A continent‑wide monitoring initiative for Adansonia digitata, centred on analysing pollination dynamics, reproductive limitations, and the ecological conditions shaping regeneration outcomes. The project is implemented collaboratively with universities and citizen scientists, whose field observations supply critical data for understanding population trends.
We begin with a regional assessment of Adansonia digitata across West Africa, evaluating its condition, extent, and spatial distribution. This work is carried out in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and citizen scientists who contribute essential field observations.
Secondary Research and Literature‑Based Data Acquisition Before fieldwork begins, a comprehensive secondary research phase is conducted to establish baseline knowledge of Adansonia digitata across West Africa. This includes: Reviewing published ecological studies on baobab distribution, pollination systems, reproductive biology, and regeneration constraints. Extracting occurrence records from herbarium databases, GBIF, African Plant Database, and regional botanical surveys. Analysing historical land‑use and vegetation maps to identify long‑term changes in baobab habitat. Synthesising citizen science datasets (iNaturalist, Observation.org) to identify emerging patterns in distribution and phenology. Consulting national forestry inventories and environmental reports for country‑level population assessments. This secondary research informs the selection of study sites and provides a baseline against which new field data can be compared. Study sites are selected across representative West African ecological zones where Adansonia digitata naturally occurs. Site selection follows three criteria: Biogeographic coverage: inclusion of Sahelian, Sudanian, and Guinean zones to capture climatic and ecological variation. Population presence: confirmed baobab stands identified through herbarium records, iNaturalist observations, and local knowledge. Accessibility and partnership potential: preference for locations near collaborating universities, research stations, or active citizen science groups. Each site is georeferenced using GPS coordinates, and site boundaries are mapped using QGIS to ensure consistent spatial coverage. Spatial datasets and field observations are merged to produce a comprehensive species assessment: Field GPS points are overlaid on habitat maps. Regeneration data are analysed against land‑use and climate layers. Pollination observations are linked to spatial patterns of flowering phenology. Condition scores are compared with remote‑sensing indicators of vegetation stress. Citizen science records fill spatial gaps in formal sampling. This integrated approach provides a robust understanding of the species’ condition, extent, and distribution across West Africa.