Spatial distribution and abundance of selected exploited non-timber forest products in the Takamanda National Park, Cameroon

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial distribution and abundance of selected non-timber forest products (NTFPs) exploited in the Takamanda National Park, Cameroon. The distribution, abundance, encounter rates, species condition, seasonality and human impacts were assessed in the 217 km reconnaissance survey. The most dominant species recorded were Afrostyrax kamerunensis (44%) and Gnetum africanum (11%) while the least dominant species observed was Ricinodendron heudelottii (1%). Immature NTFPs were dominant (79.44%) while matured NTFPs were the least (20.55%). A total of 58% of the selected species were encountered with 79.44% representing immature NTFPs, while 20.56% represented matured NTFPs. A. kamerunensis, Masularia acuminate,Carpolobia spp. and Irvingia gabonensis showed random distribution patterns. Gnetum spp. equally showed a random pattern of distribution but their occurrence was limited in the Centre and Southern parts. R. heudelotii had clump distribution pattern in the Northern, Centre and Southern parts of the park. Anthropogenic influences such as footpaths (425), farmland, (71) local timber exploitation (9) affected distribution. Harvesting pressure was high for Carpolobia spp. and Garcina mannii because the whole plant were harvested, thus leading to their low regeneration capacity. Information on spatial distribution, seasons of availability and recruitment ability of NTFPs would aid to educate and enforce conservation regulations.   Key words: Distribution, encounter rate, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), human impacts, Takamanda rainforest, abundance, conservation.