Long-term conservation and rehabilitation of threatened rain forest patches under different human population pressures in West Africa

The management schemes of four rain forest patches in southern Benin and south-western Nigeria, which led to the successful protection of numerous threatened plants and animals over the last 20 plus years, are analysed. Since climatic conditions are similar, tree composition depends largely on different availability of water and documented biodiversity mostly on the availability of taxonomic expertise. Management differs according to accessibility and human population pressure, from total closing off of the forest by an international institute near the mega-polis Ibadan to unmarked borders near Lanzron, a remote village in the lower Ouémé Valley, where foreigners are mostly excluded from visiting the site. In Benin, trees and wildlife (antelopes and monkeys) seem best protected where the local vodoun beliefs are adhered to. This is, however, not sufficient and development aid to support and benefit the local population is needed as exemplified in Zinvié. At the Ibadan and Drabo sites, long-term protection is assured by legally-binding landtitles. Since for all of Lanzron and part of Zinvié these are lacking securing them is a priority. In Ibadan, Nigeria, a major rehabilitation effort is concentrated on bringing relatively old grass land and former village sites under forest cover by planting local trees. Rehabilitation in Drabo, in southern Benin, relies on enriching the naturally occurring fallow succession with rare species from nearby threatened sacred forests. We demonstrate that reversing biodiversity loss is possible but requires a long-term commitment. Recommendations for protecting, stabilizing and enhancing similar small hotspots of biodiversity are made. Nature Conservation 13: 21–46 (2015) doi: 10.3897/natureconservation.13.6539 http://natureconservation.pensoft.net Copyright Peter Neuenschwander et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. RESEARCH ARTICLE Launched to accelerate biodiversity conservation A peer-reviewed open-access journal


Introduction
Today, most West African forests have been destroyed (Poorter et al. 2004, Chazdon 2014. In the so-called Dahomey Gap, which stretches from eastern Ghana to the Republic of Benin, the savannah zone reaches the Atlantic Ocean and rainforests remain limited to pockets characterized by flora and fauna from the Congo block, the Guinea block, or both, with only a few endemics (Robbins 1978, Sinsin andKampmann 2010). In Benin, rainforest vegetation is restricted to about 1 000 sacred forests, most covering less than 1 ha. These southern forest remnants cover about 1% of the country, yet harbour 64% of critically threatened plant species (USDA 2007, Adomou et al. 2010, Adomou 2011) and numerous endangered animals -almost all outside established nature reserves . Most forests in southern Benin, but also those in adjoining south-western Nigeria, are located in highly populated areas (often >200 inhabitants/km 2 ) embedded in agricultural or peri-urban environments.
Interest in preserving these islands of biodiversity comes first from a widely shared moral imperative. Second, in an ethnographic perspective, these forests have served as worship centres of local belief and/or providers of medicine and food throughout history. Third, in a more practical manner, biodiversity conservation is important to the long-term sustainability of agriculture. A high degree of biodiversity is the basis of organic farming (Pimentel et al. 1997, Mäder et al. 2002, IAASTD 2008, in particular crop protection, varietal development and climate change mitigation. Thus, alternate hosts, shelter and food for natural enemies of pests are important in biological control (Neuenschwander et al. 2003, van Driesche et al. 2010) and wild relatives of crop plants, such as yams, provide genetic resources for adapting crops to climate change (Corlett 2014). Nature reserves must therefore be considered a prudent investment even though knowledge and understanding of their interactions with agriculture are still sketchy and need further research (Wrangham and Ross 2008).
At present, the keepers of these landscapes, small-scale subsistence farmers, are often not or not yet in favour of nature protection in or near their communities (Vodouhê et al. 2010). Increasingly, agriculture and nature protection are, however, seen as complementary (McNeely andScherr 2001, CGIAR 2015) whereby biodiversity is being preserved in-field by a diversified agriculture as well as in nature reserves (Klein et al. 2014). In Benin, the need to preserve rainforest remnants has been described as the first priority in nature protection  whereby benefits should accrue to those living in the vicinity and not (only) to outside operators, as they unfortunately often do. Since the region has no extended virgin forests, rehabilitation of the existing remnants becomes important even if they are small and heavily impacted.
In the present study, we look at four small forests, chosen for different management practices as they are imposed by different human population pressures. The four forests are reasonably well protected over the timespans of 10 to 30 years that the retrospective analysis covers. We describe the history and ecology of these forests and our efforts to rehabilitate them in order to answer the following questions: 1-Can biodiversity of plants and animals be preserved and augmented sustainably in small humid forest patches? 2-How can interactions with the local populations be managed to assure sustainability? We address the balance between exploitation and protection, and the role of local beliefs. And finally we present our educational efforts at improving the chances for sustainable protection under the predicted and already observed relentless population increase and climate change. For each forest, future trends are divined and activities to cope with them are indicated in an 'Outlook'.

Study sites
The study describes the conditions and history of four sites: 1) Campus of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. 7°29'N, 3°54'E.
It covers approximately 1000 ha and is situated alongside a major axis north of Ibadan, a fast-growing conurbation whose population exceeds 3 million. The campus is situated in a region of rolling topography at 186 to 240 m, which was acquired by IITA from the Government of Nigeria in 1967 for the establishment of the Institute on a 99 year lease. Roughly rectangular and originally about 10 km outside the city, it consisted of secondary forest and fallow vegetation, 28 villages and smallholder fields interspersed with some cocoa and small areas of grassland created by burning. After the villagers were relocated, the concession was enclosed by a security fence 2.4 m high and 14 km long with access roads on both sides for visibility and maintenance. The Awba River, which runs through the campus, was dammed to form a 2.6 km long reservoir. Land was cleared for housing and fields for agricultural crop research. The remaining area, an estimated 380 ha, was left as a nature reserve.
