Climate dynamics and biodiversity of the peatlands of the Era Congo concession in the territory of Inongo (MaiNdombe province) in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The peatlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo are essential for biodiversity and ecosystem services.. This study on the Era Congo
concession analyzes climate dynamics, identifies and evaluates the richness of plant and animal species. The results show a decrease in rainfall
(532.68 mm) and an increase in temperatures (1.3 °C) since 1991, leading to a prolonged drought. The dominant botanical families include
Fabaceae (20%), Sapotaceae (16%), and Euphorbiaceae (13%), Clusiaceae (8%), Rhamnaceae (7%), Myrtaceae (6%), Annonaceae (6%),
Meliaceae (3%), while species such as Manilkara sp (15%), Guibourtia demeusei (8%), Lasiodiscus manii (8%), Syzygium staudtii (7%),
Sapium xylocarpum (¬6%), Xylopia rubescens (6%), and Symphonia globulifer (6%) and Raphia sp (2%) stand out. The Shannon inde x, varying
from 1.6 to 2.7, and the Simpson index, oscillating between 0.56 and 0.9, reveal a great diversity. The Pielou index, on the other hand, fluctuates
between 0.18 and 0.29, highlighting an abundance of certain plant families and species. A rich animal diversity also characte rizes this area. The
study highlights the threat of climate change to these ecosystems and the human communities that depend on them, calling for participatory
approaches for their sustainable management.