Drivers of forage provision and erosion control in West African savannas : A macroecological perspective

摘要: Abstract Rangelands’ ability to provide ecosystem services (ESs) depends on properties and functions, which are interactively driven by biophysical land-use drivers. In West Africa’s savanna rangelands, the relative importance of these drivers for ES supply is still poorly understood, hampering identification appropriate management strategies. this context, trade-offs between forage provision regulating erosion control particular importance. Taking a macroecological perspective, we aimed at detecting consistent patterns in identifying good predictors. The study area comprises steep gradient climatic aridity across Sudanian savannas from northern Ghana central Burkina Faso, combination with local gradients intensity topo-edaphic conditions. We used aboveground biomass, metabolisable energy yield as proxies provision, cover perennials grass layer proxy control. Linear mixed-effect models model selection were test relationships multiple environmental variables proxies. found differential responses Vegetation important all ESs. Antecedent rainfall was most predictor while plants’ phenology energy. Environmental (such aridity, soil grazing intensity) mediated via vegetation predictors followed direct effect aridity. Our finding that antecedent more than implies effects long-term may given year be overridden current season’s precipitation particularly case rain year. observed well-conceived adaptation strategies could mitigate potential negative climate change.