBR). The positive attitude of local communities towards conservation of biodiversity within PBR was highly correlated with the current management strategy that involved local communities more effectively, the educational level of participants and their geographical origins. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., June 2006, Kourorou, Benin)

Located in the urban classed forest of Abomey, Benin The participatory approach adopted by the PGFTR project for the development of this forest requires that its socio-cultural functions be valued well. (Houngbo N. E., November 2009, Abomey, Benin).

A hydro-agricultural management field: Sorghum-pepper and onion culture in northern Benin, operates on the principles of land management and the land use method. (Photo Avakoudjo J., Birni-Lafia, Karimama, January 2010)

Maize, a basic food in South-Benin, in monoculture in a farmer’s field. (Photo Adjahossou B. S, December, 2010 Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

Participants at the the International Conference on Traditional Forest-related Knowledge and Sustainable Forest Management in Africa. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., October 2008, Accra Ghana)

 (Photo Teka O., Ouidah, Benin, 10^th January 2007)

Two adult Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) basking on the water’s edge at the Yarra dam in the Sinendé District (Photo Kpéra G.N., March 2006, Yarra, Benin)

This method is based on the use of solar energy in the water evaporation process (Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 16^th January 2007)

 Different parts of the plant are used to treat some illnesses: icterus, measles, constipation, cough and generalized edema (Photo Djègo, July 2009, Abomey, Benin)

A fortified Western African hut called the Tata Somba on the road between Natitingou Boukoumbé in the Sudanian zone of Benin. Baobab capsules are conserved inside the Tata which have been used more often by rural people as the years have passed (Photo Assogbadjo A.E.., August 2007, Benin).

(Photo Ekué MRM, March 2005, Wari Maro, Benin)

Peanut nut in association with maize. The objective here is to evaluate the influence of shading induced by intercropping. (Photo Adjahossou B.S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

(Photo Lougbégnon., March  2010, Forêt de Mékrou, Benin).

A site which attracts tourists within the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. The Tanongou waterfall is visited throughout the year by a lot of tourists. It is an interesting site for ecotourism. (Photo Vodouhê F.G., June 2009, Tanongou, Benin)

Gèrèguéserrè  is danced at  marriages and baptisms or during the establishment of Djomwuro, the Fulani  head. (Photo Djaouga M., October 2009, Kalalé, Benin).

On the socio-cultural functions of the classed forest of Kilir, Djougou, Benin. The royal palace of Kilir was installed in the 16th century to save the forest which was classified later in 1949. The involvement of the king of Kilir is thus essential to ensure sustainable management of this urban forest. (Houngbo N. E., November 2009, Djougou, Benin).

(Photo Houessou G.L., January 2008, Park W, Benin).

This shows the picturesque vestiges of the mountain landscape in Benin. (Photo Djaouga M., November 2009, Tanguiéta, Benin).

This species is unique in its genus and the only active insectivorous of our region (Photo B. Djossa, Pendjari, Benin, 2005)

(Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2011, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

 (Photo Toko I., August 2009, Germany)

Afzelia Africana is  one of the most threatened multipurpose forest species in Africa used by local people for animal feeding, traditional medicine and wood (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

An outing at the Kourounou SONEB station to master the treatment and distribution of water in the city during the 6^th intensive stage on management of dirty house and hospital water and protection of water resources. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2009, Cotonou, Bénin).

(Photo Houessou G.L., March, 2008, Pendjari National Park, Benin).

Cape Coast métropolis, Ghana.  In green are the veterinarians and  their assistants. (Photo Tatiana K., December 2009, Cape Coast, Ghana).

 (Photo Teka O., Sémè, Benin, 27^th March 2007)

Leftovers of a lion’s feast in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. It confirms the presence of the biggest predator of African savannahs in the park. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., July 2008, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Platycerium stemaria (Epiphytic Fern) colonizing the trunk of Anogeissus leiocarpa (Combretaceae) in a dry forest in Pénessoulou, Benin (Photo Adomou A.C., April 2010, Pénessoulou, Bénin)

Cochlospermum tinctorium roots are harvested in the wild, dried and transformed into flour. This flour is used as a substitute for tomato fruits in soup cooking in the north part of Benin (Photo Houessou G.L., March 2008, Boiffo, Park W, Benin).

The identification of the bovid species dung is easy except dung from members of the sub family of Cephalophinae. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., May 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

After visiting the forest of Abomey, in Abomey, Benin. It is an urban forest with high touristic and pedagogic potential which is being occupied illegally by the bordering populations. This session is part of the participatory approach of management adopted by the PGFTR project. (Houngbo N. E., November 2009, Abomey, Benin).