The reserve is at a 'crossroads' of sub-Saharan forest types, where rainforest meets savannah and at the westernmost limit of the Guinea-Congo forest adjoining the Dahomey Gap. It is fragmented by roads and other land uses. The largest block of forest was more or less intact until the 1980s when an area of 46.6 ha was cleared for alleycropping and other experiments. After a decade of intensive use, this area was abandoned and became infested with Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium. In 2012 the area was cleared again. An experiment to grow yams on different indigenous tree species occupied a few hectares, serving longer term as reforestation. Another area of forest borders on a derelict Arboretum of 5.9 ha, which was established in the 1990s for agroforestry purposes. The Golf Course and forest belt along the southern perimeter of the campus retain some fine forest trees and act as a wildlife corridor. In the main forest block, trails of approximately 5 km enclosing an area of 37 ha of varied topography were cut in December 1987. Historically cutting of lianas produced large masses of dead vegetation, which sometimes brought down entire trees. In 2013 more conservative cutting back was introduced and trails were no longer raked, resulting in noticeably more flowers and fruits, and also in litter that protects the trails from erosion. Despite regular disturbance from movement of vehicles and people, and even removal of topsoil for horticultural purposes, the IITA forest is one of the few remaining and best protected patches of forest in south-western Nigeria.
Soils are mostly shallow and acidic. The bedrock is of banded gneiss which weathers to form site-specific soils and saprolite (softened granite or gneiss) with characteristic exposed flattened outcrops. Clay, quartz gravel and sand predominate in uplands, laterite on lower and middle slopes, and poorly drained clayey and sandy soils in valley bottoms. Where trees and vegetation are cleared, organic matter is rapidly lost and soils have low water-holding capacity. Erosion is a major concern on forest access roads, trails, and other exposed areas. Aquifers are rare and groundwater is shallow and localized mostly in faults and troughs in the bedrock (Moorman et al. 1974).
Annual rainfall in the Ibadan area averages 1300 mm and is heaviest in June (190 mm) and September (220 mm), with markedly less in August, and a pronounced dry season from November to March. Turbulent storms with heavy rain occur frequently during the wet season causing severe erosion of exposed soils and laterite roads. Typical daytime temperatures are 26-38 °C while at night the temperature rarely falls below 18 °C, occasionally dipping to 16 °C during Harmattan, which occurs mainly in January when dust-laden air currents flow from the north.
Research on biodiversity and conservation increased incrementally. Though some forest areas had been utilised as a resource for research Okali 1978, 1979) and more recently by postgraduate students the strongest conservation efforts were made by two projects. The first (2000)(2001)(2002), involved an environmental education centre, a biological inventory, and socio-economic characterization of communities and land use. Some propagation and planting of indigenous trees was carried out, but the focus was apparently on supplying farmers with tree crop plants, such as cocoa, citrus, plantain, and teak. The second, the Forest Project (2010-2014), continued maintenance of forest trails, increased security patrols and monitoring of biodiversity, engaged in large-scale reforestation and established an indigenous plant nursery and Ethnobotanical Garden. Up to now, no agreed management plan exists, apart from keeping forest trails clear for hiking and a ban on hunting.
Restoration was an important aspect of the current project. Over 85 tree species and many other indigenous plants were propagated. Most species were recovered from the IITA forest, but a few, such as Massularia acuminata and Picralima nitida were collected in Cross River State. Surplus seed was stored in the IITA Genetic Resources Centre.
Reforestation was done by planting indigenous species after removal of invasive exotic species. The main area of reforestation was on the east bank of the reservoir. It is approximately 2.6 km long and 30-60 m wide. With the aim of controlling erosion and run-off of nutrients and agrochemicals, over 4400 trees of 45 species were planted in this degraded farmland, i.e., derived savannah grassland. Ensuring that small trees survive competition from giant grasses (Andropogon spp.) required clearing of 1-2 m in diameter around the base of each tree; cut grass was used to mulch the cleared area. In addition, approximately 360 trees of 18 species were planted in gaps on the west bank of the reservoir, including trees that cope with seasonal flooding. Other reforested areas include two former dumpsites where 1120 trees of 18 species were planted and where the soil is contaminated with heavy metals, organic solvents, etc. Within the forest, restoration was carried out successfully in locations that present different challenges. In former village sites planting holes were made in dense bush. Here young trees grew rapidly in soil enriched by organic waste from former human habitation. Patches of Chromolaena odorata along trails were cleared before flowering and planted with young trees at the start of the following rainy season. A rock outcrop in the forest was cleared of bush and successfully planted with Hildegardia barteri, a species adapted to these extreme conditions. Watering of young trees was seldom done, either at planting or during the dry season, due to difficult access and staff time; only a few within easy reach of the reservoir were watered by hand when obviously stressed.
The monkey sanctuary of Drabo Gbo was founded in 1995, when the first author bought 2.5 ha of teak forest and agricultural land from the elders of Drabo Gbo, 30 km north of Cotonou, 12 km from the spreading town of Calavi. Up to 2005, more land was bought and today the sanctuary covers a total area of 14 ha of small old forest islands and rehabilitated forest adjacent to the villages of Drabo Gbo, with about 500 inhabitants, Drabo Fanto of the same size, and the still smaller village of Dodja. The sanctuary is reached over unsurfaced, often bad roads. Most parts of the forest edge are protected by a low fence consisting of lines of barbed wire with palm leaves inserted perpendicularly. This is more a marker for people to respect than a protective measure and leaves free access to wildlife.
The forests include the old sacred forest of Dodja (0.7 ha) north of Drabo Gbo which was not touched for over 100 years, but still shows signs of tree felling before this time. Another sacred forest, the Orojamè forest of Drabo Fanto, was created about 80 years ago by delineating a surface of 0.4 ha around an old Cola gigantea tree. Additional purchase of land brought this to 0.8 ha. This still is the central site for the regional Oro cult. The rest of the land is covered by fallow of 10-20 years of age. Villagers report that most of the present land was under forest cover 40-50 years ago.
The forests grow on a deep lateritic soil and the water table throughout the area and the adjoining villages is at 25 m. Annual rainfall in Drabo averages 1200 mm spread over two rainy seasons and interrupted by a short dry season in mid-July-August. Early rains are highly irregular. Typical daytime temperatures fluctuate between 26 and 34 °C. Night temperatures rarely fall below 20 °C, but during Harmattan in January temperatures as low as 15 °C have been observed.
