list of figures - Terry Sunderland

Mokoko, for example, are sufficiently distinct from the other sites that such the rattan
flora there has less affinity with that of Campo in particular. This study shows,
however, that the amount and uniformity of annual precipitation influences overall
species diversity. The lower rainfall site with two strongly defined dry seasons
(Campo) is somewhat depauperate in overall species diversity and, to a certain degree,
the rattan flora.
The anecdotal observations that suggest that rattans respond very positive to logging
activities seem to be supported by this study (Defo, 1999; Sunderland, 1999a; 1999b).
However, it should be noted that the gap partitioning is influential purely in terms of
abundance and not diversity and the number of species in logged forest does not
increase. However, the increased light penetration allows those seedlings in the
seedling bank (that would normally be prone to high levels of mortality) to develop
beyond the establishment phase into mature individuals. This obviously has
implications for potential harvest yields.
This study also confirms that there is a strong positive correlation between total stem
length and the harvestable stem length. For all commercially valuable species, the
minimum length of mature stem that is potentially harvestable, are those of >20m in
total length.
Whilst the permanent sample plots established as part of this study, through continued
monitoring, will provide useful information on recruitment, growth and mortality of
the rattan species contained within, they do not provide an adequate sampling of either
of the three sites. In this respect, the 1ha plot methodology is not suitable for
management inventories and it is suggested that a different plot methodology (smaller
plots at a greater sampling intensity) is implemented for full resource surveys.
Finally, it should be noted that in comparison to studies in SE Asia, it is clear that in
terms of both diversity and abundance, the rattan resource in Africa is somewhat
depauperate. This is undoubtedly due to the paucity of the palm flora, as a whole, in
Africa.
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