Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42304201›Full record

ArticleJournal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine2026

Bryophytes of Benin Republic: traditional knowledge, uses and perceived threats.

Gafarou Agounde, Kolawolé Valère Salako, Hospice G Dassou, Godwin Dimon, Ghyslain Kpetikou, Hounnankpon Yédomonhan, Terry Hedderson, Aristide Adomou

Abstract read
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Article in Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Gafarou AgoundeLaboratoire des Sciences du Végétal et Pharmacopée, Ecole Doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5508-668X
Kolawolé Valère SalakoLaboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin. salakovalere@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7817-3687
Hospice G DassouLaboratoire des Sciences du Végétal et Pharmacopée, Ecole Doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4651-1802
Godwin DimonLaboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
Ghyslain KpetikouLaboratoire des Sciences du Végétal et Pharmacopée, Ecole Doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Hounnankpon YédomonhanLaboratoire des Sciences du Végétal et Pharmacopée, Ecole Doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Terry HeddersonBolus herbarium, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
Aristide AdomouLaboratoire des Sciences du Végétal et Pharmacopée, Ecole Doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

Funding

The JRS Biodiversity Foundation 70026
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBryophytes are ecologically and socioeconomically important but remain largely understudied from an ethnobotanical perspective, particularly in Africa. This study provides the first assessment of traditional knowledge, uses, perceived threats, and conservation strategies for bryophytes in Benin Republic.

methodsEthnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 637), free-listing, and participatory ranking among fifteen sociolinguistic groups across the three climatic zones of Benin (humid, sub-humid, and semi-arid). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess (i) bryophyte knowledge, (ii) use patterns, (iii) socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge of bryophytes, (iv) perceived threats, and (v) proposed conservation measures.

resultsSixteen species were cited, of which twelve had documented traditional uses. Vernacular classifications relied mainly on habitat-based descriptors, while medicinal uses were predominant. Philonotis africana (Müll. Hal.) Rehmann ex Paris, Index Bryol. emerged as the most widely known and culturally important species, whereas other taxa showed marked geographic and cultural specificity. Knowledge of bryophytes varied significantly with ethnicity, age, occupation, and education, with elders, traditional healers, and few ethnic groups holding the richest knowledge. Species diversity and uses declined from the humid to the semi-arid zone, consistent with the ecological apparency hypothesis. Deforestation and agricultural expansion were identified as the main threats. Proposed conservation measures emphasized protected areas, reduced forest clearing, and preservation of humid microhabitats.

conclusionsOverall, this study provides important baseline on bryophytes in Benin and essential insights towards their sustainable management. Further studies should be conducted on Philonotis Africana, especially regarding its medicinal and environmental benefits.

Indexed as

BryophytaEthnobotanyKnowledgeMedicine, African TraditionalAdultAgedBeninConservation of Natural ResourcesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedBryophytesConservation strategiesEthnobryologyPhilonotis africanaSociolinguistic groupsThreat perceptionsTraditional ecological knowledge

Identifiers

PMID42304201
PMCPMC13508284

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.