Journal of
Ecology and The Natural Environment

  • Abbreviation: J. Ecol. Nat. Environ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9847
  • DOI: 10.5897/JENE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 408

Full Length Research Paper

Characterization and impact of wood logging on plant formations in Ngaoundéré District, Adamawa Region, Cameroon

Tchobsala1* and Mbolo, M.2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundéré, P. O. Box 454, Cameroon. 2Department of Biology and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P. O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 16 August 2013
  •  Published: 31 October 2013

Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize the different plant formations (shrubby, arborescent and woody savanna) and to ascertain the impact of wood logging on the floral diversity in the guinea savanna zone of Ngaoundéré District, Adamawa Region, Cameroon. The “Point-Centered Quarter (PCQ) Method” was used on 120 sites measuring 50 × 50 m. Results showed that according to the types of wood logging in the different plant formations, the species generally had an over-scattered distribution, and only the protected savannas had a gregarious distribution. The increased wood logging affects savannas’ stability and the disappearance of the floral biodiversity which are consequently responsible for the accelerated degradation. This is an alarming situation which enhances the progress of desert and the loss of biodiversity in the guinea savanna of the Adamawa Region, Cameroon. It is advocated that a concerted effort between the government and the local population should be established to protect and save the biodiversity in the guinea savanna of the Adamawa Region, Cameroon.

 

Key words: Cameroon, impact, wood logging, distribution, biodiversity.