Assessment of tree species diversity and abundance as a diagnostic tool for regeneration of the Bali-Ngemba forest reserve, north west region, Cameroon
Paper Details
Assessment of tree species diversity and abundance as a diagnostic tool for regeneration of the Bali-Ngemba forest reserve, north west region, Cameroon
Abstract
Human encroachment and activities in protected areas has continued to pose a serious threat to biodiversity around the world. This study assessed tree species diversity and abundance in the Bali-Ngemba Forest Reserve (BNFR) in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon, in a bid to obtain baseline data that can guide conservation initiatives. Data were collected through an inventory of tree species in disturbed and undisturbed portions of the reserve and indices including the Sørensen similarity coefficient (Cs), Shannon Wiener diversity index (H) and the Margalef species richness index (d) were calculated. Based on the study’s findings, there were 13 tree species in the BNFR belonging to 10 families, with the most common uses being timber, fuelwood, food, medicine, and fodder. Of the species encountered, 61.5% were abundant (Kigelia africana, Canarium indicum, Triplochiton scleroxylon, Cola nitida, Terminalia catappa, Eucalyptus grandis, Manilkara chicle, Eucalyptus globulus), 15.4% were rare (Rapanea melanophloeos, Pinus serotina) while the frequent (Pinus walliciana), occasional (Podocarpus latifolius), and endangered (Sizygium guineense) biodiversity categories were each represented by 7.7% corresponding to a species. Malvaceae and Myrtaceae were the most abundant families with d = 0.389871 and 0.779742, respectively. The undisturbed site was more diverse than the disturbed. Comparing the levels of diversity using Sørensen’s similarity coefficient, both sites were found to be only 21% similar. It was concluded that anthropogenic disturbances are responsible for the decline in the diversity and abundance of indigenous tree species in the BNFR, thus calling for better conservation measures that limit human encroachment.
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Adela Njamnjubo Njilin, Titus Fondo Ambebe, Nyong Princely Awazi (2024), Assessment of tree species diversity and abundance as a diagnostic tool for regeneration of the Bali-Ngemba forest reserve, north west region, Cameroon; JBES, V25, N1, July, P94-101
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