Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Ferlo Ecosystems (North Senegal)

This study focused on the dynamics of the ecosystems of the Ferlo watershed between 1965 and 2015, i.e. over a period of 50 years, using remote sensing, geographic information systems and field work. The main objective is to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of the ecosystems of the Ferlo watershed between 1965 and 2015 through the method of remote sensing and mapping in order to assess the spatio-temporal changes that have occurred in this environment and to simulate the future of these ecosystems by 2075. The analysis of the evolution of land use showed that 35% of the land remained in its initial state (without change), 65% underwent modifications, and 7% were converted. The modifications mainly concern the natural vegetation zones, which have undergone a regressive evolution marked by a decrease in the surface area of gallery forest, wooded savannah and tree savannah, shrub savannah and steppe. The conversions affected mainly the natural vegetation zones. Cultivated areas have expanded mainly due to conversion of natural vegetation areas.