Research Article
Structural Characterisation of the Afzelia africana Smith ex persoon Stand in the Benoué National Park, North Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-11
Received:
30 December 2024
Accepted:
13 January 2025
Published:
24 January 2025
Abstract: Assessing and monitoring forest species is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies that support biodiversity. This study investigates the structure and growth dynamics of the Afzelia africana (A. africana) stand along the periphery of Benoué National Park (BNP) in northern Cameroon. A forest inventory was carried out at 4 sites located at the four cardinal points of the Bénoué National Park (PNB). Twelve 3000 m x 50 m transects were used, with three transects per study site. Data were collected on density, height, diameter at breast height (Dhp), crown diameter, and biological and vegetative types. To compare A. africana populations between sites, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results indicate that wood density is higher in the northern (120 ind. /ha) and southern (90 ind. /ha) peripheries compared to the eastern (54 ind. /ha) and western (28 ind. /ha) peripheries. The distributions of trunk and crown diameters, as well as height, exhibit a bell-shaped pattern, indicating a dominance of middle-class individuals and a scarcity of both regenerating and mature individuals. This distribution suggests that the A. africana stand is under pressure, particularly in the eastern and western peripheries of the BNP. Human activities such as gold panning, charcoal production, and branch pruning, which are most pronounced in the eastern periphery, as well as agriculture and urbanization in the western periphery are contributing to plant instability and the decline of key socio-economic species like A. africana, which is also facing threats of extinction. Raising awareness among local communities and stakeholders could significantly enhance the conservation efforts for this species, particularly by focusing on the protection of juvenile plants and the most disturbed areas.
Abstract: Assessing and monitoring forest species is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies that support biodiversity. This study investigates the structure and growth dynamics of the Afzelia africana (A. africana) stand along the periphery of Benoué National Park (BNP) in northern Cameroon. A forest inventory was carried out at 4 sites...
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Research Article
Assessing the Importance of Urban Flora Structure and Traits on Carbon Stock Potential in Abomey-Calavi City in Benin (West Africa)
Soufouyane Zakari
,
Erick Senademi Sogbossi*,
Aissetou Mohamed Gobi,
Julien Gaudence Djego,
Ismaïla Imorou Toko
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
12-26
Received:
30 January 2025
Accepted:
24 February 2025
Published:
18 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251001.12
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Abstract: The flora growth stock plays an important role in stabilizing the urban socio-ecological system. This study aims to assess the importance of urban flora structure and traits on carbon stock potential in Abomey-Calavi city. Stratified random sampling approach was adopted to spatially distributing the sample plots. A mixed inventory schema was used to collect floristic and dendrometric data (stem height, DBH, crown diameter) in 173 one-hectare sample plots. These data were graphically and statistically analyzed. A total of 4,390 trees belonging to 105 plant species and 31 identity groups were identified and measured. The city’s total plant primary production was evaluated at 5111.651 t of biomass, 2489.374 t of carbon, 9136.004 t of CO2 sequestered for an ecological value of US$5,816.022. The average carbon stock was estimated at (CT: 14.389 t/ha; CO2T: 52.809 t/ha; EV: 316.850 $/ha). The stock of carbon estimated in institutional zone was significantly 2.11 – 3.03 times higher than those of two other strata (p<0.0001). Stem of DBH < 65 cm concentrated 67.35% of total carbon stock versus 32.65% for those of DBH ≥ 65 cm. The significant interaction between urban strata, diameter category and species origin revealed that native species accumulated 2 times more dry matter than exotic species for the stems of DBH ≥ 65 cm. The average carbon stock of identity groups was evaluated at (CT: 1.918 ± 3.348 t/ha; CO2T: 7.038 ± 12.288 t/ha; EV: 11.123 ± 19.420 $/ha). The index of contribution was ranged from 0.052 to 1.900 for exotic species groups, compared with 0.056 to 14.441 for native species groups. Native species with single leaves, semi-caducous foliage and disseminated by zoochory stored the most carbon in the city. Strategic forest reserves should be created to conserve species with high carbon stock potential. In this way, the growing effects of heat islands could be effectively mitigated and environmental education reinforced.
Abstract: The flora growth stock plays an important role in stabilizing the urban socio-ecological system. This study aims to assess the importance of urban flora structure and traits on carbon stock potential in Abomey-Calavi city. Stratified random sampling approach was adopted to spatially distributing the sample plots. A mixed inventory schema was used t...
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