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<p>Habitat loss and degradation are the leading drivers of global biodiversity decline, yet many species particularly in the tropics remain undescribed, leaving them at high risk of extinction. This challenge is evident in western Cameroon where plant diversity is poorly documented. To reduce this knowledge gap, we assessed plant diversity and species richness in the Kom–Wum Forest Reserve, comparing primary with secondary forests. We established 57 plots (20 × 20&#xa0;m) along line transects cutting across primary and old secondary forest, totalling 11.4&#xa0;ha. In each plot, we sampled trees ≥ 10&#xa0;cm DBH (at 1.3&#xa0;m), terrestrial herbs, and woody saplings &lt; 2&#xa0;m in 2&#xa0;m<sup>2</sup> corner subplots. We identified 127 distinct plant species from 394 individuals, within a total sample of 570 plants representing 58 families and 191 genera. Of the identified species, 85.8% were non-threatened and 14.2% were threatened including the endangered and endemic <i>Pavetta muiriana</i>, <i>Pavetta sonjae</i>, and <i>Tricalysia elmar </i>sp. nov. We calculated high overall diversity indices (Shannon H′ = 4.271; Simpson 1–D = 0.971; Pielou J = 0.879; Margalef Mg = 21.42). Plant species richness was significantly higher in primary forests than in secondary forests. In contrast, plant diversity and evenness were significantly greater in secondary forests than in primary forests. Our results highlight the Kom–Wum Forest Reserve as a critical refuge for tropical plant diversity and rare taxa. Conservation managers should protect remaining primary forest patches and restore degraded secondary fragments to sustain species diversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience in the reserve.</p>

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Patterns of plant diversity and floristic composition across primary and secondary forests in a Central African Sub-Montane Forest Mosaic

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月17日

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  • Chefor Fotang,
  • Frederick Gyasi Damptey,
  • Hubert Kpoumie Mounmemi,
  • Ingrid Aline Bapfubusa Niyibizi,
  • Evidence Chinedu Enoguanbhor,
  • Felicity Bentsi-Enchill

摘要

Habitat loss and degradation are the leading drivers of global biodiversity decline, yet many species particularly in the tropics remain undescribed, leaving them at high risk of extinction. This challenge is evident in western Cameroon where plant diversity is poorly documented. To reduce this knowledge gap, we assessed plant diversity and species richness in the Kom–Wum Forest Reserve, comparing primary with secondary forests. We established 57 plots (20 × 20 m) along line transects cutting across primary and old secondary forest, totalling 11.4 ha. In each plot, we sampled trees ≥ 10 cm DBH (at 1.3 m), terrestrial herbs, and woody saplings < 2 m in 2 m2 corner subplots. We identified 127 distinct plant species from 394 individuals, within a total sample of 570 plants representing 58 families and 191 genera. Of the identified species, 85.8% were non-threatened and 14.2% were threatened including the endangered and endemic Pavetta muiriana, Pavetta sonjae, and Tricalysia elmar sp. nov. We calculated high overall diversity indices (Shannon H′ = 4.271; Simpson 1–D = 0.971; Pielou J = 0.879; Margalef Mg = 21.42). Plant species richness was significantly higher in primary forests than in secondary forests. In contrast, plant diversity and evenness were significantly greater in secondary forests than in primary forests. Our results highlight the Kom–Wum Forest Reserve as a critical refuge for tropical plant diversity and rare taxa. Conservation managers should protect remaining primary forest patches and restore degraded secondary fragments to sustain species diversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience in the reserve.