Rehabilitation of the forests was initiated by dozens of collection trips in the southern rainforest patches (Ahozon, Dangbo, Ewè, Lama, Niaouli, Pobè: see Neuen-schwander et al. 2011) during the last 20 years. An estimated several thousand plantlets (1-10 plantlets or seeds per species and collection date) were either planted out in a nursery or directly into what were judged to be the best microhabitats for each species. Hand irrigation in the nursery and frequent mulching in the forest assured that even plants from slightly moister forests could survive in Drabo.
In order to find open space for planting new trees 30-50 oil palms Elaeis guineensis are cut every year until all thickets of oil palms will have been removed. Trees are sold to producers of the local alcoholic drink sodabi, which is distilled from palm wine. Every year, some teak (Tectona grandis), Senna siamea and Acacia auriculiformis are marked to be cut to satisfy demand by villagers for fire-and construction wood.
At the time of purchase, the trees of each lot, particularly oil palms, were bought separately from the land in order to avoid problems with the sellers or, later, their children. Title deeds were obtained as new land was acquired between 1995 and 2003. All titles (a total of 25) were issued to the owner and registered with the central authorities. For some later land purchases, however, titles have not yet been obtained. In January 2014, the rights to all plots (except for the central house) were handed over in a ceremony to IITA, which accepted the responsibility of maintaining the forest and using it for research while respecting the existing forest cover. The Drabo forest reserve was brought to the attention of the mayor of Calavi, when a new Community Development Plan was developed, which is, however, still not finalized and publicized.
The Forêt de la Panthère, a forest island of 1.4 ha, is the relict of a much larger forest that 100 years ago sheltered the eponymous pair of sacred panthers. It is situated in the Zinvié arrondissement near the village of Kpotomey (in Fon language: 'the panther village'), which has about 600 inhabitants. Initially, this forest belonged to the founder family collective; but about 50 years ago it was given on loan to the lagoon village of Gbodjè, which sacralised the forest and gave it to their vodoun deity. In 2007, as relations between owners and users had become conflict-ridden, the owners demanded that the forest be handed back. A recent decision by the justice recognized ownership by the family collective from Kpotomey against claims by the former users from Gbodjè. Ownership of the Forêt de la Panthère is, however, not yet recorded in any legal document.
This forest is situated on a ferralitic soil with sandy clay. The water table is at only 2-3 m depth. Climatic conditions and rainfall patterns are as in Drabo.
The owners of the forest do not deliberately rejuvenate it and the boundary is not marked by a fence. In order to rehabilitate parts of the forest, CREDI-ONG (French acronym for Non-government Organisation 'Regional Research and Education Centre for Integrated Development') started the creation of a green belt of 1.4 ha by buying up neighbouring lots in 2008. This land is left to develop into mature fallow and is sometimes enriched by planting trees, among them Ceiba pentandra, in opportune sites. A recent threat by an expanding quarry is being blocked by the purchase of another piece of land. 4) Forêt de Bahazoun at Lanzron, Benin. 6°38'N, 2°23'E.
The forest of Bahazoun at Lanzron covers 50 ha and is the largest forest island in the community of Abomey-Calavi. Situated in the large floodplain of the Ouémé River, this forest has been, for many generations or over 100 years, in the hands of the same large family. Today, Lanzron (meaning 'rich in jumping wild-life') is a small village of about 100 inhabitants, which is accessible only over rural tracks that are highly degraded during the rainy season.
The Bahazoun forest, with its preliminary plant list by Hèdégbètan (2011), is situated on hydromorphic soil with gleys and alluvial deposits. The forest is inundated from August to November; the rest of the year the water table is at a depth of 2-3 m. The overall climate is similar to the one reported for Drabo, though rainfall is probably slightly higher.

Methods
All four sites are covered by semi-deciduous forests of the Guinea-Congolese zone (Adomou 2011). Drabo is at the edge of the Plateau district, Zinvié and Lanzron in the Ouémé Valley district, and IITA-Ibadan (about 200 km NE of Cotonou) botanically closest to the Pobè district. For Benin, plants are identified according to Akoègninou et al. (2006) and Hawthorne and Jongkind (2006), for Nigeria in addition with Hutchinson and Dalziel (1963), Keay et al. (1964), and comments by R Latchford (Environmental Investigation Agency) and D Ladipo (pers. comm. on Milicia excelsa). Taxonomic positions are updated with reference to http://www.theplantlist.org/ (Table  1). For mammals see Kingdon (1997), for birds see Borrow and Demey (2001) plus for Benin F Dowsett-Lemaire and R Dowsett (2009, unpublished results) and for Nigeria Adeyanju et al. (2014); for lizards and chameleons Trape et al. (2012); for butterflies Larsen (2005) and Sáfían Szabolcs (unpubl. results) for Nigeria and Goergen et al. (2011) for Benin (all insects, incl. for Nigeria). New vertebrate species of Benin are mentioned in Neuenschwander et al. (2011). The conservation status (following IUCN-criteria) has been updated for Benin ) with EW = extinct in the wild, CR = critically endangered, EN = endangered, VU = vulnerable. For Nigeria, it is given according to the slightly outdated official IUCN list. It applies a ranking that is often one step lower than the Benin list, though exceptions like Millettia warneckei, Pararistolochia goldieana and Synsepalum brevipes exist where the Benin ranking is lower.
By necessity, human interactions are reported as anecdotes. Throughout, comparisons between the different sites are presented in Table 2 with semi-quantitative scores to be further evaluated in the discussion. Score 1 indicates worst, score 5 best conditions; where this is not applicable, score 1 indicates historically earlier, score 5 recent conditions.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration
Small areas of this forest have a high diversity of plant species, providing a snap-shot of mature Guinea-Congo forest, but the general picture is one of secondary forest and 'bush' with few large trees. Being isolated and no longer bound together by lianas, such trees are prone to storm damage, setting back forest regeneration. Though village sites were abandoned 45 years ago they remained devoid of trees as tree seedlings could not establish in dense bush. The trees that were planted on dump sites gave mixed results; some failed to thrive, perhaps because they are sensitive to certain contaminants, while others like Alstonia boonei, Antiaris toxicaria, Bombax buonopozense, Ceiba pentandra, Cleistopholis patens, and Triplochiton scleroxylon flourished. In other sites where young trees have been planted into bush and kept clear of climbers, regeneration is rapid. After three years, some trees reached heights of 3-7 m. These include Bombax buonopozense, Cola gigantea, Entandrophragma angolense, Pterocarpus santalinoides, Pterocarpus soyauxii, Terminalia superba, and Triplochiton scleroxylon. Nevertheless, the initial estimate of 75-100 years for the entire forest to attain maturity seems unlikely.
