Field trip to Darha: tracing back 2014-2015 drought induced shrub die-off (by Paulo, PhD student)

In August 2017 I travelled to Senegal, accompanied by Master’s student Ilié Storms, to have a closer look at one of the ecosystems that we are studying. We sampled vegetation structural parameters and functional traits, among other variables, and also did species surveys, in 20 transects which were previously sampled by Martin Brandt and Iben Nielsen in 2015. Some of those transects were affected by a huge drought induced tree die-off that hit Senegal in 2014-2015. This field work will help us with insights into the functioning of the studied system, regarding resistance and recovery after a disturbance, and potential drivers of differential resistance and recovery rates. Also, information acquired will assist on the evaluation of early warning signals of turning points later on.

Besides all the obtained knowledge about the natural processes happening in the region, the field trip was a great opportunity to get in touch with amazing people, and learn a lot more about their culture and way of life. We were warmly welcomed, well cared and fed (thanks Yassin and all the other chefs), lived astonishing experiences and laughed a lot. I already miss Senegal.