Mapping Non Timber Forest Products Presence and Absence at Korup, South Western Cameroon

摘要

In this paper, non timber forest products presence and abundance in the Central zone of Korup National Park (CKNP), South Western Cameroon, are assessed and mapped based on habitats that support them. Sampling was done to identify all potential product plant species in the study area, derive estimates of abundance and describe productive habitats. The results show that, for most of the species, occurrence is not uniformly distributed. The estimated probability of identifying a species rose from 23% to 44% over the range of abundances in the plot. Species with a relatively high abundance were medicinal plants especially Anchomanes difformes. Valuable commercial species such as Irvingia gabonensis and Dacryodes edulis were rare. Some soil variables (Sand, Organic carbon, Clay, etc.) influence their spatial distribution. While there is some clustering, the pattern may be due to random chance (General G Index = 0, Z score =-1.44 standard deviations). Sustainable management of these products is important, both for local livelihoods, and preserving many that are facing rapid depletion.