Despite the general degradation, over four decades of protection have ensured the survival of a great diversity of plants and animals. Loss of surrounding forests during this period adds to the importance of this refuge for numerous species that are becoming scarce in south-western Nigeria. It has become a stronghold for several taxa that have been assessed by the IUCN as of priority for conservation. There are also mature rainforest trees outside forest areas, particularly iroko (Milicia excelsa), which are sacred to the local Yoruba people. As a result, the entire campus has conservation value and is reputedly the last stronghold of iroko in south-western Nigeria Currently, the checklist of flora stands at 509 species, including approximately 150 species of trees. The majority of species are indigenous; but also included are some exotics that have become naturalized, including large stands of giant bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), which was introduced to West Africa from Asia long ago. It now occupies many hectares, especially along watercourses. Being virtually impossible to eradicate it poses a major challenge to conservation and regeneration of the forest. The most common trees are listed in Table 1 The most spectacular plant in the forest is Pararistolochia goldieana VU, a liana with massive trombone-shaped blooms measuring some 60 cm long and 30 cm across at the gaping mouth. It is known from lowland rainforest in Cameroon, Bioko (Equatorial Guinea) up to Sierra Leone. The population in the IITA forest is possibly the largest remaining in south-western Nigeria.
The checklist of birds for IITA currently stands at 269 species. The Ibadan campus was designated as a globally Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2002 by BirdLife International and re-registered in 2014. It includes a wide range of habitats for both resident and migratory species. Among Guinea-Congo species are Baumann's greenbul (Phyllastrephus baumanni), a West African endemic, and the rare Ibadan malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis EN), which is restricted to small patches of dense vegetation in and around the Ibadan area. Most areas where it was once recorded have been reduced or have disappeared with urbanization, increasing the importance of the IITA forest in the conservation of this species.
The checklist of butterflies has 236 species. Of particular note is the indigenous Charaxes boueti (Nymphalidae), a formerly rare butterfly feeding on exotic bamboo. Beetles of special interest are: Taurhina nireus (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) a very infrequent and strongly seasonal species not previously known from Nigeria, and the localized subspecies Pachnoda cordata camerounensis (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae).
The provisional list of mammals includes 46 species. Eleven species of bats have been recorded to date and they are probably the most numerous mammals in forest areas; at certain times of the year when trees such as iroko and mango are fruiting, hundreds of thousands of straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum, Pteropodidae), converge on the campus and roost in such large numbers that they damage and occasionally kill trees. Nine species of squirrels (Sciuridae) have been recorded, to which may be added Lord Derby's flying squirrel (Anomalurus derbianus EN, Anomaluridae). Due to urbanisation and poaching no resident troop of monkeys has been recorded in the IITA forest for over a decade though occasional unconfirmed sightings are made. Gambian mongoose (Mungos gambianus), marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), and flat-headed cusimanse (Crossarchus platycephalus, Herpestidae) are documented. Western tree hyraxes (Dendrohyrax dorsalis, Procaviidae) are seldom seen but often heard at night, and there are occasional encounters, often in car headlights, of African civets (Civettictis civetta, Viverridae). The largest mammal, and a favourite with poachers, is the bush duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia, Antilopidae), one of three species of duiker recorded in the forest.
A preliminary survey of reptiles recorded 20 species. Observations indicate that populations are decreasing due to persistent slaughter by farm and garden staff and through more intensive use of land. There is a single record of green mamba (Dendroaspis sp.) and the presence of python (Python spp.) has been confirmed; but forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca) and spitting cobra (N. nigricollis, Elapidae) are common, the latter perhaps becoming more common as a result of deforestation and consequent spread of grassland.

Sustainable people management
In 1970 villagers were relocated but allowed continued access for the purposes of collecting firewood, oil palm, and kola nuts until compensation was paid. Though compensation was paid many years ago, villagers are still allowed to collect materials as a goodwill gesture. From an ecological standpoint, large amounts of biomass are removed annually that could be recycled or sold to support conservation of the forest. In terms of relationships, the arrangement perpetuates an attitude that local people have rights to exploit resources within the campus, especially as these resources-bush-meat, timber, wild fruits and vegetables, and medicinal plants-are now in extreme shortsupply in surrounding areas and can provide the basis for commercial enterprises rather than for domestic consumption.
Until recently gunshots could be heard at any time of the day and night and little could be done by unarmed Forest Project staff against armed poachers. Forest Rangers are now employed by the Security Unit with powers to arrest poachers and hand-over to police for prosecution. Theft of plants/plant parts, fuel wood etc. is treated more leniently with a warning and on-the-spot education.
Protection of the forest arguably owes more to the high level of campus security than to its perceived importance for conservation. There is, however, no doubt about its value to IITA staff and visitors who enjoy forest walks and commemorative tree planting, to schools and universities which benefit from environmental education, and to local people in terms of resources they once took for granted. Most people in surrounding areas still live on less than $1 a day, depend on medicinal plants for health care, prefer bush-meat to meat from domestic animals, and have little or no education; they are therefore unaware of issues such as unsustainable use of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, or climate change.

