Biodiversity and conservation value of an Atlantic central African forest: the Ngovayang Massif (Cameroon)

Abstract

A total of 7967 individuals with dbh ≥ 10 cm were recorded, belonging to 583 species, 267 genera and 71 families. The mean number of stems was 532 ± 75 stems ha-1. The mean Fisher's alpha index was 42.4 ± 6.5. Taking into account other data available, the list of vascular plants known in the Massif reaches a total of 1497 species. We found 224 species of high conservation value, including Cameroon endemics and other rare and threatened species. Species richness and endemism are comparable to those of the richest known sites in Central African forests. Topographic heterogeneity, high precipitation and atmospheric humidity owing to the proximity of the ocean, and permanence of a forest cover during past geological times probably all contribute to explaining the Massif's high tree diversity and endemism. This study highlights the botanical importance of the poorly studied Ngovayang forest within the Lower Guinea region, justifying efforts for improved assessment of this value and for the development of suitable national conservation strategies