Conocarpus erectus L., a neglected mangrove species in West Africa: traditional knowledge, its transmission and implications for conservation in Benin

While mangrove protection has gained notorious global attention over the past two decades, some of their important plant species still lag in terms of restoration and conservation efforts. This is the case for Conocarpus erectus, a mangrove-associated species neglected in Africa and Endangered in Benin. This study aims to assess (i) traditional knowledge (TK) on C. erectus and its association with distance from the species population, human-led degradation, and sociodemographic characteristics, and (ii) the modes of transmission of this TK. Both qualitative (focus group discussions) and quantitative (individual surveys) methods were used to collect data in eight sites. Respondents reported three major categories of uses of C. erectus, namely, medicinal (90%), firewood (25%), and construction wood (23%), which varied across sites. Twenty-seven diseases were reported, among which malaria, physical weakness of babies, complicated pregnancy, stomach pain and oral wounds were the most cited. Sociodemographic factors such as age, activities and ethnicity also significantly affected TK. Only one TK transmission mode (from parents to children) exists, irrespective of the sites. Conservation initiatives should prioritize the species’ remnant populations and focus on raising awareness of its social and ecological importance while restoring it in degraded mangroves and sites where it has completely disappeared to subsequently sustain its TK. Future investigations should focus on the sustainability of remnant populations and effective propagation.