Outlook
To protect a forest on the campus of an international institute that is dedicated to agricultural research yet surrounded by comparatively poor people who want to profit from this forest is a challenge. Public relations at local, state and federal level, and a better understanding of the importance of such a refuge of biodiversity among campus residents, staff (including low-literate employees, such as casual workers) and visitors, will be crucial for its survival. Protection of the forest and campus as a Science Park in perpetuity is also vital to ward off interest by developers. In addition to conservation of biodiversity, the new IITA Forest Unit aims to reduce pressure on forest resources by cultivating useful fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and medicinal plants, and farming of bush meat, such as grass cutters and snails. Partnerships with other NGOs and/or relevant university departments to co-manage the forest are being considered and a new Tree Heritage project (2015-2018) will build on these in situ and ex situ resources.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration
In Dodja, huge (30-40 m high) trees of Cola gigantea, Celtis spp. and Antiaris toxicaria are probably several hundred years old. A few big trees also exist in Drabo Gbo. Over 90% of today's Drabo forests are, however, the results of fallow development over 20 years through low bush to what is now young secondary forest. The introduction of species from older forests and the freeing of trees from climbers sped up this succession. Since most land had been under forest cover before, quick regrowth leading to a 20 m high canopy was assured. Even trees planted as seeds or seedlings 20 years ago reached this height.
As a result of the long-lasting effort in introducing plantlets and seeds from other forests of the region the list of plants registered on this land now comprises over 600 species including 200 species of trees. The forest has become a sanctuary for rare rainforest species, some from unique and unprotected stands in Benin. A total of 50 threatened species (out of the Red List Benin total of 100 in these categories) are found in Drabo i.e., 15 VU, 24 EN, 9 CR, and 2 EW). We cite here only those that are critically endangered (CR): Mansonia altissima, Nesogordonia kabingaensis, and Dennettia tripetala from the threatened, unprotected forest of Ewè, Caloncoba echinata and Entandrophragma angolense from Niaouli, Barteria nigritiana and Tricalysia coriacea from Ahozon, Psilanthus mannii from Dangbo and Acanthus montanus from Porto Novo. Some interesting endangered species (EN) that in Benin occur in only one or two locations are also listed in Table 1. As only a few specimens of some of these species occur in Drabo their survival is not yet assured.
The forest harbours some rare insects, among them Euschmidtia congana VU (Euschmidtiidae), a small, wingless grasshopper, and the blue leaf butterfly (Junonia cymodoce VU, Nymphalidae, both rain forest species could have survived only in the small remnant forests like Orojamè; but have now been observed in the regrown forest parts of Drabo. The Drabo forest has a rich bird fauna, which also includes rainforest species, the most spectacular being Narina's trogon (Apaloderma narina) and black-shouldered nightjar, (Caprimulgus pectoralis nigriscapularis). Black-throated coucal (Centropus leucogaster) was also observed in Drabo. Among the reptilians, Varanus exanthematicus and V. niloticus, Chamaeleo gracilis and C. necasi, a recently discovered species, have been found. Throughout the years, the once rare Chamaeleo spp. have become abundant. Eight species of snakes were observed in the vicinity of the house, among them Python regius and P. sebae, which have become less and less abundant during the last few years. The green mambas, Dendroaspis spp., are uncommon, not clearly identified, but probably underreported species, while the two cobras, Naja melanoleuca and N. nigricollis remain common despite being fiercely persecuted by the population.
Among the mammals, three species of squirrels, among them Funisciurus substriatus EN (Sciuridae), but also grass cutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Thryonomyidae), the recently described duiker (Philantomba walteri, Antilopidae), and the mongooses Mungos gambianus and Galerella sanguinea are common. The primates are represented by the potto (Perodicticus potto, Loridae) and Galagoides thomasi (Galagonidae), which survived in the sacred forest Orojamè, from where they spread throughout the forests, as well as by mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona VU) and green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops tantalus, Cercopithecidae). The star attraction of this forest is, however, the endemic red-bellied monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster CR). In the early 1990s, the first author received a few of these animals from the Ouémé Valley and their progeny have since developed into a wild-living group of about 20-25 freely reproducing and free-living monkeys. Because of its usual shyness this monkey is difficult to observe in the few localities in the Ouémé Valley and the Lama forest, where less than 1 000 individuals survive. It can, however, be observed easily in the Drabo sanctuary and is largely tolerated by the villagers.

Sustainable people management
In the beginning, the local population was allowed to use the forest for gathering fuel wood and medicinal plants. This was, however, not a sustainable solution as every first finder of a medicinal plant would uproot and destroy it completely. Similarly, trees were being prepared by trespassers through ringing so that they would topple and offer fuel wood. Around the village, small mammals were, and still are, severely hunted and some newcomers from Cotonou made it known that they would only eat animals they shot themselves. In view of the small size of the forest, it was therefore agreed that all hunting, felling of trees, gathering of fuel wood and medicinal plants would only be allowed in the presence and with the accord of the owner. This agreement, though violated occasionally, was generally respected.
Then, in an incident that demonstrated the possible negative effects of local beliefs, over 60 trees were felled because a seer (bokonon) proclaimed that a bad spirit responsible for a murder in a neighbouring village resided in this particular lot. Subsequent discussions with elders and the young led to a deal whereby the elders together with some younger men offered to guard the forest from intruders for a monthly fee of $30 by severely punishing any trespassers. This deal has held for over two years. The abundance of red-bellied monkeys and duikers, otherwise a highly prized game, is testimony to the successful implementation of this arrangement.
This deal was only possible because the first author had been introduced into the local cults of the zan gbetos, the hunters of the night, as well as the Oro cult, for whom he maintains the sacred forest Orojamè in Drabo Fanto, and, lately, to the newly established revenant cult. For their celebrations, these groups have free access to the corresponding parts of the forest. Since almost all males of Drabo Gbo and the surrounding villagers are adepts of these cults there is a certain coherence and social pressure. All three cults are secret male societies (separate female societies exist) with elaborate induction ceremonies led by chosen elders. Some of the festivities, particularly the dances by the 'paillottes', tent-like ornate covers, are performed by day and can be seen by visitors.
At present, trespassers are mainly reported by casual observation rather than by actively posting guards. However, if somebody is caught felling trees or cutting bark and lianas fines imposed by the council of elders are substantial (in the order of $100-$200, paid in kind). While villagers severely punish crop damage by roaming pigs or goats to maize or other crops, no sanction is possible when these animals sometimes penetrate the forest.
