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2006 Jan 03The sacred forests of the Dahomey corridor
In Benin and Togo, sacred forests have been reported for a very long time. They are very numerous, relatively small and are involved in the protection of forest fauna and flora in these two countries of the dry corridor of Dahomey. This study made it possible to make a typology of these sacred forests, based on the perception of local populations. Several species of trees and forest areas are thus considered as habitats of a multitude of deities venerated by local populations. They are isolated sacred trees, hunting reserves, ancestor forests, forests of ancestors, forests of cemeteries, forests of gods or geniuses, forests of secret societies, etc. Highly protected previously for their social, cultural and biodiversity conservation role, these sacred trees and forests are currently threatened with extinction. The implementation of sustainable management is urgent in order to safeguard them.