Floristic diversity, structure, and anthropogenic disturbances in Goulourgou-Wina Forest, Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract. Alphonse D, Moksia F, Wouokoue1 TJB, Gilbert H, Mana D. 2025. Floristic diversity, structure, and anthropogenic disturbances in Goulourgou-Wina Forest, Cameroon. Asian J For 9: 284-298. The Sudano-Sahelian zone harbors important woody plant diversity that contributes to ecological regulation but is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. This study assessed floristic composition, structural characteristics, regeneration capacity, and human impacts in the Goulourgou-Wina Forest, Far North Cameroon. Floristic inventories were conducted in 15 transects (1,000×20 m) during May-June 2022, where all woody individuals with a circumference ≥10 cm were recorded. Regeneration was evaluated in 300 plots (10×10 m), while evidence of cutting, debarking, and bushfires was documented. In total, 78 species belonging to 54 genera and 24 families were identified, with Fabaceae as the richest family (27 species). Guiera senegalensis exhibited the highest importance value index (25.02%). The overall density reached 295.87 individuals/ha with a basal area of 52.94 m²/ha. Diversity was moderate (Shannon Diversity Index = 3.38), and the diameter and height distributions displayed an L shape, indicating dominance of small stems and active regeneration. Seedling and stump shoot regeneration rates were 16.96% and 23.41%, respectively, while mortality reached 16.09%. Bushfires (8.39%) were the most frequent disturbance, followed by systematic logging (6.75%), partial logging (3.93%), and bark stripping (1.84%). These results demonstrate that, despite moderate diversity and regeneration potential, intensive anthropogenic activities remain major drivers of forest degradation. Sustainable management measures, including community involvement and conservation planning, are urgently required to maintain the ecological and socio-economic functions of the Goulourgou-Wina Forest.