Évaluation de la diversité et estimation de la biomasse des arbres d’alignement des communes du Plateau et de Cocody (Abidjan - Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Objective: This study on roadside trees common in the Plateau and Cocody aims to assess the diversity of roadside trees and their role in improving the urban environment. Methodology and Results: The method of itinerant readings allowed to identify trees planted in alignment along 13 avenues and boulevards. During the inventory, the circumferences and heights of individuals of trees whose dhh ≥ 5 cm dbh were recorded. We subsequently assessed the biomass of individuals from generic allometric equations of urban trees. The analyzes allowed to count 705 individuals including 565 trees to Plateau and 140 in Cocody. These individuals are distributed among 29 species, 20 genera and 17 families. The most represented species are Albizia lebbeck, Hevea brasiliensis, Terminalia mantaly. 51.72% of species is noted in the Guineo-Congolese region and 41.37% of introduced exotic species. The dry biomass of trees on both districts amounted to 414.21 t / ha; which corresponds to a carbon stock of 207.105 t / ha. Conclusions and application of the results: the results provide information on the diversity and compensatory role of urban trees in the sequestering carbon dioxide from human activities. The informations from the findings of this study are an important argument for the maintenance of street trees in the city of Abidjan.