During an expedition at the end of a seminar organized by the BIOTA project in Natitingou, Benin.  Fonio is  a famous local crop similar to couscous (Photo B. Djossa, Boukoumbé, Benin, 2006)

Benin has two Ramsar sites (1017 and 1018). This picture was taken at the Ramsar site 1017  (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., November  2007, Porto-Novo, Benin).

A measure of the diameter of tillering of perennial grasses with a ruler to determine the surface area (Photo Zoffoun G.A., June 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

Leaf of Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood) is used to produce tea for treatment of Malaria. The active ingredient, artemisinin, is able to treat AIDS, cancer, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, skin disease, and ulcerative colitis. (Photo Avakoudjo J., Abomey-Calavi, April 2008)

The fruit of the Butter Tree (Pentadesma butyracea). The nut is its main harvested product and is processed into butter and marketed. (Photo Avocèvou-Ayisso C, April 2009, Toukountouna, Benin)

(Photo Toko I., December 2009, Kalalé, Benin)

 (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2007, Aguégué, Benin).

(Photo Fandohan A.B., July 2007, Karimama, Benin)

This species is cultivated for its medicinal and food uses. It is also used in the gardens as an ornamental species.  (Photo Djègo, October 2008, Calavi, Benin)

Giving a talk during a seminar organized by the BIOTA project in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso (Photo B. Djossa, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, 2006)

(Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., December 2008, Karimama, Benin)

Propagation testing on Adansonia digitata for the restoration of the species which is presently threatened in its natural habitats by its lack of natural regeneration. (Photo Assogbadjo A.E.., October 2008, Benin)

The establishment of plots for the phytosociologic releves in the botanical garden of Papatia.  The garden was created in 2001 by the local community.  This garden has an impressive diversity of flora, most of which are endangered species.(Photo CAKPO, Y. T.  2008, Papatia, Bénin).

The female is distinguished from the male by the absence of horns. This species prefers the dense vegetation habitat and is targeted by sport hunters due to the beauty of its coat. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., May 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

Syncerus caffer (Cape buffalo),  Alcelaphus buselaphus (hartebeest) and  Numida meleagris  (helmeted guinea fowl) in the National  Pendjari Park. (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., March 2008, Pendjari National Park, Benin)

A herd of cattle grazing in Zou Zoukan forest. This uncontrolled pasturage causes overgrazing and many conflicts between farmers and cattle breeders. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., September 2009, Zangnanado, Benin)

The dam houses the last and largest habitat of crocodiles sharing the same habitat with humans (Photo Kpéra G.N., March 2006, Yarra, Bénin)

This is to fill in the gaps from the lack of local weather data relevant in the monitoring of the impact of climate on the dynamics of the studied plant species in the W Biosphere Reserve (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., June 2010, Karimama, Benin)

Partial view of the Geoffroy pied collobus habitat in the Lama’s classified forest. This primate has no cheek pouch but does have a food regime dominated by leaves (Photo Djègo S., Lama, Benin, 2010).

A common species in savannah environments (Photo: Volunteer PU-LEA, January 2009, Benin)

An adult Pentadesma butyracea (Butter Tree) photographed during a demographic study. (Photo Avocèvou-Ayisso C., March 2008, Kandi, Benin) 

An ecological and botanical excursion in the community forest of Zouzoukan (Covè) to illustrate the biodiversity course organized by Prof. Sinsin for students preparing their MS in environment sciences (Photo Adomou A.C., August 2010, Covè, Bénin)

Lycopodiella cernua (ferns), a lucky plant, in the swamp forest of Mondo-Tokpa (Photo Adomou A.C., June 2010, Mondo-Tokpa, Benin)

This includes a headlamp, mist net, gloves, and capture bags(Photo B. Djossa, Tanguiéta, Benin, 2004)

An ornamental fern with individuals reaching up to 2.5 m in the wild (Photo Ekué MRM, March 2005, Péhunco, Benin)

This waterfall in the Tanougou village is the most important waterfall in Benin and very useful for tourism. It is visited each year by many tourists.  (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., October 2007, Tanougou, Benin).

Tamarind trees are often said to grow on termite nests (termitaria) because of their soil needs or due to seed dissemination in termitaria cavities. The hypothesis that the settlement of tamarind trees is prior to that of termitaria is also relevant.  (Photo Fandohan A.B., April 2009, Karimama, Benin)

 (Photo Lougbégnon O. T., February, 2004, Forêt Protégée de Niaouli -Allada, Benin).

