Abstract
Tree species composition and diversity were investigated in the riparian forest around Lake Barombi Kotto, Cameroon. This study aimed at determining the tree species composition, population structure, and providing evidence of anthropogenic disturbances in the riparian forest of Lake Barombi Kotto. The objectives were to determine the tree species composition and diversity in the riparian forest around Lake Barombi Kotto, to elucidate the forest structure and to document the anthropogenic disturbances in this forest. Five plots were laid within which the tree enumeration and measurement of dbh were carried out. Trees were identified using scientific identification keys in the Flora of West Africa. Disturbance scores were given to each site by qualitatively assessing various disturbances. A total of 340 trees belonging to 70 plant species, 63 genera and 28 plant families were enumerated. Shannon-Wiener diversity varied across sites, with the highest value (H = 3.45) recorded in Tung and the lowest (H = 2.21) in Malenda. Population structure differed across sites, the largest stand basal area of 43.78 m2/ha was recorded in Bondokombo while the smallest (2.15 m2/ha) was recorded in the Sacred Island. Cecropia peltata L., Pseudospondias macrocarpa Oliv. Pierre and Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn had the largest basal areas across the different sites. Species rich families were Malvaceae (9 species), Fabaceae (9 species), Annonaceae (4 species), and Anacardiaceae (4). This study shows that, there is a high tree species diversity in the protected forest (Tung) but the other unprotected sites are highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities. There is need to develop and enhance existing management policies for this riparian forest, especially by replanting the cut trees and creating a protected riparian buffer to conserve its floristic diversity and ecological functions.
Highlights
All over the world, land-water ecotones are characterized by a high biodiversity compared to their adjacent ecosystems, usually as a result of the heterogeneous habitats created by frequent disturbances [1] [2]
This study shows that, there is a high tree species diversity in the protected forest (Tung) but the other unprotected sites are highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities
This study has assessed the floristic composition of trees as well as species diversity in the riparian forest of Lake Barombi Kotto, providing a first checklist of the trees found in the riparian forest
Summary
Land-water ecotones are characterized by a high biodiversity compared to their adjacent ecosystems, usually as a result of the heterogeneous habitats created by frequent disturbances [1] [2]. Riparian areas have become an integral part of watershed management in different landscapes and because of the many ecosystem services they render, they are undergoing serious degradation as a result of anthropogenic pressure [4]. Riparian vegetation encompasses a wide range of plant life forms ranging from herbs, shrubs, climbers and lianas to trees. Taller and in most cases has different species and more diverse composition than the adjacent upland terrestrial ecosystems. This can be partly explained by greater water availability (higher soil moisture) and their unique soils which are frequently disturbed [6]. The multi-layered vegetation structure dominated by moisture-loving (hydrophilic) trees, shrubs and herbs, forms a distinctive physiognomy in the landscape [2]
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