cameroon fourth national report - Impact monitoring of Forest ...

1.1.2 HABITATS
1.1.2.1 OVERVIEW:
As seen in Section 1.1 on the general treatment of biodiversity, the large variety of
ecosystems also indicates a high variety of habitats. Each habitat is characterized by those
conditions which favor the presence of specific types of organisms. Several factors that affect
ecosystem existence affect habitats and their species. Biodiversity managers in Cameroon are
concerned with habitat management that should lead to ecological stability and prevent
species decline.
Studies in Cameroon’s biodiversity have shown that habitat classification is subjective
and depends on the investigator’s objectives. In most cases, classifications will depend on the
terrestrial, aquatic and soils types. One site can serve as habitat for several species. Thus
plants and animals can benefit from the same habitat given their complementary roles in the
ecosystem. Of the 26 resident bird species in Bali-Ngemba, Cheek et al (2004), recorded 22
different micro-habitats, see Table 4 below.
. The African elephant Loxodonta africana africana (4000-6000 kg) has adapted itself to
the savannah habitat while the Loxodonta africana cyclotis (2500-3000 kg) is used to the
forest habitat. A plant genus, Lophira has adapted itself in the Tropical Rain Forest as
Lophira alata and in the Savannah environment as L. lanceolata. From the analysis of the
vegetation of the Bamenda highlands, Hawkins and Brunt (1965), it is concluded that
grassland and savannah species migrated from lower altitudes.Consideration on the habitat
examination will be treated under: Habitat types, changes in habitat quality, habitat loss and
habitat recovery.
1.1.2.2. HABITAT TYPES:
According to the NBSAP (2002), habitat types have been classified into four main
categories: Aquatic, Forests Savannah, Montane and soil habitats. See table 3 below.
Table 3. Habitat Classification in Cameroon
Major
Habitat Type
Group
N°
Corresponding
Ecosystem
Location in Cameroon
1 Aquatic
2
Forest and
savannah
3 Montane
4 Soils
Marine water, brackish water,
Fresh water: lakes, rivers
artificial ponds, swamps
Natural forest, Artificial forests,
Agriculture lands, Savannah
Desert,
Mountain forests
Highland forests, rocks
Forest soils, Agricultural soils
Marine soils lake soils
Savannah soils
Desert soils
Mountain\volcanic soils
Source: Compiled using information from NBSAP Cameroon.
Marine &Coastal,
Fresh water
Tropical humid forest
Artificial forests
Artificial forests
Montane
Woodland Savannah
All Ecosystems
South West Province,
southern and Littoral
Adamawa, South, North,
Far north, North West,
Western provinces.
South West province
North West province
Adamawa.
All Provinces
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