In Drabo, roads are bad and are mostly maintained by the villagers themselves. Electricity has only recently been brought to a neighbouring village, from where haphazard private lines now extend over 1 km to the sanctuary. All water comes from private wells, which provide abundant water of the best quality. All villagers (except PN) survive below the internationally accepted minimum daily income of $1 or $2 per person per day. Income sources are highly varied but all are derived in part from subsistence farming. Most farmers in Drabo have sold land to Beninois who live in Cotonou and eventually intend to build a modest house on it. Meanwhile, this land is continuously farmed by the previous owners with little respect to soil conserving measures, such as fallow and crop rotation. Most villagers are part-time artisans and quite a few are motorbike taxi drivers working in the nearby town of Calavi, while the majority of women work at home. Nobody suffers from chronic hunger, though diets are simple. Why then would such poor people respect the forest?
The villagers sometimes approach the first author for help to pay school fees, medical bills, or apprenticeships, etc. Few people in the village outside the small circle of immediate friends would tolerate the forest if it were not for this assistance. Benefits like more abundant and more regular rains, refuge for organisms beneficial in agriculture, refuge for medicinal plants and game, etc., are regularly explained to the villagers, but traditional viewpoints persist, i.e., land is there to be farmed. As the village is being encroached upon by the expanding town of Calavi, some villages like Drabo Fanto and Dodja already sold their traditional sacred forests. The recent creation of a small ethno-botanical garden for useful plants accessible on demand and the negative experiences of neighbouring villages where all old trees had been cut are, however, starting to swing the opinion in the younger men, provided the financial support is maintained.

Outlook
Most villagers had never seen a live monkey before the red-bellied monkeys of the sanctuary started reproducing and interacting with the population, particularly with children. Local people now take a certain pride at having these monkeys as a speciality of the village. Damage mostly by the associated green monkeys, which are much more aggressive crop raiders than the red-bellies, must, however, be compensated for.
Apart from being a prime site for ecological research, the sanctuary is also an important site for nature protection in a region where natural forests are mostly unprotected. As a consequence, a mild ecotourism has developed thanks to the website posting of the forest by NGOs active in ecotourism (http://www.ecobenin.africaweb.org; www.credi-ong.org; http://www.naturetropicale.org). This activity is viewed by the villagers with some interest though the unreliable and small income from ecotourists will benefit only a few.
Regular visits by university students and schools also create interest and provide evidence that perhaps, in the future, this sanctuary could be beneficial to the surrounding population. Many of the taxonomists, who visit the famous insect collection of IITA-Benin to set up collaborative projects, also come to Drabo to collect specimens.
In view of the many threats to sustainability, IITA has signed an agreement to maintain the forest; but social upheaval is always a possibility and might result in an enraged populace destroying the forest. At present, the deal with the local cults works well; but revelation churches fiercely opposed to these beliefs are gaining ground. Also, we do not know whether urbanization will bring with it a better understanding for nature protection or instead a fear of unknown dangers lurking in forests. Equally insidious is the potential impact of climate change, especially reduced rainfall. This will particularly affect some of the rare species from more northerly, already threatened habitats such as Ewè. The predicted increase in storms might increase tree fall, which in such a small forest could lead at worst to the destruction of the forest.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration
The forest contains old trees of a rare beauty. The main species are huge Piptadeniastrum africanum VU, Milicia excelsa EN and Xylopia aethiopica VU (others see Table  1). A dendrometric study by CREDI-ONG in 2013 counted 57 trees with a mean diameter of 94 cm. The maximum diameter was 238 cm with a height of 32 m. Other threatened plant species include Acridocarpus alternifolius EN, Khaya senegalensis EN, Parkia bicolor EN, and Synsepalum dulcificum EN, plus Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloïdes VU. Since the forest is left as it is and there are no forest management practices the understory is dense and only few tree seedlings are capable of sprouting in the resulting darkness.
Recently, Papilio phorcas CR (Papilionidae), which in Benin had only been known from one locality, was observed, which gives hope that this beautiful butterfly persists also in other forests of the Ouémé Valley.

Sustainable people management
Involvement in the Forêt de la Panthère by CREDI-ONG started when the deities were removed and the forest became desacralized. This allowed a first visit by the managers of this NGO, who were duly enchanted by this ancient forest. The owners, on the other hand, wanted to cut the trees for sale. CREDI-ONG succeeded in convincing them to preserve the forest and to exploit it in the framework of eco-touristic activities.
From 2008 onward, CREDI-ONG paid $100 per year to the owner family in order to have free access to the forest with its visitors. In 2012, savage tree cutting in the understory forest was observed. The family and village collectives decided to re-sacralise the forest by handing it over to the zan gbeto cult. Once this was done in 2013, the owner family decided to return $20 on received rent to the village association responsible for the protection of the environment. At present, no wood collection and no hunting are allowed. Since trespassers know they face severe punishment by the zan gbeto cult no further intrusions have been observed. Since 2013, visits to the forest require prior authorization from the heads of the zan gbeto cult, but CREDI-ONG kept its visiting permit. Tourists primarily come to see the mini-zoo, before they venture into the nearby forest.
The village of Kpotomey today has electricity, running water, is linked with good roads to nearby Zinvié, where medicinal facilities and schools are available. At present, CREDI-ONG has an annual income by visitors to the forest representing 28 persondays, which is used to employ villagers as assistants and tour guides. Group and social activities abound and the trainees from collaborating NGOs in Europe and local schoolchildren are taught the importance of sustainable nature conservation.

Outlook
Since several externally funded projects of CREDI-ONG are strictly community-oriented and offer better lives to numerous people this model of nature conservation has a good chance of surviving increased population pressure. At present, the reserve is being expanded along the Sô River, with the plan to make the 'Sitatunga Valley' a new national park with benefits for adjacent communities through ecotourism and merchandising of local foods and crafts.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration
The forest has never been seriously degraded. Throughout it has a relatively low, but dense 10-15 m high canopy. A total of 139 species of plants has been identified, but the final list is probably considerably longer. Berlinia grandiflora is the dominant tree, Synsepalum brevipes is frequent (others see Table 1). Threatened species include Acridocarpus alternifolius EN, Khaya senegalensis EN, Milicia excelsa EN, Mimusops andongensis EN, Monodora myristica EN and Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloïdes VU.
