Convergence of plants used by local populations and the diet of elephants in Azagny National Park (South-West, Côte d'Ivoire)

Résumé

Abstract:
This study aimed to synthesize the knowledge required to create a repertoire of medicinal plants used by local populations and consumed by elephants in the Azagny National Park (ANP). To this end, a survey was carried out among 87 people living in 5 localities surrounding the PNA. The majority were women (60 %), mainly housewives (35.6 %). Generally uneducated (48 %), the average age of those surveyed was between 55 and 65. Three species are the most widely used: Aframomum melegueta (36.74 %), Ficus exasperata (18.14 %) and Anchomanes difformis (10.23 %). The recipes administered, mostly multi-species (56 %), are used to fight cutaneous diseases (41 %) and diseases of the digestive tract (40%). Seeds (45 %) and leaves (34 %) are the most commonly used organs. Kneading (71 %) and decoction (22 %) are the most frequently used preparation methods. Treatments are mainly administered orally (32.14 %) and dermally (26.59 %), and are taken in the morning and evening (71 %) for up to 7 days (35.8 %). The plants are mainly collected in the field (51 %), where they are abundant (66 %). These results can be used as a database for further studies to develop an Improved Traditional Medicine (ITM).