This type of vegetation contrasts with the others by its tree strata being less dense, its herbaceous strata dominated by Loudetia togoensis and the presence of termites’ monticules (Photo Houessou G.L., September 2008, Park W, Benin).

 This technique of the cut stone shows the genius of the people in the transmission of their history (Photo Djaouga M.., November 2009, Loango, Burkina-Faso).

In the restoration of degraded areas in North Benin, height measurements of Khaya senegalensis seedlings were taken to track regrowth (Photo Avakoudjo J. Goroubéri, Karimama, January 2010)

A Jatropha curcas seedling planted with the control technique to restore degraded areas in northern Benin. This species is known for its ability to produce biofuel identified by farmers to fight against erosion (Photo Avakoudjo J., Karimama, January 2010)

The waterbucks species is declining in a region that has a stable population in the Pendjari reserve (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

In Germany, the Universities of Frankfurt, Rostock and Bonn are LEA partners (Photo Toko I., August 2009, Germany)

A botanical excursion for seed collection of endangered plants in Benin (Photo Adomou A.C., June 2008, Pobè, Benin)

These species are mostly observed in the Center and Northern parts of Benin. Grouping together with 20 individuals or more, these mammals are known for their gregarious behavior. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., October 2008, Tanguieta, Benin).

A peanut in monoculture in the field of a farmer. The nut is the second leguminous food plant after the bean plant in Benin (Photo Adjahossou B. S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

(Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 16 January 2007)

This species is a hardy perennials reaching 30 cm that start from a woody stock; the stems are pubescent with viscous greenish latex. It is a rare species found in the South and center of Benin, specifically in the Kaodji forest, situated in the township of Zangnanado (Photo Djègo., July 2009, Kaodji, Benin)

The Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari is one of the best conserved parks in West Africa. The limited human disturbance makes it an excellent study site for ecological process. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Done by using the endogenous castration technique. The breeder removes one testis. The absence of the male hormone which is a growth stimulator explains the falling of growth performance and fatness of the castrated cock. But, the trade-off is improved organoleptic qualities to the meat. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2007, Boukoumbé, Benin)

The wine is extracted but in the process, the palm tree is destroyed.  The liquid collected in a few hours of seepage from the trunk makes palm wine after fermentation.  (Photo Djaouga M., August 2008, Za-kpota, Benin).

Field work of PhD candidate Laurent Houessou assisted by Dr. Omorou in the W National Park. This picture was taken at the Koudou waterfall near the Merkrou river in the ‘W’ park  (Photo Houessou G.L., October 2007, Chute Koudou, Benin).

Stems of Cyperus articulatus drying in the sun to be used to thread indigenous mattress. (Photo Adomou A.C., July 2010, Cotonou, Benin)

This work is carried out as part of a project that  assesses the ecological status, causes of threat and implementation of conservation measures of the species in the W Biosphere Reserve in Benin. (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., November 2010, Karimama, Benin)

The W Transfrontier Park is the major wildlife area in West Africa. The Park includes three countries: Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso. In Benin, it constitutes one of the main protected areas around which are organized tourist and scientific activities in Benin (Photo Gouwakinnou G. N., November 2010, Karimama, Benin)

This practice facilitates the reduction of the large areas needed for growth of cotton in the absence of farming machines such as tractors.  The district of Kalalé is one of the locations where the harnessed culture is practiced.  This culture takes part in the degradation of the savannas and forest formations. (Photo Djaouga M., July 2008, Kalalé, Benin).

It is one of the Transboundary mountain chains in West Africa, shared by three countries (Togo, Benin and Burkina-Faso).  Its highest point is estimated to be 800 m above sea level. This mountain is useful for hiking and walking along trails. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., October 2007, Tanougou , Benin).

(Photo Toudonou A.S.C., April 2009, Lama)

Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an annual herb of the Malvaceae family which often survives in relatively poor soils. In Benin, the plant is widely grown in the north. The calyces mature rapidly and are ready for picking within 15 days of blossoming. (Photo DELEKE KOKO K. I. E., January 2008, Bembèrèkè)

 The nature of the geological substratum and the slope are two of the many parameters which were influenced by the pressure of the earth in the landslide which destroyed many mountain formations on the mountainside at Boukombé. (Photo Djaouga M., November 2010, Boukoumbé, Benin).