The fauna has never been studied in depth as the villagers keep the forest closed most of the year. Civet cats (Civettictis civetta), spotted genet (Genetta tigrina), Walter's duiker (Philantomba walteri) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) occur regularly; but the outstanding species is the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii EN, Antilopidae). This large, marsh-dwelling antelope is of wide distribution in Central Africa, but has only relict populations in West Africa.

Sustainable people management
The Bahazoun forest is privately owned and not protected by any legal document. The local administration in Abomey-Calavi does not seem to be aware of its presence and the forest is not listed in the official Community Development Plan.
Management of the Bahazoun forest is entirely in the hands of the family, who are fiercely opposed to any interference by the forest administration. Access is strictly controlled by the inhabitants of Lanzron, who view any person showing interest in the fauna and flora with suspicion because they fear to be dispossessed of their forest. Only a small portion is dedicated to zan gbeto, the rest is managed according to the rules defined by the chief of the family. Only men are authorized to cut some trees for constructions, but any sale of wood is forbidden. Collection of dead wood is organized once every two to three years on a decision by the elders, and the opening and closing of the forest are confined to the vodoun zan gbeto. Firewood at present is sold at $1 per bundle. This allows the women to gain up to $160 each time the forest is opened. All unauthorized gathering of wood is strongly punished by the zan gbeto, the fine to be paid in kind or as cash. Hunting by the local population, by contrast, is not regulated.
CREDI-ONG is allowed to perform certain activities such as ornithological visits in the vicinity of the forest, always accompanied by somebody from Lanzron. So far, not all team members have been initiated into the vodoun cult.
The villagers of Lanzron are generally poor subsistence farmers without access to electricity. Roads are extremely bad and access to medical services is at a considerable distance. The forest plays an important role in their daily lives, providing medicinal plants, firewood, timber for construction, and income through hunting.

Outlook
Since the villagers are proud of their forest the perspectives for its survival are good, provided some action is taken. The first requirement is a legally binding written management plan with safe title deeds; otherwise the land-grabbing observed in other parts of the Calavi community and the installation of big farms by rich absentee landlords will destroy this old management through elders. At present, CREDI-ONG is helping to improve prospects by providing water pumps, employment for rangers, and training according to the principles they developed in their fief in Zinvié.

Discussion
Despite a low ecological footprint until recently (van Vuuren et al. 1999) pressure on natural resources in Benin is growing rapidly and the decline of biodiversity, a measure for quantifying this pressure, has reached crisis status (Wilson andPeter 1988, Laurance 2006). Protection of the remaining rainforest in the Dahomey Gap and southwestern Nigeria is therefore urgent. In southern Benin, these are naturally small pockets, most of them sacred forests, which have been studied before (Sokpon and Akpo 1999, Nagel et al. 2004, Adomou et al. 2010, Agbani et al. 2012. The present study is, however, the first to relay the experience of the managers of such forests over a time span of 10 to 30 years, to describe rehabilitation of the forests and to take into account the threat-status of organisms (Table 2).
Though all four forests are under practically identical climatic conditions, underlying bedrock and soil influence species composition and resistance of the forests against storms and dry spells. Because biodiversity inventories are still local and rare, documented species richness is mainly dependent on how well these forests have been studied; Ibadan has the longest records and the highest number of visiting specialists, while Lanzron is mostly inaccessible to visitors.
For the preservation of biodiversity, nature reserves with expensive security measures like IITA-Ibadan might represent the future. Despite this huge effort, which is not paid for out of any funds allocated to forest management, wildlife is still threatened. Nevertheless, the venerated iroko (Ouinsavi et al. 2005) and the spectacular Pararistolochia goldieana are well protected. The forest is possibly the last refuge for the Ibadan malimbe, Nigeria's rarest endemic bird (Manu 2001, Manu et al. 2005 and has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2002 by BirdLife International (Fishpool and Evans 2001). In Drabo, the troupe of habituated red-bellied monkeys has the potential to attract tourists. Many other animals are also protected; but they are far less conspicuous, as are the threatened plant species that now thrive in the restored forest. In Zinvié, the key-attraction is the mini-zoo together with the exemplary village development schemes; for visitors they far outshine the rich flora. Similarly, in Lanzron it is the elusive sitatunga that attracts attention, though it is only rarely seen. Since an adult male sitatunga can fetch from $200 to $600 (Kissira 2014) the species is still subjected to hunting by the villagers (Alladayè 2011). It is encouraging to see that insects of the rainforest or mammals like potto and others survived. The observed sustained protection of flora and fauna in the four forests thus demonstrates the value of even tiny refuges, provided these are well managed.
Benin and Nigeria have big parks in the thinly populated North: the Complex WAP World Heritage Centre of the UNESCO, i.e. three contiguous parks, namely Parc W in Niger, Arly in Burkina Faso, Parc Penjari in Benin of about 10 000 km 2 constitute the largest fully protected area in tropical West Africa . In southern Benin and south-western Nigeria, national parks are, however, almost totally absent. Protect- Table 2. Conditions and management of four rainforest patches in a gradient from 1 to 5.

