UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Samba Dia
General information
Samba Dia Biosphere Reserve is located at the Atlantic coast within the West African woodland savanna. The flat plain is only 5-10 meters above sea level and contains one of the best remaining stands of the once widespread Borassus aethiopum communities. In addition to these palm stands, there are populations of Acacia seyal, Combretum glutinosum and Anogeissus leiocarpus.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1979
Country
Senegal
Total population
17402
Area
Surface
36,700.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 14.0998 - Longitude: -16.6771
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
Coastal zone forest dominated by Borassus aethiopum and with Acacia seyal, Combretum glutinosum and Anogeissus leiocarpus; sahelo-sudanian savanna characterized by Acacia seyal, A. senegal, A. albida, Borassus flabellifer, Detarium microcarpum etc.; agroecosystems
Socio-Economics Characteristics
People mostly rely on agriculture, livestock raising and gathering of forest resources. The Borassus forest is mainly threatened because agriculture and pastures lands are not sufficient to support the inhabitants of the biosphere reserve who also collect fuel wood in the forest. A study on the rehabilitation of the forest has been carried out in order to protect the biodiversity in the area.