list of figures - Terry Sunderland

The vegetation of the sample sites and the surrounding area is classified as Atlantic
Evergreen Biafran Forest with Caesalpiniaceae and Calpocalyx heitzii (Letouzey,
1985). This forest type covers a large area of the south of Cameroon and the northern
regions of Equatorial Guinea. Unlike many areas within Cameroon, this forest
formation is somewhat unique in its homogeneity and is representative of a large
forested area from southern Cameroon to northern Equatorial Guinea.
Along with numerous members of the Caesalpiniaceae, the characteristic species of
this forest formation are Anthonotha macrophylla (Papillionaceae), Coula edulis
(Olacaceae), Glossocalyx brevipes (Monimiaceae) Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) and
Scyphocephalium mannii (Myristicaeae) Other indicator species are Hoplestigma
klaineanum (Hoplestigmataceae), the abundant understorey tree Meiocarpidium
lepidotum (Annonaceae) and Podococcus barteri, a slender understorey palm that
forms dense, often monospecific, stands.
3.3.1.5 Forest exploitation
This forest type is highly prized for its timber resources and as such, is heavily
logged, even within the boundaries of the Reserve. Hence, a substantial proportion of
the study area supports an intricate mosaic of secondary regrowth vegetation. Nontimber
forest products are also exploited, particularly for primary health care on which
the majority of the local population relies, in the absence of formal medical services.
Rattan is not harvested at levels beyond immediate household requirements.
3.3.2 Mokoko River Forest Reserve
3.3.2.1. Introduction
The Mokoko River Forest Reserve (4°21’-4°28’N; 8°59’-9°07’E) covers an area of
9,100ha and is situated to the north-west of the Bambuko Forest Reserve. The reserve
is bordered to the south-east by the Onge River, to the north-east by the Meme River
estuary, to the north by the Mokoko River and to the west by the River Boaba. The
Mokoko FR was created in 1952 as a production forest and this legal status has
remained unchanged by the successive Forestry Laws of 1983 and 1994. Currently,
2 I have maintained the continental nomenclature of the Leguminosae, where the three sub-families are
accorded family status, throughout this Chapter.
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