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Conservation of endangered plant communities: a study case of ecosystem reconstruction in Katanga (DRC)
Lebrun, Julie; Handjila, Guylain; Bizoux, Jean-Philippe et al.
20117th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology
 

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Abstract :
[en] The Katangan copper-cobalt deposits (Democratic Republic of Congo) are part of the Central African Copperbelt, one of the world’s greatest metallogenic province. The ore comes to the surface in a series of hills isolated in the miombo woodland. These unique ecosystems present high metals concentration levels where a specific vegetation develops. Flora comprises more than 600 species from which 30 are endemics. Due to the recent revival of mining activities in the region, copper plant communities of Katanga and their associated flora are now critically threatened. Tenke Fungurume Mining sarl (TFM), an important mining company operating in Katanga, has developed a Biological Diversity Action Plan (BDAP) to conserve copper-cobalt flora and mitigate potential species extinction risk. One of the most original BDAP tasks is an ecosystem reconstruction experiment that should preserve plant communities representative of the diversity found on the exploited hill and to provide the plant material for further post-exploitation restoration. From December 2007 to April 2009, full vegetation blocks were translocated with their soil mat on an adequate mineral substrate of 1500m². Since 2008, the artificial ecosystem is monitored every year. Three communities were successfully recreated. A total of 144 species were found in the ecosystem which represents more than 80% of the original species richness. The reconstructed ecosystem seems to favour the most tolerant species to copper. This first experience shows that ecosystem reconstruction is successful and may be used as a strategy to conserve copper-cobalt plant communities in their habitat.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Author, co-author :
Lebrun, Julie ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Handjila, Guylain
Bizoux, Jean-Philippe ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Seleck, Maxime  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Malaisse, François ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Mahy, Grégory ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Language :
English
Title :
Conservation of endangered plant communities: a study case of ecosystem reconstruction in Katanga (DRC)
Publication date :
2011
Event name :
7th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology
Event organizer :
University of Coimbra, Portugal
Event place :
Coimbra, Portugal
Event date :
12-16 June 2011
Audience :
International
Available on ORBi :
since 23 June 2011

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