DENSITY AND NATURAL REGENERATION POTENTIAL OF SELECTED NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS SPECIES IN THE SEMI-DECIDUOUS RAINFOREST OF SOUTHEASTERN CAMEROON

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the population structure and the status of natural regeneration for eight edible and/or commercial wild fruit tree species (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus, Baillonella toxisperma, Irvingia gabonensis, Panda oleosa, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Scorodophloeus zenkeri and Tetrapleura tetraptera) in semi-deciduous rainforest of southeastern Cameroon. We established 16 transects with 5 km in length and 20 m in width each. Along each transect, all individuals, from seedlings to mature trees, of the eight species were recorded and their diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured. The results show high density values for Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (32.0 ± SD 26.1 stems/ ha), Ricinodendron heudelotii (10.3 ± 18.5 stems/ha), Pentaclethra macrophylla (11.3 ± 8.2 stems/ ha) and Scorodophloeus zenkeri (7.4 ± 12.8 stems/ha). The lowest density was reported for Baillonella toxisperma (0.1 ± 0.1 stems/ha). The investigated species have numerous seedlings, saplings and young trees, except Baillonella toxisperma, Irvingia gabonensis, Panda oleosa and Tetrapleura tetraptera (0.04, 1.05, 0.51 and 0.37 individuals of DBH < 5 cm per ha, respectively). They have relatively low natural regeneration index and are considered of priority for conservation in this forest. The study demonstrates the need to intensify the domestication or assisted natural regeneration of these wild fruit trees in degraded areas and to develop innovative approaches to multiple-use forestry, which could include NTFPs, timber and environmental services.