The poison of this species can blind a person (Photo Toko I., December 2010, Djougou, Benin)

In that reserve, the savannah is periodically burned. This useful management practice for feeding the herbivores during the dry season can be stressful for tree species, especially seedlings. (Photo AZIHOU A. F., December 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

(Photo, Kpéra G.N., December 2010, Nikki, Bénin)

Peanut paste being used in the preparation of sauce. (Adjahossou B.S, December 2010, Abomey-Calavi, Benin)

Eco-tourism, is a developing sector in Benin. (Photo Djègo S., Kikélé, Benin, 2010).

One of the biggest ferns in the world (Photo Toko I., April 2010, Andasibé, Madagascar)

Conversation with local population on the agroforestery systems near the W Park in Benin (Photo Sarè B.,  September 2007, Benin)

Harvested from the tree species and commercialized by the local population at the National Park. The main tree species concerned are Detarium microcarpum ; Lannea acida, and Combretum spp. The nutrient composition of this gum has to be investigated (Photo Houessou G.L., March 2008, W National Park, Benin).

Naja melanoleuca captured between human habitation in Lama foest (Photo Toudonou A.S.C., May 2009, Massi, Bénin)

Hyenas are, with lions, the most abundant large carnivores in the reserve (Photo Sogbohossou E.A., 2010, Pendjari Biosphere Reserve)

One can see the effectiveness of the poaching of sea turtles on the sea turtle population, even though poaching is prohibited by law. (Photo DOSSA, S. J., Grand Popo, Benin, 2005)

The Bondjagou forest is the only closed canopy forest in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari (Photo AZIHOU A. F., May 2010, Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin)

Partial view of Naouli forest which is a relic of semi deciduous forests in southern Benin in the township of Allada (Photo Djègo., July 2010, Niaouli, Benin)

Bat study in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari. Bats are responsible for major ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal which many tropical plants depend on for their reproduction.  They  also play a role in the control of nuisance insects like mosquitos (Photo B. Djossa, Pendjari, Benin, 2005)

The most recent count in 2008 estimated the elephant population at 669, but the contribution to the biomass is high (426 kg/km²) due to  their body size. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., June 2009, Tanguieta, Benin).

 (Photo Toko I., April 2010, Antananarivo, Madagascar)

The striga is a plant  which shows how few nutrients are in the ground. Some space will have to be left fallow in order to enrich the ground. (Photo Djaouga M., November 2009, Guié, Burkina-Faso).

This animal was imported from Brazil. The forage species present on the pasture is a variety of Panicum maximum imported from the Ivory Coast in 2001. Its production of biomass is high (up to 10 t / ha) and is more resistant to drought (Photo Zoffoun G.A., June 2009, Kpinnou Ranch, Benin).

Scientific Data and Sustainable Development.” From left to right is the president of the  National Research Foundation (NRF),  Albert Van JAARSVELD, the minister of sciences and technology of South Africa,  Naled PANDOR and the president of CODATA, Krishan  Lal. (Photo Tatiana K., October 2010, Cape Town, South of Africa).

Touring of the Museum collection room in Belgium was used to observe their African Cerambycidae collection in order to identify the specimens found in Benin.  (Photo CAKPO Y. T., November 2010, Brussels, Belgium).

 This activity provides income for thousands of people along the Beninese coastal lagoon (Photo Teka O., Avlékété, Benin, 28^th March 2007)

 This is from artificial incubation in Grand Popo. These species can live over 100 years but only 1 in 1000 reaches sexual maturity (Photo DOSSA, SJ, Grand Popo, Benin, 2005)

(Photo Lougbégnon O. T., February 2010, Lac Azili, Benin).

This was in Sakete, Benin. This is to collect the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of “Mignonmide” grouping in order to help him elaborate a strategic development plan. (Houngbo N.E., February 2010, Sakete, Benin).

In the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.  This species is also present in the sacred forest of Kikélé (Bassila) (Photo: Nobimè G., May 2008 Ghana)

In arid lands, baobab leaves show xerophytic characteristics probably as an adaption to water stress. (Photo Assogbadjo A.E., July 2008, Karimama, Benin)

Explanation of the park W guardian during the SUN team visit in the W Park (Niger).  (Photo Houessou G.L., August 2008, Park W, Niger).

At the Bori pool in the Pendjari hunting zone (Photo Houehanou D. T., May 2009, Tanguieta, Benin)

This species is the most abundant species in Benin parks. Their number was estimated to be 1865 individuals in the 2008 count in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. (Photo Djagoun C.A.M.S., April 2010, Tanguieta, Benin).

This picture shows the importance of transhumance in Benin (Photo Toko I., November 2010, Djidja, Benin)