Fisheries in the Southern Border Zone of Takamanda - Impact ...

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34 Sunderland et al. 5.5 Economic Potential and Forest Exploitation A number of studies undertaken concurrently with this vegetation assessment present information with regard to the economic importance of TFR flora (for example, Zapfack 2001, Sunderland et al. this volume). These studies show clear evidence that lowland forests in the area provide the greatest economic benefit to villagers in and around TFR because of their value as a repository of timber and non-timber species. Hence, there is far less emphasis on exploitation of mid-elevation and montane forests for their plants (see also Schmidt-Soltau 2001). However, knowledge of the density, abundance, and spatial distribution for many of these taxa is, at best, patchy. The picture with regard to timber is still far from complete. Not surprisingly, this study found that midelevation and montane forest formations contain few individual species of timber value. In contrast, the relatively unexploited lowland forests are relatively well stocked with timber species, but by far the most valuable areas for timber potential are the lowland ridge forests that contain large numbers of highly merchantable timber species. The inaccessibility of these forests, particularly those in the Kekpani/Basho hills, suggest that these “timber reservoirs” may remain untouched in the foreseeable future. Of greater concern are the more accessible forest areas, particularly those along navigable waterways where timber exploitation is already under way in the immediate vicinity of TFR and possibly within the Reserve’s boundaries (particularly in the forest areas around Takamanda village). It should be a management priority to delineate clear guidelines for the timber resource as was recently done for non-timber forest products. 5.6 Species of Conservation Priority Due to their restricted range, biological uniqueness, or over-exploitation, a number of TFR taxa have been identified for varying degrees of conservation priority (Table 5 and Appendix 2). Of particular note is the presence of many timber species that have become Takamanda: the Biodiversity of an African Rainforest endangered elsewhere through exploitation. As discussed above, the inaccessibility of many areas in TFR has precluded attempts at logging, and currently the stocking of merchantable timber species throughout the area remains high. Furthermore, many taxa recorded below as possessing conservation value have restricted ranges, and their presence in TFR supports the observation that the levels of endemism recorded in the Cameroon highlands are represented at TFR. Although the majority of the taxa of conservation value and importance occur mostly in the intricate mosaic of lowland and ridge forest formations, the ecological fragility and anthropogenic pressure on the montane forest and high-altitude grassland suggest these ecotypes are of considerable conservation value. In this latter ecosystem, the presence of many species more commonly associated with the East African highlands (see Hedberg 1964) make this entire region of particular floristic interest. In summary, the main taxa of conservation importance within the TFR include: Afzelia africana. Vulnerable. Although a widespread species of drier forest, it has declined significantly through over-exploitation for timber to supply international markets. In TFR, it is found in lowland forests around Obonyi I. Afzelia pachyloba. Vulnerable. A rainforest species that is heavily exploited for its commercial timber value, Afzelia pachyloba is found in TFR lowland forest around Takamanda and Obonyi I and in the Kekpani/Basho hills. Ancistrocladus letestui. Vulnerable. This extremely rare forest climber is restricted to the forests of Cameroon and Gabon. The two records (Kekpani/Basho hills and Mende hill) from TFR are significant. Anopyxis klaineana. Vulnerable. This monotypic genus has notably poor regeneration. In TFR, it was recorded only from the Basho hills.
Vegetation Assessment Antrocaryon micraster. Vulnerable. Scattered throughout semi-deciduous forests in tropical Africa, this emergent species is heavily exploited for its timber value. The species regenerates well in canopy gaps, and its fruit is an important food source for mammals (it is found commonly in gorilla dung in TFR). It is still present in significant numbers in TFR lowland forest. Brachystegia kennedyi. Vulnerable. Restricted to southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon, this species is a tall, straight timber tree with reputed local cultural importance. The species is in some decline due to land conversion in Nigeria and exploitation for its timber value. The largest and most stable population occurs in Cross River National Park in Nigeria, which makes those populations in TFR of particular value. We recorded it only from the Mboh-Matene area. Commelina cameroonensis. Gold star rated. A herb of the forest/savannah interface restricted to the uplands of Cameroon, Bioko, and southeastern Nigeria, Commelina cameroonensis is threatened by annual burning of grassland. Dacryodes iganganga. Vulnerable. This species of limited distribution (Cameroon and Gabon) has been logged in large numbers for timber. Habitat destruction is also affecting its regeneration. However, this species is relatively abundant in the lowland forest formations of TFR. Diospyros crassiflora. Endangered. This species, restricted to the Guineo-Congolian forest, has been virtually eradicated throughout much of its range for ebony wood. It is present only in remote areas such as TFR, where it is present in the Magbe and Takamanda areas of the Reserve. Drypetes preussii. Vulnerable. A rare species confined to forest patches in southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon (notably Cross River and Korup national parks), Drypetes preussii was recorded in TFR lowland forest formations. Eremospatha tessmanniana. Vulnerable. This extremely rare species of rattan palm is known from only three localities—Ebolowa in southern Cameroon, Ebebiyin in Equatorial Guinea, and the Basho hills of TFR. Eremospatha quinquecostulata. Vulnerable. An uncommon species of rattan palm restricted to the closed canopy forests of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon, this tree is relatively abundant throughout TFR. Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum. Endangered. Endemic to the Guineo-Congolian forests of Central Africa, this species is declining rapidly becuase of heavy exploitation and habitat loss. It occurs only in undisturbed forest and was encountered only in the Mboh-Matene area of TFR. Microberlinia bisulcata. Critically endangered. This species is restricted to the coastal forests of Cameroon extending to the Oban hills in southeastern Nigeria. Large-scale habitat decline and exploitation for timber have caused a significant population decline. Within TFR, it was recorded only from farmbush in the vicinity of Takamanda village. Oricia trifoliolata. Vulnerable. A small forest tree previously recorded only from Korup National Park and the forests around Mount Cameroon, Oricia trifoliolata was recorded from the Basho hills in TFR. Palisota lagopus. Gold star rated. A rare species of Commelinaceae, known from very few collections and restricted to Cameroon, Palisota lagopus was collected alongside the Magbe River in TFR. 5.7 Current Threats to Vegetation In general, TFR vegetation is subject to relatively little disturbance. The lack of significant encroachment greatly enhances the potential for management and conservation efforts within the area. However, current activities by villagers in and outside the Reserve pose a long-term threat to TFR’s biological integrity as summarized below. 35 SI/MAB Series #8, 2003
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