Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose, drought resistant, wild fruit tree, endemic to arid and semi-arid lands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Baobab populations have been showing a lack of regeneration, and therefore causes concern for the species survival. This study investigated the state, distribution and use of baobabs in an under-researched population in Kenya, to identify the potential for further use and development of baobab resources. A baobab population was chosen in Taita–Taveta County, covering a sample area of 2015 km2. A systematic stratified transect survey was done to map baobab distribution using 49 transects (0.5 × 3 km each). The diameter at breast height and other indicators were measured on all baobabs in the transects to assess population status and health. A household survey (n = 46) and focus group discussions (n = 12) were done following the transect survey to gain an idea on the uses and distribution of baobab. In total, 432 baobab trees were measured and recorded in the research area of 2015 km2. The baobabs grew in two clusters (i.e., areas with a baobab density of ≥0.08 baobabs/ha). Both clusters showed rejuvenating populations. The main factors identified by the respondents, positively and negatively influencing baobab distribution were environmental factors, wildlife, human impact and commercial value. The study area shows a great potential for baobab to become an important part of the diet, due to its current use as an emergency food during food scarce times, and the relatively healthy and stable rejuvenating populations.

中文翻译：

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肯尼亚南部的猴面包树（Adansonia digitata L.）——Taita-Taveta 县的现状、分布、使用和重要性研究

猴面包树 (Adansonia digitata L.) 是一种多用途、抗旱的野生果树，是撒哈拉以南非洲干旱和半干旱地区的特有种。猴面包树种群一直缺乏再生，因此引起对该物种生存的担忧。本研究调查了肯尼亚一个研究不足的人群中猴面包树的状态、分布和使用情况，以确定进一步利用和开发猴面包树资源的潜力。在泰塔-塔韦塔县选择猴面包树种群，样本面积为 2015 平方公里。进行了系统的分层样带调查，以使用 49 个样带（每个 0.5 × 3 公里）绘制猴面包树分布图。在横断面上测量所有猴面包树的胸高直径和其他指标，以评估种群状况和健康状况。在横断面调查之后进行了家庭调查（n = 46）和焦点小组讨论（n = 12），以了解猴面包树的用途和分布。在 2015 平方公里的研究区域内，总共测量和记录了 432 棵猴面包树。猴面包树生长在两个集群中（即猴面包树密度≥0.08 猴面包树/公顷的区域）。两个集群都显示出恢复活力的种群。受访者确定的对猴面包树分布产生积极和消极影响的主要因素是环境因素、野生动物、人类影响和商业价值。研究区显示猴面包树成为饮食的重要组成部分的巨大潜力，因为它目前在食物短缺时期用作应急食品，以及相对健康和稳定的恢复活力的人群。