Mapping every adult baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) across the Sahel and relationships to rural livelihoods

Ke Huang*, Martin Brandt, Pierre Hiernaux, Compton J. Tucker, Laura Vang Rasmussen, Florian Reiner, Sizhuo Li, Ankit Kariryaa, Maurice Mugabowindekwe, Bowy den Braber, Jennifer Small, Scott Sino, Rasmus Fensholt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an integral part of rural livelihoods throughout the African continent. However, the combined effects of climate change and increasing global demand for baobab products are currently exerting pressure on the sustainable utilization of these resources. Here we use sub-metre-resolution satellite imagery to identify the presence of nearly 2.8 million (underestimation bias 27.1%) baobab trees in the Sahel, a dryland region of 2.4 million km2. This achievement is considered an essential step towards an improved management and monitoring system of valuable woody species. Using Senegal as a case country, we find that 94% of rural buildings have at least one baobab tree in their immediate surroundings and that the abundance of baobabs is associated with a higher likelihood of people consuming a highly nutritious food group: dark green leafy vegetables. The generated database showcases the feasibility of mapping the location of single tree species at a sub-continental scale, providing vital information in times when deforestation and climate change cause the extinction of numerous tree species.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNature Ecology and Evolution
Volume8
Pages (from-to)1632–1640
ISSN2397-334X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2024.

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