Research interests
Plant-animal interactions : seed dispersal anachronism
My research is focusing on seed dispersal by extinct large-bodied animals of specific plant species, using Malagasy baobab species (genus Adansonia) as a case study model. Baobabs fruit and seed traits are not adapted to be dispersed by extant animals. Indeed, in seed dispersal syndrome, there is a concept called “the seed dispersal anachronism” suggesting that some extant plants traits have fruits traits which are not adapted to be dispersed by extant animals. This syndrome was demonstrated by Janzen and Martin (1982) for Neotropical plants in Central American lowland forests and they found that the so-called "anachronistic" plants were dispersed by extinct large animals (Megafauna) which disappeared during the Pleistocene and Holocene periods. I am the lead author of two international publications that first document the seed dispersal syndrome of baobabs related to the loss of large-bodied animals. Any extant large-bodied frugivores animals cannot break baobab fruits and consume the seeds while the elephant birds, giant tortoises and giant lemurs seemed to be good candidates as their major seed dispersers. I tested the potential role of extinct giant tortoises on seed germination by using extant giant tortoises as the ecological analogs of those extinct ones. In my current research project, I aim to assess the impacts of the megafaunal extinctions on seedling survival and population local ranges and my hypothesis is that, without no current large frugivores, Malagasy baobabs are likely orphaned plants and may be on the verge of the extinction.
Conservation and sustainable value of Malagasy baobab species
I have been conducted a project with aiming to investigate the impacts of fruits harvesting and commercialization on its survival and population recruitment. Baobab products are used and sold on local markets. Recently, Malagasy baobab fruits and seeds are traded to the international market. Over-exploitation of fruits might have negative effects on baobab regeneration and likely on their long-term survival. However, the international commercialization can be an economic opportunity for the country and a source of rural households' income. I am conducting this research based-development project with the Malagasy Baobab group experts (GSPBM). We want to develop an objective evaluation to propose management plan to reconcile baobab conservation and sustainable use of its products to benefit local communities.
My research is focusing on seed dispersal by extinct large-bodied animals of specific plant species, using Malagasy baobab species (genus Adansonia) as a case study model. Baobabs fruit and seed traits are not adapted to be dispersed by extant animals. Indeed, in seed dispersal syndrome, there is a concept called “the seed dispersal anachronism” suggesting that some extant plants traits have fruits traits which are not adapted to be dispersed by extant animals. This syndrome was demonstrated by Janzen and Martin (1982) for Neotropical plants in Central American lowland forests and they found that the so-called "anachronistic" plants were dispersed by extinct large animals (Megafauna) which disappeared during the Pleistocene and Holocene periods. I am the lead author of two international publications that first document the seed dispersal syndrome of baobabs related to the loss of large-bodied animals. Any extant large-bodied frugivores animals cannot break baobab fruits and consume the seeds while the elephant birds, giant tortoises and giant lemurs seemed to be good candidates as their major seed dispersers. I tested the potential role of extinct giant tortoises on seed germination by using extant giant tortoises as the ecological analogs of those extinct ones. In my current research project, I aim to assess the impacts of the megafaunal extinctions on seedling survival and population local ranges and my hypothesis is that, without no current large frugivores, Malagasy baobabs are likely orphaned plants and may be on the verge of the extinction.
Conservation and sustainable value of Malagasy baobab species
I have been conducted a project with aiming to investigate the impacts of fruits harvesting and commercialization on its survival and population recruitment. Baobab products are used and sold on local markets. Recently, Malagasy baobab fruits and seeds are traded to the international market. Over-exploitation of fruits might have negative effects on baobab regeneration and likely on their long-term survival. However, the international commercialization can be an economic opportunity for the country and a source of rural households' income. I am conducting this research based-development project with the Malagasy Baobab group experts (GSPBM). We want to develop an objective evaluation to propose management plan to reconcile baobab conservation and sustainable use of its products to benefit local communities.