Evolution of Floristic Composition and Structural Parameters between Two Management Inventories in a Tropical Forest in the East Cameroon Region

Abstract

The realization of two management inventories in 2003 and 2020 on the same forest concession made it possible to characterize the floristic composition and to describe some structural parameters on three sites established according to the period of exploitation. Due to the change in the orientation of the lines, it was noted that respectively 82 and 85 species from the first inventory are not found in the second and inversely. A total of 311 species were identified in 2003, compared to 314 in 2020. The density varies from 111 to 140 stems/ha for all the individuals, 19 to 25 for the main species and 15 to 20 for the most exploited species. The decrease in the basal area between the two phases of 12% for all the species and 13% for the main species on the site exploited before the first inventory indicates a persistence of the disturbance for years after logging. It is proposed to supplement the management plans decisions with annual measures based on more complete inventories and to ensure the application of reduced impact logging measures.