Criterion
Location Ibadan Drabo Zinvié Lanzron Location: 1-remote from town, 5-surrounded by city 5 3 4 1 Ownership of the land: 1-uncertain, group ownership, 5-private ownership with title 5 1 5 3 1 Protection: 1-none, 5-securely fenced 5 3 2 1 Soil: 1-unstable swampy or rocky, 5-deep soil, allowing for quick growth and stable conditions. 1-3 5 4 2 Forest succession: 1-fallow, 5-old forest. 1-5 1-5 1-5 5 Rehabilitation: 1-not needed, not envisaged, 5-on most of the land 3 5 2 1 Presence of threatened plant species: 1-no concern, 5-threatened species introduced 3 5 2 1 Presence of wildlife: 1-nothing particular, 5-attractive protected species 5 5 5 5 Use of forest: Firewood and construction wood: 1-no collection allowed, 5-organized use 1 3 3 5 Hunting: 1-not allowed, 5-free, but organized 1 1 1 4 Stealing wood, medicinal plants: 1-tolerated, 5-severely punished 3 4 3 4 Poaching (shooting/trapping animals): 1-tolerated, 5-severely punished 5 2 5 3 4 Cost of protection/guards: 1-none, 5-high costs 5 2 1 1 Involvement with local customs: 1-none, 5-full integration in local cults 1 5 4 5 Condition of local population: 1-uniformly poor, 5-inhabitants rich, urban and influential 1-5 3 2 2 1 Management by local population: 1-none, 5-organized governing structures 1 2 5 4 Importance of ecotourism: 1-none, 5-important with well-organized distribution channels 2 2 5 3 Outside donors: 1-none, 5-projects are actively sought 3 4 2 5 2 Personal involvement: 1-anonymous protection, 5-highly involved champion 5 5 5 3 Education of users and neighbours: 1-none, 5-highly developed curriculum 3 2 5 3 1 Land owned by Nigerian Federal Govt., on 99-yr lease to IITA. 2 Offender is arrested and handed over to local police for prosecution 3 Staff of the international institute vs. inhabitants of surrounding city (few poor farmers -increasingly middle class, including IITA employees) 4 Currently no donor for forest as such ing and restoring small refuges, as in the case of the four forests, is therefore justified and important. Management and interactions with the populations living in the vicinity of these forests is deeply influenced by the accessibility to towns: IITA-Ibadan is now completely engulfed by a large city, sequestered by its high security fence from the surrounding population, which nevertheless assumes it still has rights to exploit the forest. The Forêt de la Panthère lies near Zinvié, a relatively small centre, and Drabo will be surrounded by modest habitations in the near future. Only in Lanzron is there a homogeneous population of subsistence farmers far away from a town. Better access demands higher security measures and enclosures, but offers better possibilities for education in ecology as well as ecotourism.
Surrounding populations are differently integrated in the management of the forests. In Drabo, the manager/owner of the forest lives in the forest and his integration into the local cults assures protection in an arrangement called 'working with people' (Sodeik 1998). CREDI-ONG initiated official associations with commonly agreed rules and remuneration with its villagers. Moreover, this NGO, supported by international donors, created many sources of income through well-organized ecotourism, fish-farming, and ecological agriculture benefitting the village. This approach of 'talking with people' (Sodeik 1998) includes full political power and, purportedly, a better chance for sustainability. The same approach has not yet been implemented in Lanzron. In IITA-Ibadan, commercialization of forest products will increasingly benefit local populations.
Engaging with traditional beliefs in Drabo has up to now protected the forest, where monkeys and duikers abound despite their value on the market. Yet, Christian revelation churches have been successful in fiercely opposing traditional beliefs. By contrast, the Catholic Church has adopted and adapted these traditions. The managers from Zinvié have stimulated the village associations to re-sacralise their forest in order to add some measure of protection. It must, however, be remembered that sacred forests have not been created for the purpose of nature conservation and that their sacred status alone is often insufficient to protect them from destruction (Siebert 2003, Juhé-Beaulaton 2008. In Lanzron, traditional protection and modest exploitation of the forest seem to be working well. The long-term problem lies in the fact that ownership is not secured. As the community becomes more heterogeneous it risks attracting rapacious entrepreneurs, even from within the village, who can eventually derail all communal efforts. Defining and securing landownership, followed by boundary fencing, is therefore their first priority. In Benin in general, maintaining good public relations with local dignitaries and politicians has been a continuous uphill struggle taxing the managers; in IITA-Ibadan the same struggle must be fought, though it is mostly internal.
While the government of Benin has signed all relevant international treaties and the laws to protect the forests are in place (Republic of Benin 2012) rigorous implementation of these rules has not always been a priority. In fact, most southern forests are not adequately protected, which calls for new nature reserves to be established . Such an effort is now under way, led by CREDI-ONG, to develop a new national park in the so-called 'Sitatunga Valley' adjacent to the Forêt de la Panthère. Eventually the education effort made by the government, universities and various NGOs might lead to a change in attitude (Sokpon and Akpo 1999, Nagel et al. 2004, Adomou et al. 2011, Agbani et al. 2012; but since this is a slow process the champions of the presently well-guarded forests of this study will have to use all means to train youths, promote eco-tourism and environmental education at all levels, but also to define the necessary obligations for the local populations including, in the case of Benin, vodoun dignitaries. The presence of flagship species such as the red-bellied monkey, sitatunga, or IBA ranking provide highly desired incentives for support at all societal levels including governmental to preserve forests. Though not necessarily easily available, opportunities for financial support exist, for instance within BirdLife International, which promotes champions for sites or species, IUCN, or specialized foundations (Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, IPSI Satoyama Initiative, etc.). In most instances this involves the transfer of substantial resources from North to South (Balmford and Whitten 2003). Our experience in protecting and rehabilitating precious forest ecosystems of small size might also stimulate universities, managers of industrial and touristic sites, and private land owners to create similar forests on their own land. In the Sahel zone in Burkina Faso, e.g., many such forests have been created with strict rules for use by the local population by NewTree (http:// newtree.org). A biodiversity assessment is still largely lacking, but might be included according to the experiences made in our four forests. We have demonstrated that reversing biodiversity loss is possible even in the highly populated south of Benin and south-western Nigeria, though at great costs, not only in money, but in management and personal involvement.
The following major recommendations for other conservation efforts in the region can be extracted: a) Ownership of the forest must be vigorously defended against other interests from outside, but also from inside the local community, by clearly defining, within a well-defined managerial and political structure, purpose, rights and obligations. Ownership must include not only the plot, but also the trees growing on it. Managing forests for somebody else, by contrast, is not likely to be sustainable; b) Support to the community is needed by creating interest in the reserve, but only as long as established rules are respected; c) Such support should be accompanied by education at all levels, a recommendation that probably also applies to big reserves established and maintained by governments; d-In theory, these conclusions are all not new, but implementation needs champions and funding. Where these are lacking, reserves risk existing only on paper as is the case for many Forêts Classées in central and northern Benin or the Gambari Forest Reserve in Nigeria. At least in the case of Benin, which is still among the 20 poorest nations of the world despite efforts of successive democratic governments, outside funding and further education are probably the only means to assure protection of its biodiversity.