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Plant diversity in a Central African rain forest: Implications for biodiversity conservation in Cameroon
forest management systems. Furthermore, it has been shown that mammals are
primary consumers of forest fruits and seeds in tropical rain forest (Mbelli, 2002).
They contribute to seed dispersal and thus to forest regeneration. It is therefore
suggested that future research work be focused on plant-animal relations with
emphasis on the natural regeneration of timber species and important NTFPs. This
will lead to a better understanding of the dispersal, germination, growth and
mortality rates of plant species as well as their interactions with vertebrate fruit
eaters such as elephants, apes, birds, ruminants, bats and rodents.
Massif des Mamelles and Mont d’Eléphant
The study has also demonstrated that there are biodiversity hotspots such as the
Massif des Mamelles and Mont d’Eléphant that are not located in the National Park.
Unfortunately, these areas of high conservation priority do not yet have any
conservation status and are mostly found along the coast and near settlements where
local human pressure is intense. As shown in Chapter 5, there are 17 plant species
strictly endemic to the Campo-Ma’an area, which are not found in the park. These
endemic species are the most threatened since their habitats are fragmented and
degraded as a result of past and present land conversion to subsistence and industrial
plantations. The rate of forest degradation is likely to accelerate in the near future, if
the present trends in land-use and patterns of exploitation persist. Conservation
needs are exceptionally urgent in such areas since they are of great scientific interest
and under severe threat. There is an urgent need for the development of a separate
management strategy in order to ensure the protection of these biodiversity hotspots
and their endemic species. In Cameroon forest legislation, there are other forms of
land-use such as community and communal forests that are compatible with the
conservation of biodiversity. Therefore, it is suggested that local communities be
encouraged to create community forests since its management does not only focus
on nature conservation but also takes into consideration their interests. Each
community forest could have the identified biodiversity hotspot as the core
conservation area, surrounded by a buffer zone in which the sustainable
management of non-timber forest products and hunting are developed. In the wake
of today’s forest loss, a careful sustainable land-use strategy in the buffer zones
surrounding the National Park and other identified core biodiversity hotspots is
necessary for their long-term survival and the protection of species of high
conservation priority.
Forest management units
As shown in Chapter 1, logging concessions that are also called “Forestry
management unit” (FMU) are the most important land-use type after the National
Park. They represent about 31.4% of the Campo-Ma’an Technical Operational Unit.
Some of them (09021, 09022 and 09025, Figure 1.1 in Chapter 1) have been
selectively logged at least once during the past 30 years. Although logging damages
are moderate and have less effect on the forest biodiversity, further logging activities
should be avoided in areas that have been exploited already twice. Despite the effect
of logging on these forests, there are still considerable patches of undisturbed forests
that are characterised by a rich and diverse flora. It has become increasingly clear
that National Parks cannot be protected without the establishment of a buffer zone.
Therefore, FMU’s can serve as the park’s buffer zone since they are located in its
close vicinity. The management plan of the logging concessions should be
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